<h5-red>CLIENT:<h5-red> LAKSHMI MILLS COMPANY I <h5-red>AREA:<h5-red> 1,50,000 SQ FT I <h5-red>STATUS:<h5-red> PHASE I,II COMPLETED, PHASE III ONGOING I <h5-red>TEAM:<h5-red> SIDHARTHA TALWAR, AMBRISH ARORA, SUBRATA RAY, SHAMIK CHATTERJEE, YATIN TOKAS, MOHIT CHOPRA, RAUNAK RAJ, SOMIK BEURA I <h5-red>PHOTOGRAPHER:<h5-red> SURYAN AND DANG
In this era where the relentless pace of urbanisation and greenfield development continue to dominate our cities, a derelict cluster of cotton mills in Coimbatore has been sensitively restored and given new life—and a new purpose. Formerly home to Lakshmi Mills, one of India’s oldest yarn and fabric manufacturing companies, the iconic site at a major urban node is now the focal point of a massive redevelopment initiative.
The approach towards the revitalisation is driven by a deep commitment to honouring the mills’ original architectural features and quirks, including the industrial shell, existing roofing system, and structural elements.
Exposed brick walls and steel beams complement contemporary finishes, creating a unique blend of old and new that speaks to the site's industrial heritage. <rt-red>The sprawling 21-acre site will function as a pedestrian-friendly community hub, offering citizens a space for public recreational activities secluded from the bustle of daily life.<rt-red>
The project brief calls for a mix of offices, co-working spaces, F&B outlets, and retail spaces such as multi-brand outlets, hypermarkets etc., as well as family-friendly functions such as an indoor gaming zone, arcades and food courts.
Proactive programming and placemaking strategies have been integral to the project from the outset. As the project progresses, it continues to emphasise the ideas of community, sustainability, and architectural innovation, promising a vibrant and beloved destination for generations to come.
The precinct has quickly become a popular destination, attracting a <rt-red>significant footfall of 2500-3500 visitors on weekdays and 6000-10,000 on weekends<rt-red>, prompting a doubling of the initially planned parking capacity to accommodate the growing demand. Newly established businesses have <rt-red>exceeded their expectations, reporting a 15-20% increase in sales compared to initial projections,<rt-red> underscoring the project’s success in revitalising the area.