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Bids called for building of Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam

The selected site spanning over five acres near Rushikonda has been carefully examined and plans for the mall's design and facilities have been prepared.
Visakhapatnam: The proposed Unity Mall in Visakhapatnam aims to showcase diverse products from all states, focusing on promoting handloom and handicraft items.

The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) has initiated the tender process for the construction of this mall which has received the first tranche of debt of Rs 86 crore from the Centre.

APIIC zonal manager M Murali Mohan told
Deccan Chronicle
, “Tenders have been invited for the Unity Mall in response to the central government's plan to promote handlooms and handicrafts nationwide. Construction will begin once the builder is finalised after September 5.”

The selected site spanning over five acres near Rushikonda has been carefully examined and plans for the mall's design and facilities have been prepared. The mall, which will cover 3.50 lakh sqft with two floors, is set to house 62 shops, a convention hall, and mini theatres.

The first two floors will feature 62 shops, with a specific product allocation under the 'one district-one product' initiative and geographical identifications. Additionally, the mall promises sea views from the third floor and will offer various facilities such as retail stores, food and beverage outlets, fitness centres, and bank branches.

Out of 62 shops on two floors, 26 are allocated to the districts of AP while 36 will be allocated to other states and UTs. Each shop has an area of 600 to 1,000 sqft, making them spacious and inviting for shoppers and potential investors.

It is envisioned to become a landmark in Visakhapatnam, complementing the nearby attractions such as RK Beach, Kailasagiri Hills, and Ramanaidu Studio. The central government has sanctioned Rs 172 crore to construct this mall, with the first tranche of Rs 86 crore released as an interest-free loan for 50 years.

The project is not just a construction endeavour, it is a collaborative effort to be completed within two years. This significant investment is seen as a boost to the handloom and handicraft sector and an enhancement to Visakhapatnam's tourism landscape.

APIIC, entrusted with the responsibility of building bids and other infrastructure for the mall's construction, has agreed with the handloom and textile departments.

APIIC will be the nodal agency for this project. In this context, collector MS Harendira Prasad examined the site selected at Ramanaidu Studios facing the sea.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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