Our Bureau

Thiruvananthapuram , Jan. 10

THE Kerala Government is establishing a modern international convention centre complex here with public-private partnership on a build-own-operate-transfer basis.

The complex is proposed to be located on a 46-acre land adjacent to the Aakulam lake, according to Government officials.

The project is being jointly developed by the Department of Information Technology and the Department of Tourism. The latter will be the nodal agency for the project.

Besides, IL&FS Infrastructure Development Corporation is the strategic advisor to the State Government for project structuring and procurement process.

The project would facilitate and catalyse development of meetings, incentives, convention and exhibition segment of tourism and serve as an anchor for tourism development in the State.

The complex will have a minimum of 1,500 seating capacity for conferencing and convention purposes along with exhibition spaces and a four-star or above category hotel or resort.

The developer will also be encouraged to add leisure facilities featuring retail and entertainment spaces and water-based recreation.

The project is proposed to be implemented through a special purpose company.

The State Government will have equity participation of 26 per cent in the company.

The Government has invited proposals from individual firms/consortium to design, finance, build, operate, manage and maintain the project for a period of 30 years.

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