Mumbai, June 30 -- HiLITE Group has announced plans to invest Rs 250 billion over the next five years to develop 50 million sq ft of space across Kerala, spanning retail, information technology, healthcare, education, residential and commercial segments.
The company said it will significantly expand its presence across Kerala's Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities through a network of HiLITE Centres, HiLITE Countryside projects and other mixed-use developments, aimed at bringing organised retail and lifestyle experiences to emerging markets.
The expansion strategy is centred on two retail formats. While HiLITE Countryside targets smaller towns and Tier 3 markets, HiLITE Centre is designed for larger regional urban centres. According to the company, both formats will combine standardised infrastructure and safety benchmarks with localised tenant mixes and support for regional entrepreneurs.
Demonstrating the rollout of this strategy, the company inaugurated the nearly 300,000 sq ft HiLITE Countryside Chemmad project in Malappuram district on June 19. Additional developments are underway at Kunnamkulam, Mannarkkad, Nilambur and Thamarassery.
The group's flagship project, the World Trade Center (WTC) Kozhikode, is being developed at HiLITE City on the Kozhikode Bypass. Spread across 12.5 million sq ft, the mixed-use development is being built with an investment of approximately USD 680 million. Its first tower, WTC Learning Park, a 214,000 sq ft education hub, is nearing completion.
In Kochi, the company is developing HiLITE Boulevard on Willingdon Island as Kerala's first waterfront retail and leisure destination, featuring food, entertainment and recreational offerings.
HiLITE Group also plans to scale its entertainment and food and beverage businesses alongside its real estate expansion. Palaxi Cinemas is targeting approximately 250 screens in the coming years, while cafe chain Hug a Mug plans to expand to 100 outlets across Kerala over the next five years.
Beyond retail, the company is developing YOO Hub Trivandrum at Technopark Phase III, which it describes as India's first branded IT park. The project is being developed through a Rs 3 billion partnership with global luxury design brand YOO and International Workplace Group.
At Cyberpark, Kozhikode, the group is developing Cyber Hub and Cyber Tower to cater to technology companies, startups and other enterprises.
In the education segment, The White School International, Kerala's first International Baccalaureate Continuum school, is expanding through strategic partnerships across multiple cities.
The company is also strengthening its presence in healthcare and wellness through Mandara Women's Wellness by Elanine, a dedicated wellness centre focused exclusively on women's health.
"Every project we have earmarked for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will adhere to consistent quality and safety standards, while also strengthening local economies and expanding consumer choice," said Ajil Muhammed, CEO, HiLITE Group.
He added that the development pipeline is expected to create employment and entrepreneurial opportunities while establishing a connected network of retail, leisure and education destinations across Kerala.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.