Thiruvananthapuram: The proposed lakefront leisure and entertainment hub at Asramam, Kollam moved a step closer to reality as Kerala Maritime Board identified an investor for the project.The hub, designed as a getaway spot to attract tourists and promote social interaction among residents, will be spread across 1.78 acres of KMB land between Ashramam Road and Ashtamudi Lake. It will feature a futuristic infotainment and gaming zone, a water sports club, gourmet dining options and community spaces. It will also have a floating restaurant built on a repurposed dredger. Sources said steps are being taken to sign an agreement with the investor to develop the land. “The land and an old building owned by the board were lying idle for a long time. The site will be handed over to the developer for 30 years. It will be operated in joint venture with the maritime board,” an official said. The board wanted to turn the unused land into a revenue earner and contribute to the local economy by offering facilities that are not available in the vicinity. The location is also near the National Waterway and other tourist attractions like Thangassery Lighthouse, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Police Museum, Ashramam Picnic Village and Kollam beach. Munroe Island and Jatayu Earth Centre are less than an hour away so that tourists can club the visits to have multiple experiences. The developer will have to install a promenade with open-air seating on the waterfront, a container restaurant, gourmet dining and restobar. There will be an art wall and screens. The entry will be ticketed. The maritime board said the project will not be affected by CRZ II because construction of buildings for public places on the landward side, development of vacant plots for beach resorts or hotels or tourism development, and repair and construction of existing structures are permitted. Though Ashtamudi Lake, one of the largest deepest backwaters, offers some of the most breathtaking views, its potential as an experiential destination is yet to be realised. The project is part of the many development works being carried out to develop coastal tourism.
