Feature on IT real estate in Tamil Nadu

An International IT Park in Chennai

After the overwhelming success of its International Tech Park in Bangalore, the Chennai-based Ascendas (India), a subsidiary of the Singapore-based Ascendas, is embarking on a major project in Chennai: International Tech Park Chennai, to meet the growing space requirement in this region. The company has also developed a 250,000 sq. ft. IT park, Cyber Pearl, in Hyderabad.

The Chennai project, located along the IT Corridor of Chennai, is being developed in association with the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), which promoted the TIDEL Park. Slated to be developed in three phases, the first phase will create around 525,000 sq. ft. of quality space for both IT and ITES (IT-enabled services) operations on a 5-acre plot. The building forms the first phase of the 1.5 million square feet of business space. The first phase is expected to house around 6,000 highly-skilled workers.

The facility will offer reliable infrastructure such as centralised air-conditioning, 100 percent power back-up, large and efficiently-designed floor plates, multiple service providers for data and telecommunications, advanced security and fire-protection systems, etc. More than just physical space, Ascendas is committed to providing value-added amenities in the park'a large food court, medical clinic, health club, bank or ATM, coffee bar and travel agency are some of the amenities that tenants will enjoy at the park.

Established in 2000, Ascendas (India) develops IT parks and hi-tech buildings, as well as build-to-suit and ready-built facilities.

Fully knowing that the quality of the work environment plays a considerable role in enhancing the productivity of the people who work there, Ascendas provides 'work, live & play' lifestyle business environments that inspire people to excel. More than just physical space, its parks boast of lush landscaping, water features, and interactive lobby areas that provide a pleasing and bubbling work environment. The company also offers informal, fun activities in its projects for the employees to relax in order to improve the bonding and work culture in its parks.

Creating green and smart buildings is the need of the hour; the concern goes beyond aesthetics to ergonomics and environment.

Given this context, the Chennai park is intended to be a green and smart building which is designed to maximise the use of natural lighting, thereby reducing the consumption (and cost) of power. The project enhances nature by creating more green cover, rain-harvesting, and recycling of natural resources. A dedicated sewage treatment plant that is to be established in the park will help tenants to conserve 70-80 percent of water.

As Ascendas has discovered, the state government is playing an important role in promoting TN as an ideal business destination.