Tripunithura's Long-Awaited Shopping Complex and Multiplex to Open Partially
After a decade-long wait, the Tripunithura municipality-owned shopping complex, featuring a twin multiplex theatre, is finally set to become partially functional in the coming weeks. This development marks a significant milestone for the local community and business landscape.
Restaurants to Launch in March
Two restaurants are scheduled to open on the ground floor of the building, with one hotel group already commencing furnishing and essential preparatory work. The inauguration is planned for the first week of March, bringing new dining options to the area.
Jayaraj, one of the partners in Saravana Bhavan, one of the restaurant groups opening at the complex, highlighted the strategic location. "There is a huge business potential here as it is located at a junction where three major roads meet — one towards Kochi-Dhanushkodi highway, another towards Kottayam and the third towards Ernakulam," he said, emphasizing the site's accessibility and commercial appeal.
Delays in Tendering Process
Despite growing demand among bidders, the municipality has faced challenges in completing the tendering process for other floors of the complex. Tripunithura municipality assistant secretary R Anilkumar explained, "It will take a few more months before we can continue the retendering process as a major theft occurred in the building soon after the retendering."
The theft involved the reported stealing of electrical cables from the building, necessitating their reinstatement. The municipality has submitted a proposal to the electrical wing of the public works department, which is currently assessing the plan to reinstall the entire electrical wiring for the mall and theatre complex.
Future Prospects and Inquiries
Anilkumar added that the municipality is receiving numerous inquiries regarding available space in the mall. "We are receiving several inquiries regarding the availability of space in the mall. Once the restaurants start functioning, we expect more shop owners will be interested," he noted, expressing optimism about future occupancy and commercial activity.
Background of the Complex
The twin multiplex theatre-cum-shopping mall, boasting nearly 50,000 square feet of rental area, was originally inaugurated in 2015. At that time, it was named the Karunakaran Memorial Shopping Mall. However, following a change in political leadership, the LDF-led council renamed it to the T K Ramakrishnan Memorial Shopping Mall, reflecting shifts in local governance and memorialization.
The municipality had held the retendering of the building on November 5, 2025, as part of efforts to revitalize the project. With the partial opening imminent, this complex is poised to become a key hub for retail, entertainment, and dining in Tripunithura, addressing long-standing community expectations and contributing to local economic growth.
