Project Launch and Investment
HiLITE Group marked the commencement of its latest development, YOO Hub Trivandrum, with a groundbreaking ceremony at Technopark Phase III in Trivandrum, Kerala. The project represents a Rs 300 crore investment and is described as India’s first branded IT workspace, developed in exclusive collaboration with YOO and IWG.
Physical Scope and Design
The hub will occupy approximately 5.37 lakh sq ft (equivalent to 1.88 acres) and will be constructed over 15 premium office floors. The configuration includes a basement, a ground floor, and two dedicated parking floors. The design follows YOO’s internationally acclaimed luxury design philosophy and integrates IWG’s expertise in flexible and hybrid workspaces, aiming to meet the standards demanded by multinational corporations and Global Capability Centres.
Employment and Economic Impact
The development is projected to create around 5,000 direct jobs, thereby strengthening Kerala’s digital economy and reinforcing the state’s position as a destination for technology, innovation, and AI enterprises.
Sustainability Certification
YOO Hub Trivandrum has already secured LEED v4.1 BD+C (Building Design and Construction) – Core and Shell Platinum pre‑certification, the highest level awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council for technical and environmental performance.
Partnerships and Stakeholders
The project is a joint effort between HiLITE Group, YOO, and IWG. It is the first YOO‑branded IT park in India and the first IT project worldwide under the YOO brand, introducing luxury‑grade workspace standards to the Indian technology corridor.
Key Quotations
- P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI, said the hub marks a “significant milestone” for Kerala’s journey as a leading technology destination and highlighted the creation of over 5,000 quality jobs.
- P. Sulaiman, Chairman of HiLITE Group, described the hub as an investment in the future of the state, emphasizing world‑class infrastructure that attracts global investment.
- Sandip Kumar IAS, CEO of Technopark, noted the addition of 5.37 lakh sq ft of premium Grade‑A IT space comes at a time of unprecedented market demand.
- Ajil Muhammed, CEO of HiLITE Group, stressed the need for premium infrastructure to attract multinational companies and affirmed the group’s mission to bridge that gap.
- John Hitchcox, Chairman of YOO, highlighted YOO’s design philosophy and the importance of creating workplaces that match global standards.
- Badal Saboo, YOO Associate, called the project a new benchmark for branded workplaces in India.
Attendees
The ceremony was attended by a range of dignitaries, including:
- P. K. Kunhalikutty, Minister for Industries, IT & AI
- P. M. A. Sameer, MLA, Thirurangadi
- Seeram Sambasiva Rao IAS, Special Secretary, Electronics & Information Technology Department
- Sandip Kumar IAS, CEO, Technopark
- Santosh Babu IAS, Managing Director, KSITIL
- Santhosh Koshy, Managing Director, KINFRA
- Col. Sanjeev Nair (Retd.), Former CEO, Technopark
- P. Sulaiman, Chairman, HiLITE Group
- Ajil Muhammed, CEO, HiLITE Group
- Shafeeq P, CEO, HiLITE Properties
Conclusion
The YOO Hub Trivandrum project combines a substantial capital outlay, extensive premium office space, sustainability credentials, and strategic partnerships to bolster Kerala’s IT and AI ecosystem while delivering significant employment opportunities.