HiLITE Group, the developer behind India's largest World Trade Centre in Calicut, has announced a Rs 25,000 crore investment plan over the next five years to develop 50 million sq. ft. of space across Kerala. The projects span retail malls, IT parks, healthcare, education, residential, and commercial developments, with a focus on expanding into Kerala's emerging Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets.
Retail Expansion Formats: HiLITE Centre and HiLITE Countryside
Central to the retail expansion are two property formats. HiLITE Countryside targets smaller towns and Tier 3 markets, while HiLITE Centre serves growing regional urban Tier 2 cities. Both formats maintain HiLITE's standards for infrastructure, safety, and customer experience while prioritizing localization, curating tenant mixes that reflect community preferences, supporting regional entrepreneurs, and integrating national brands with home-grown labels.
Demonstrating immediate execution, HiLITE Group launched the nearly 3-lakh-sq.-ft. HiLITE Countryside Chemmad in Malappuram district on June 19. A robust pipeline of localized retail developments is underway, including HiLITE Centres in Kunnamkulam, Mannarkkad, and Nilambur, and HiLITE Countryside in Thamarassery.
Flagship Project: WTC Kozhikode
India's largest World Trade Center development, WTC Kozhikode, is the Group's flagship project located at HiLITE City on the Kozhikode Bypass (NH 66). The 12.5 million sq. ft. global business and mixed-use development involves an investment of USD 680 million. Its first tower, the WTC Learning Park—a 2.14 lakh sq. ft. dedicated education hub—is nearing completion, built entirely using a steel structural framework.
Kochi Waterfront Destination and Entertainment Expansion
In Kochi, HiLITE is moving beyond conventional mall formats with experience-led concepts. HiLITE Boulevard, launching shortly on Willingdon Island, is being developed as Kerala's first waterfront retail and leisure destination, focusing on food, entertainment, recreation, and immersive attractions.
Entertainment, F&B, and lifestyle brands will scale alongside geographic expansion. Palaxi Cinemas, the multiplex chain, will expand across new Centres and Countryside projects, with plans for roughly 250 screens in the coming years. Hug a Mug, the Group's home-grown cafe brand, aims to expand from its 13th outlet at HiLITE Countryside Chemmad toward a target of 100 outlets across Kerala in the next five years.
IT Parks and Education Projects
Beyond retail and leisure, the Group is developing YOO Hub Trivandrum at Technopark Phase III, India's first branded IT park, created in a Rs. 300 crore luxury partnership with global design brand YOO and International Workplace Group (IWG). At Cyberpark, Kozhikode, HiLITE Group is developing Cyber Hub and Cyber Tower, two upcoming IT projects providing modern office spaces and business infrastructure for technology companies and startups.
In education, HiLITE Group's The White School International, Kerala's first IB Continuum school, is expanding its educational footprint through new school projects across multiple cities via strategic partnership models.
Wellness and Women's Health
HiLITE Group's focus on health and wellness continues through Mandara Women's Wellness by Elanine, envisioned as India's first holistic wellness centre dedicated exclusively to women. Mandara combines advanced wellness technologies with traditional wisdom to offer comprehensive restorative care.
CEO Statement on Quality and Local Impact
“Every project we have earmarked for Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities will adhere to consistent quality and safety standards, while also strengthening local economies and expanding consumer choice. Collectively, the pipeline is designed to create new retail-led employment and entrepreneurial opportunities across Kerala and establish a connected network of retail, leisure, and education destinations,” said Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group.
