Visakhapatnam is likely to see the dawn of a new era with the Andhra Pradesh government agreeing to hand out land for setting up a global-class shopping complex and hypermarket by the Lulu Group. The Andhra Pradesh Industrial Infrastructure Corporation (APIIC) would be responsible for this, according to a proposed plan, after identifying a highly desirable location right in the center of the city.
The Lulu Group’s plan for an international-class mall in Visakhapatnam got a go-ahead from the State Investment Promotion Board (SIPB). At a recent cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu unveiled that the Lulu Group had also been prompted to look for similar developments at Amaravati and Tirupati, and the company replied positively. As a part of this project, the government instructed the Visakhapatnam Metropolitan Region Development Authority (VMRDA) to transfer 13.43 acres of land at Harbor Park on Beach Road to APIIC for the project.
Interestingly, the Lulu Group has a history with Visakhapatnam from as early as 2017 when they had planned to construct an international convention center at the site. However, the earlier government under the YSRCP had canceled the land allotment in 2023. Now, with more backing from the present government, the Lulu Group is back in business, this time with a vision for a futuristic shopping complex that will catapult the city’s retailing into a new orbit.
Lulu Group Chairman Yusuff Ali met Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu recently to discuss business opportunities in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The talks ranged from proposals to build malls at Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, and Tirupati. The Lulu Group has been going full out to undertake these projects, which will greatly increase the state’s retail and entertainment sector while creating economic activity.
With the allotment of land tied up and government support, the Lulu Group is preparing to start construction in full swing. The mall, once developed, promises to turn Visakhapatnam into a top shopping, eating, and entertainment destination, providing a world-class experience for the local populace as well as tourists.
