Express Avenue, mall of the future





E xpress Avenue Mall, South India's largest shopping mall, a venture of Express Infrastructure Pvt Ltd, was inaugurated on 30th of August 2010, by Honorable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Dr.Kalaignar Karunanidhi. His Excellency, Governor of Tamil Nadu Dr.Surjeet Singh Barnala also graced the occasion. The Chief Minister on the occasion, said "Express Avenue is like a crowning memorial for the services rendered by late Ramnath Goenka, the doyen of Indian journalism." Governor of Tamil Nadu, Surjeet Singh Barnala said, shopping malls should also aim at promoting the "richness of our culture, tradition and heritage". He congratulated the Express Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (EIPL), for executing such a mega construction. Mrs Saroj Goenka, EIPL chairperson said EA would be the future landmark of Chennai and would light up the heart of the city in an environment that would infuse into Chennai a fresh attractiveness as a tourist destination.	EA had applied to global standards of mall management - from astute planning to right tenant mix, synergistic placement, food and entertainment options to establish a new standard in mall development and international level property management she said and added that The Indian Express had been serving the nation since the time when India was fighting for freedom, She appealed to the CM to rename Whites Road as Express Avenue Salai, in memory of the journey to freedom. Built over in a 10-acre property with an investment of around Rs 750 crore, the EA promises to be an attraction for tourists and shoppers across south India. The mall has three floors of retail space, a building for corporate offices and a hotel. The Eight lakh sq ft of retail space has been filled with several global brands. The 50,000 sq. ft food court, EA Garden has 25 counters with several food and beverage options including Oriental, North and South Indian, Italian to give a delectable experiences for Indian and International culinary.	The mall will also house Satyam Cinemas, which . has eight-screen multiplex with a seating capacity of ' 1300 sprawling over 50,000 sq. ft. to provide a different cinema experience. The mall also locates a play area for children, 'Fun City', which will showcase arcade games, shooting games, carousel, bumper cars and more. Strategically located on Whites Road off Anna Road, the 'green' mall is Tamil Nadu's biggest. It houses some of the best global brands. The mall offers products and services ranging from fashion and food to home needs, leisure and entertainment. Mrs.Kavitha Singhania said that "Chennai has always held a special place in her heart" and "she wanted to give something back to the city". So, she decided to build a multi-dimensional mall on the prime property she owns in the heart of town. Express Avenue will be the biggest shopping mall in prime Central Business District, (CBD) of Chennai. EA is highly accessible from three sides, the mall is bordered by Anna Salai, Pattulos Road, Woods Road	and Whites Road, The building is designed in such a way that there is no dead corner and all retailers get equal and clear visibility. Designed to global standards, the mall has six atriums with natural light tensil covers, each with a height of approximately seventy five feet. The centre of the atrium is covered with glass and they are designed to be flanked by two 10-storey buildings, one a corporate block and the other a hotel. The entire space has been carefully designed so that it is accessible to the physically challenged. The mall is security smart and has through close circuit televisions that cover every part of the mall. The EA mall houses international brands like Odd Life has entered the Indian market for the first time. The mall also has reputed international brands like Hamley's, Toni & Guy, Forever New, French Connection and Cafe Passcucci has forayed into Tamil-Nadu for the first time through Express Avenue.