The Phoenix Mills Ltd. and CPP Investments Collaborate to Develop Mixed-use Asset in Lower Parel, Mumbai

The Phoenix Mills Limited (PML) and Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPP Investments) today announced a new joint venture to develop an office-led mixed-use asset in Lower Parel, Mumbai. The asset forms part of a larger mixed-use development at Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai.

CPP Investments will commit to investing approximately INR 13.5 billion (C$231 million1 ) in tranches, for an ultimate equity stake of 49% in Plutocrat Commercial Real Estate Private Limited (PCREPL), the entity that will own the asset. With the funds invested by CPP Investments and PML, PCREPL will develop office space with a potential leasable area of approximately one million sq. ft. and flagship retail space with a potential leasable area of approximately 0.2 million sq. ft. The target completion date for the development is 2026.

The office-led mixed-use asset will complement the existing retail development at Phoenix Palladium, Mumbai and The St. Regis, Mumbai hotel.

Commenting on the deal, Mr. Atul Ruia, Chairman at The Phoenix Mills Limited, said: "I am delighted to further expand our existing relationship with CPP Investments and together we will look to create an exemplary office-led development at Lower Parel. Phoenix Palladium is already India's most iconic retail-led destination, housing over 250+ luxury and flagship stores, and witnesses great synergies with one of India's marquee luxury hotels, The St. Regis Mumbai. The new proposed office development will further complement and enhance the attractiveness of this destination.

Our upcoming office spaces will be designed with the aim to cater to global clientele with inspiring architecture and design along with open, naturally lit green spaces that will provide an air of sophistication and openness. This unique environment and culturally enriching spaces will be a perfect blend of formal and casual workspaces. We are confident that Lower Parel will cement its pole position as the central business district of choice with the various infrastructure initiatives underway and we are confident of strong office demand in the coming years."

PML and CPP Investments' first joint venture, Island Star Mall Developers Private Limited (ISMDPL), was formed in 2017 to develop, own and operate retail-led, mixed-use developments across India. Phoenix Marketcity in Whitefield Bangalore served as the seed asset for the alliance. In addition to owning and operating Phoenix Marketcity, ISMDPL owns and is currently developing three retail-led, mixed-use developments at Wakad Pune, Hebbal Bangalore and Indore. In May 2021 a second joint venture between PML and CPP Investments was formed to develop a regional retail centre in Alipore, Kolkata.

Hari Krishna, Managing Director, Real Estate - India, CPP Investments, said: "We are very pleased to further expand our existing relationship with PML to develop world-class office space which will cater to the needs of global and domestic corporations. As a longstanding investor in India, this investment cements our already strong and deep presence in the country's fastgrowing property sector, and will deliver steady, long-term returns for CPP contributors and beneficiaries."

Commenting on the development, Mr. Shishir Shrivastava, Managing Director at The Phoenix Mills Limited, said: "Situated at Lower Parel, Mumbai, Phoenix Palladium enjoys a premium catchment area. This is a much sought-after destination with strong residential catchment and the convergence of public transport systems providing easy connectivity from all parts of city. With a state of the art, elegantly designed modern multi-use tower, the new development will truly become the jewel in the crown of Phoenix Palladium.

PML has always put sustainability at the forefront for all our projects. With international architects at the helm, we have focused on sustainability initiatives that ensure energy and water efficient solutions are inculcated into most aspects, with a greener and cleaner vision at the heart of the design. In CPP Investments, we have a like-minded partner and together, we are excited to deliver on this new development."

Cumulatively, CPP Investments' equity commitment in multiple joint ventures with PML now stands at approximately INR 41 billion (C$709 million).

Shares of The Phoenix Mills Limited was last trading in BSE at Rs. 1123.30 as compared to the previous close of Rs. 1079.45. The total number of shares traded during the day was 6125 in over 1032 trades.

The stock hit an intraday high of Rs. 1128.00 and intraday low of 1081.00. The net turnover during the day was Rs. 6794587.00.

Source : Equity Bulls

Keywords

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