Kerala to set up an ICC in Thiruvanthapuram

The Kerala government, in collaboration with Mumbai's Chalet Hotels, will set up an international convention centre in Thiruvananthapuram at a cost of Rs 805 crore. The foundation stone was laid on June 4 by Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan.The centre will be built in two phases. Phase-I will cost Rs 205 crore and it will be ready by January 2011. Phase-II will cost Rs 600 crore and will be complete within five years of the completion of phase-I.ICC is coming up on the banks of Akkulam river. Phase-I consists of 41,720 sq. ft convention centre, banquet hall for 1,100 people, eight meeting halls with 30 seats each, three meeting halls to seat 75 each, and a VIP room with 50 seats. Also coming up in this phase is a 249-room 5-star hotel, 25 luxury poolside cottages, water sports, marina and parking lot.