Work on a 4,000-seat convention centre by the Rs 3,200-crore EMKE group is nearing completion at Thrissur. An exclusive helipad, built as per international aviation standards, is expected to provide a new dimension to the way conventions and events are held in Kerala, said Mr M.A. Yusufali, Managing Director of the EMKE group and chain of Lulu hypermarkets, supermarkets and departments stores in the Gulf.

The Lulu International Convention Centre, said to be the second largest in India, is to be inaugurated by the Chief Minister , Mr V.S. Achuthanandan, on July 2.

Addressing a press conference in Thrissur, Mr Yusufali said: "This is a very prestigious project for us and it has always been my dream to start something of international standard in my home State. Keeping in mind the increased commercial and business activities taking place in Kerala, we see great potential for this convention centre in the cultural capital of Kerala, Thrissur."

FIVE-STAR HOTEL
The Rs 40-crore centre will become fully operational by August. The 300-room five-star hotel, which is to be built beside the convention centre at a project cost of Rs 70 crore, has already found three international suitors to operate and manage the property. Talks are proceeding to choose the final partner for the management contract for the hotel project, Mr Yusufali said.

Though this will be its first foray into the hospitality sector, the group has plans to construct similar convention centres along with hotels in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhokode. The group already has Rs 500 crore investment in Lucknow, Ghaziabad, West Bengal and Maharashtra in meat, food and vegetable processing.

The convention centre is spread across an area of 18 acres with a built-up area of 1,60,000 sq feet and has been divided into both indoor hall and open-air auditorium, with dining facility for 2,000 guests at a time. In addition, there are three mini-conference halls with a total capacity for 750 guests and a 50-room hotel with restaurants already completed.

The group is also planning to invest in more mega projects in Kerala in the near future. The EMKE group's concerns are spread across West Asia, Asia and Africa and the group currently employs 15,000 staff from 27 nations.