Infopark Kochi in expansion mode

Buoyed by the sustained growth since its inception in 2004, Infopark Kochi is taking up a major Phase-II expansion plan for the creation of a full-fledged IT hub in 160 acres of land in the suburban Puthencruz and Kunnathunadu villages in Ernakulam district.

This is in perfect tune with Infopark's basic vision to provide a holistic environment to make the knowledge industry competitive and first-class.

FOCUS

“The focus isn't just on constructing buildings for IT companies, but creating a wholesome infrastructure for Kerala's IT sector,” Mr Gigo Joseph, CEO, Infopark says.

Spread over 100 acres with more than 100 companies, Infopark Kochi is a growing establishment in expansion mode.

While the focus of Phase-I was mainly on constructing buildings for IT companies, Phase-II aims at creating an IT hub that offers an excellent environment for work and leisure.

He said that they have already started construction work on the second phase, and the first IT building, with an estimated built-up space of five lakh square feet, will be ready by December next year.

“For an IT park to be a success, it has to incorporate a host of facilities that make life comfortable and happening, to entice professionals to come and be a part of it. Most IT companies prefer a location which is close to playing areas, cafeterias, plazas, housing colonies and proper roads, so that they can provide their employees with an excellent standard of living,” explains Mr Joseph.

According to him, the long-term focus of Phase-II is to create 80 lakh square feet of space in 8 years, which would translate into 80,000 jobs. This involves an investment of Rs 2,500 crore, of which Rs 500 crore will come from Infopark, and the rest from private players. In Phase-II, there will be more of a structured approach, and work on this has already started, he said.

He said that Phase-I was a great success, and Phase-II aims to be a bigger success, as each and every aspect has already been planned out well in advance. To offer a balanced lifestyle of work and recreation, Phase-II will feature a promenade in the centre, with shops on both the sides. Another attractive feature will be the 10-metre riverside walkway, with little shops on the sides. The planned infrastructure includes a stadium, hotels and hostels for working women and housing facilities. Approximately 20 acres have been specifically set aside for commercial activities, he added.

IT EXPORTS

The IT scene in Kerala continues to be optimistic, irrespective of the fact that Kerala, at present, lags behind some other cities, in being one of the favoured destinations for IT companies. In fact, a lot of developmental activities are happening in Infopark, and all these contribute a lot to Kerala's economy.

Every year, Rs 900 crore worth of exports are being done from Infopark, and this year, it is expected to reach Rs 1,300 crore. The Government projects IT exports to grow to $300 billion by 2020, and major growth will happen in the Tier-II cities. Kochi, which is positioned as the Number 1 Tier-II city, offers good opportunities for companies keen on reducing operational costs, hiring talented professionals, and reducing the rate of attrition.

Infopark, Kochi, is perhaps the greenest industrial activity, an environmentally-clean development activity that contributes a lot to the entire economy, he said.

Currently, there is a great demand from SMEs, most often for 1000-2000 square feet of space. Large multinational companies have specific demands and requirements. They finalise on the place after conducting independent evaluation, for which they seek the assistance of International Property Consultants (IPC), and they depend on builders and property developers.

To attract such companies, Mr Joseph said that a proposal is being worked out to engage IPC to market Phase-II and engage major developers as co-developers. To promote Phase-II, multitrade shows and seminars will be organised to spread awareness regarding the facilities offered by the park, he added.