It was a fresh and exciting experience for the city of Kochi. A place to shop, watch movies, and savour a variety of flavours — it was a celebration in itself. People of all ages flocked to Centre Square Mall, the city’s premium shopping destination that opened its doors on MG Road in 2013.
However, this glory was short-lived. In 2017, Cinépolis, the mall’s multiplex, was temporarily shut down due to licensing issues. Around the same time, the construction of the Kochi Metro caused major traffic disruptions along MG Road, further affecting the mall’s footfall. The problems deepened when the operations of its anchor stores were hit. Central and Big Bazaar, both under the Future Group, had been the mall’s major attractions, occupying nearly 40% of its total space.
Then came the Covid pandemic, which dealt a severe blow to business. The decline seemed almost complete. Yet, even as Centre Square Mall stood silently in the heart of the city, its promoters — Peevees Projects Private Limited, a Bridgeway Group company — refused to give up hope. The firm acquired full ownership of the mall and began charting an ambitious turnaround plan to restore its lost vibrancy.
The revival of Centre Square Mall began in 2022 with the renewal of Cinépolis’s licence. But this wasn’t just a reopening — it marked the arrival of Kochi’s first IMAX theatre, drawing movie enthusiast's eager for a new cinematic experience.
Soon after, Reliance Retail’s Centro and Smart Bazaar took over as anchor stores, replacing the Future Group outlets. Adding to the transformation, the Malabar Group’s leisure and entertainment division joined the mix, elevating the mall’s lifestyle appeal.
The culinary scene too received a remarkable boost with the arrival of Chef Suresh Pillai’s brand, United Coconut, which completely redefined the food court experience.
To build lasting connections with visitors, the mall also launched an innovative rewards programme, encouraging repeat visits. The response was strong, with an ever-growing number of shoppers enrolling and returning for more.
At the core of this revival is Lighthouse Mall Management Private Limited, a highly professional team that has provided strategic leadership and operational excellence, steering Centre Square Mall’s transformation into one of Kochi’s most vibrant urban spaces once again.
The transformation has breathed new life into Centre Square Mall, marking one of the most remarkable turnarounds in Kerala’s retail landscape. Footfall has surged by 46%, while 94% of the total space has been successfully converted into retail outlets. Rental income has risen by 17%, and annual sales have grown by nearly 50% year-on-year.
With its lively ambience, vibrant décor, the city’s only IMAX theatre, the culinary charm of Chef Suresh Pillai’s United Coconut, and a diverse range of retail brands, Centre Square Mall has once again become a favourite destination for Kochi’s shoppers. The mall’s innovative rewards programme has also played a major role in driving customer loyalty, encouraging repeat visits and sustained engagement.
Today, both the mall management and investors view Centre Square Mall’s resurgence with pride. It stands as a case study in resilience and reinvention, showcasing how clear vision, strategic planning, and flawless execution can overcome even the toughest challenges — from legal hurdles to the pandemic’s impact.
Now the most vibrant attraction on MG Road, Centre Square Mall beckons visitors with its cinematic brilliance, distinctive flavours, and exciting shopping experiences. In recognition of this extraordinary revival, the mall was honoured with the Economic Retail Turnaround Award 2025 — a fitting tribute to its story of renewal and success.
The management has remained committed to making Centre Square Mall a hub of innovation and a destination that evolves every day. To enhance visitor experience, major upgrades have been implemented across the property. The food court has been expanded, the restrooms completely refurbished, and the elevators modernised and newly installed. The very look and feel of the mall have been transformed under the campaign titled “Centre Square Mall 2.0.”
New escalators have been installed, connecting the basement directly to the ground floor, ensuring smoother movement for visitors. Every floor and every store is now more accessible, with thoughtful design and improved navigation. The management has also introduced advanced operational systems to ensure the mall runs seamlessly, even during peak hours — reaffirming Centre Square Mall’s position as Kochi’s most dynamic retail destination.
(Originally published in Dhanam Magazine October 15, 2025 issue.)
