I am a regular visitor at City Centre, Salt Lake since the middle of 2004. Over the last three years it has definitely emerged as the most preferred destination within the city, addressing multifarious needs for the entire family. The City Centre shouldn’t just be categorized as a shopping mall. It is definitely a multi–utility facility, which keeps in mind the needs of the modern Calcuttans of different communities and even the different income classes. “Confluence”, is the essence of the City Centre – it is indeed a unique confluence of shopping malls, cineplexes, entertainment areas, food courts, offices, residences amidst open spaces and lush greens contouring over a sprawling area.
The complex has seven inter-connected buildings for retail and commercial outlets and a structure housing the Inox multiplex. Though it looks compact, the Inox houses a 1000+ seater multiplex and an assortment of around 250+ shops offering a wide range of products and services attempting to meet all needs of customer of all age groups. Elaborate seating arrangements have been made in a large expanse of open space, christened Kund, plus there is a fountain and a 19th century tram in the exhibition area. There is parking space for approximately 1000 cars, numerous entry and exit points and large spaces to amble around.
City Centre has been promoted by Bengal Ambuja – the most well known real estate developer of Calcutta and was designed by the esteemed architect, Charles Correa. The key aspect of City Centre is its inclusiveness. With no boundaries to separate it from the street, it is open to everyone - all income and age groups. The architecture of the complex embodies the spirit of Kolkata. The central Kund and numerous nooks and corners are created to fuel the city’s best know passion – “Adda”. The Kalighat style paintings and the art wall complement the city’s artistic heritage. There’s a Raj era touch in the restored horse drawn tramcar from where the visitors can collect city memorabilia. Despite the presence of the large multinational retail outlets, the heritage, culture and indomitable Kolkata spirit are certainly not trampled over by rampant commercialism.
In the midst of outlets of various branded wears, jewellery shops, coffee shops, departmental stores, toy shops and the multiplex theatre there is a chayer dokan(Tea Junction). This tea junction is probably the most frequented place within the entire City Centre. The car parking rates are also highly reasonable – free for first half and hour and then Rs. 10/- for the next four hours.