Indian developer Phoenix Mills has launched a 1 million sqft mall in Lucknow, called Phoenix Palassio.

“Phoenix Palassio is the first mall to become operational of the five that we are developing as a part of our ongoing expansion of over 5 million sqft across Lucknow, Pune, Bengaluru, Indore and Ahmedabad,” said The Phoenix Mills non-executive chairman Atul Ruia. “This expansion will see us double our mall portfolio by 2024.

The new mall opens as India is gradually emerging from its coronavirus lockdown, meaning many visitors to the property may be entering a mall for the first time in months. With the pandemic in mind, Palassio has launched with minimal contact services, social distancing markers, UV bag screening, sanitised shopping trolleys, multiple convenient hand sanitiser locations and contactless payment points throughout the stores and parking areas.

“We are confident that as the nation unlocks, rigorous compliance with government guidelines and global best practices in retail will set the tone for the sector’s revival,” said Ruia.

The mall opened fully leased, with well-known international and local brands taking space, including some who making their debut in Lucknow.

Despite the high-profile design and launch of the mall, the Phoenix Palassio website states opening hours will be restricted from 9 am to 11 pm during weekdays – closed on weekends.