Panampilly Nagar. File photoDuring the early 1990s, when the concept of high-living was just catching up in Kerala, Panampilly Nagar in Kochi happily notched up the tag for a posh residential area.
With the turn of the century, more and more high-end areas came up in Kochi all vying to take away the coveted position from Panampilly. But the area known for its broad roads with a pleasant green canopy has gone one step ahead and levitated its position as a commercial hub.
Eateries at Panampilly Nagar. Photo: Divya PThe nearly 1.5 km-stretch from Manorama Junction to the Passport Office at the fag end of the twin lanes is now lined with designer and furnishing boutiques, eat outs, book stores and entrepreneurial ventures.
A new bunch of entrepreneurs here take special care in presenting something novel that is carefully crafted to appease the aesthetic sensibilities of the people.
So much so that some denizens do not shy away from comparing Panampilly Nagar to the 100 feet road in Bengaluru or Banjara Hills in Hyderabad, both renowned as shopper’s paradise.
So why Panampilly Nagar?
To Indu Nambiar, who runs an ethnic store named ‘A Few Good Things’, Panampilly is the place to be. Being near to 'the high street' helps her stay connected with her regular clientele.
“This was the best option in the city. More ethnic brands are already there in Fort Kochi and Mattancherry that cater mostly to the foreigners. This area is convenient for us, gives us enough time to be with our families too,” Indu remarked, who along with Nazreen began her venture in 2012.
The business boom
Notwithstanding the competition from gigantic textile shops on the MG Road, boutiques offering a style change opened up their limited yet classic collection on these lanes.
Shops at Panampilly Nagar. Photo: Divya PProminent among them, is actress-fashion designer Poornima Indrajith’s 'Pranaah', which is making waves in the cine and fashion world. Poornima admits that she was forewarned about the growing population of boutiques in the area, but she couldn’t think of another place for her dream venture.
“I grew up on these lanes and it’s just a pleasure to come back to work here,” she remarked, even as she recounted the transformation that the area has had over the years.
“Most of these spaces were my friends’ houses, where I used to play. The change is remarkable,” she added.
Panampilly Nagar has become a hub for business activities. Photo: Divya PA thought shared by James K, one of the co-owners of a PR agency - ABJ relations - that recently set up its base in the area. Pointing out the positive sides of Panampilly Nagar, James said that it was a calm yet energetic place right in the middle of the city.
“The location helps our business too. For instance, we don’t have to restrict our client meetings to conference rooms. We can hold meetings at coffee shops or sit in the green parks. The options are numerous,” he added.
Restaurants, boutiques and other businesses seem to be flourishing in Panampilly Nagar. Photo: Divya PGlobal bookstore chain Crossword’s manager Shiavanad too agrees to this saying, “This place is ideal for book business too.”
“Unlike malls, people walk into our store with a purpose. A genuine reader-friendly crowd walks in regularly and we don’t have any reason to complain,” he said, adding that his store had just completed a second successive run at Panampilly Nagar.
Walking down the lane, your olfactory senses would probably be your best guide to an eatery. The steamy aromas of spicy Malabari food would tickle your noses even as the creamy truffles and pastries would invite your attention.
As Panampilly Nagar’s status rose up in the commercial market, a host of eateries too decided to cash in on the high-end tag. The Alibaba restaurant specializing in Malabar delicacies, the Waffle Street or the 360 Degree Pizzeria – you can choose any which one that suits your platter.
Everything comes at a price
As the value for the place rose so did the rent rate. The owners showed little mercy to the entrepreneurs, and some of the joints could not survive and eventually left the high-street business.
One of the co-owners of Alibaba restaurant says that they were the fifth restaurant at that space. Four joints closed down before them in a short span of time.
“You may see a good crowd but the rent plus the maintenance for such eloquent ambience is costly. So it is not easy to break-even.
“But we are glad to have made our venture a success.”
Word of caution
Poornima Indrajit. Photo: FacebookEven as laurels continue to come Panampilly Nagar’s way, Poornima threw in a word of caution.
“There is a reason why this place has grown so much. It’s because the resident’s association has been doing a great job of maintaining the place clean and green.
“We should all be careful. While adding more commercial value to the place, we should not take away the old-world charm that one relates with Panampilly Nagar,” she cautioned.
Disclaimer
The comments posted here/below/in the given space are not on behalf of Manorama. The person posting the comment will be in sole ownership of its responsibility. According to the central government's IT rules, obscene or offensive statement made against a person, religion, community or nation is a punishable offense, and legal action would be taken against people who indulge in such activities.