Destination for unbound joy!

Within two decades, CHD Developers Ltd has become a formidable force in the real estate industry with its presence in residential and commercial projects. The company is listed in BSE. Ravi Saund, COO, CHD Developers Ltd talks about...

Retailer: What are the commercial projects you’re in? 

Ravi Saund (RS): Our commercial projects are only part of our townships.  We treat the institutional or commercial land as services and not as an item of pure sales, and we believe that providing good education, convenience stores and entertainment area within the township is equally important.

Retailer: Your projects are also located in small towns like Karnal and Vrindavan. What prospect of retail growth you perceive in this area?

RS: It has the potential for quality retail, large format residential as well as commercial developments. However, the potential of Karnal as an emerging real estate destination is yet to be fully tapped. The concept of living in flats or builder-built floors is alien to the residents of Karnal, which makes it a difficult task to put across such an idea to them. 

Retailer: How big is the food court, Daana Paani? Where is it located?

RS: CHD’s Daana Paani is spread over 20,000 sq ft and located on NH-1.  The layout and architecture is very contemporary as compared to the mundane food courts and is in sync with the global trends.

Retailer: How have you planned the tenant mix for the food court, Daana Paani? What are the food service brands will be available at the food court?

RS: We have already tied up with Haldiram’s as an anchor for Daana Paani at CHD City, Karnal.  Keeping the North Indian clientele in mind, we have decided to get a leading north Indian cuisine chain, a Chinese and Thai specialist, a trendy bistro or cafe, a baker, an Italian outlet, a kid’s favourite fast-food joint, etc.

Retailer: What are the amenities available at this food court? How will you ensure the maximum entertainment for the visitors?

RS: Bearing the catchments in mind, the food court will be a relaxing zone where one can laze around with family after a tiring long drive.  The expanse is large and the interesting architecture makes the overall experience interesting and worthwhile. Tranquil water bodies, exotic flora and fauna, kid’s zone, apart from other world class amenities, will enthral the visitors. The entire design is handicap-friendly.  The restrooms will be well equipped with world class amenities and the ladies restroom will have a convenient baby diaper-changing facility and feeding area. It’s a thoughtful value-add. We are planning to come up with Daana Pani in Vrindavan and Hardwar too.

Retailer: Who will be the target group?

RS: The prospective visitors are families and executives travelling through the GT Road.  It will cater to the residents of Karnal, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Yamunanagar.  Over the years, due to the improved infrastructure, the travel time between Delhi and Chandigarh has reduced considerably, leading to an increase in the catchment area from Sonepat to Chandigarh.

Retailer: How are you going to promote this food court?  What special events will you conduct to ensure high footfalls?

RS: Apart from the traditional media, we will promote Daana Paani through viral marketing and other social media platforms.  There will be events to effectively engage our kid audience as they are the major driver of footfalls to food courts on highway.  The youth can be reached through virtual tours and events.