BANGALORE: For many visitors to Bangalore, MG Road and its surroundings is the Mecca of shopping. Keeping this in mind, the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRCL) has decided to welcome shoppers.
The Corporation is mulling inviting retailers to set up shop within the premises of the MG Road station.
In an Expression of Interest (EOI) released a few days ago, BMRCL has invited interested people to develop and operate branded retail outlets in the apparel, books, gifts, electronics, food and beverages, footwear and jewellery segments.
According to BMRCL, Block A of the station, towards Manekshaw Parade Ground, has around 15,000 sqfeet space while Block B which is being completed has close to 10,000 sq feet.
These spaces will be rented out by BMRCL to the retailer instead of following a revenue-sharing model. The aim here is to give the station a ‘mall-like’ feel comparable to mass transit terminals around the world.
The EOI will take inputs from applicants to help BMRCL in its maiden venture into the retail shop rental space. According to officials, a separate request for proposal would be issued post the EOI phase in which details of the spaces within the station, eligibility criteria containing financial and experience-based requirements as well as terms and conditions for licensing would be listed out. The BMRCL is considering a licence period of 8-10 years.
Sale of alcohol or tobacco at these retail outlets is prohibited. BMRCL is also looking at unique concepts which will complement the station’s architecture.
Speaking to Express, BMRCL MD Pradeep Singh Kharola said, “We want to first get an idea as to the best way these empty spaces can be utilised. The right people to tell us this will be the retailers themselves. The EOI is just a way to gather views about the utilisation of space in a place which is right in the heart of the city and close to all commercial destinations”. A site visit has been scheduled on May 27 at 11 am.
The last date to fill the applications is June 5 and the documents, including the EOI, can be viewed on the BMRCL website (www.bmrc.co.in).