Leighton bags Lulu's convention centre, Hyatt projs in Kochi

The UAE-based NRI M A Yusaffali- promoted Lulu Group has awarded civil work contracts for its upcoming international convention centre and Grand Hyatt Hotel in Kochi, to the Australia-based Leighton.
The USD 26-million contracts for projects on the Bolgatty Island in Kochi was secured by Leighton India Contractors, a part of Leighton Asia, which is the largest construction, contracting and project development company in Australia, a company statement said here today.
The Lulu Group, which runs the eponymous supermarkets chains in the Gulf and being the largest employer in the UAE in the non-manufacturing sector, also runs the country's largest mall in Kochi and has stakes in all the Kerala-based private sector lenders.

The project occupies a construction area of around 69,000 square metres including the construction of the convention centre with convention halls, service areas and basement parking facility for 450 vehicles and surface parking for 2,000 cars.
The Grand Hyatt Hotel will have 250 guest rooms and other amenities, including spa, fitness centre, and a Grand Club lounge. The hotel will also offer over 5,600 sq metres of meeting and event function space, including a 2,400 sq metre ballroom.
Construction is scheduled to start next month and will be completed by July 2015, Leighton said.

This is Leighton India's second project in Kochi after the impressive Tritvam residential project currently being delivered for Tata and it represents Leighton's first significant involvement with the Lulu Group.

Leighton India managing director Jim Salmon said, "Our international experience and wealth of local knowledge, coupled with a commitment to safety and quality will ensure the successful delivery of this major project."
Leighton India started operations here in 1998 and is active in diverse range of sectors including buildings, oil & gas, infrastructure and mining. Its offices in Mumbai, Delhi and Chennai employ over 1,400.