Interview with Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Chairman, Hiranandani Group

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Tech-tonic Shift

Realty Plus spoke to Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani – Founder & Chairman – Hiranandani Group on his views on the IT parks developments happening across the country.   What are some of the considerations while identifying location for an IT Park development? If real-estate is all about location, location and location, for an IT Park, this adage holds even truer, given that India’s IT and ITeS industry have been taking on global competition. At Hiranandani Communities, our perspective is to look for the ideal site where we can provide the floor-plate, the building’s layout along with amenities and facilities that would power an IT Park to becoming a success. The ideal location to set up IT Park development should be either in emerging business districts which provide easy commute and transportation facilities, as also has the potential to expand quickly with service industry. Central Business Districts are epicentres of cities, such locations would be ideal for IT Parks, as space is not the constraint and all basic requirements for the human resource which would work there must be met. One very important factor is disaster management measures, which need to worked in the planning stage, ensuring a low risk factor. Obviously, data connectivity and uninterrupted power supply are a must. Recently, we handed over possession of TCS Olympus Centre in Hiranandani Estate, Thane. The project spanning over 14.5 acres and comprising 2 million square feet of space was completed within record time. TCS Olympus Centre contains 16 storeys commercial building for IT and ITeS MNC, TCS, which was completed to global standards within just 17 months. It is a ‘new next-gen workplace’, with state-of the art facility including a training block, club house and gymnasium, which provides a contemporary and holistic work culture.   How can an IT development be made sustainable in operations? This is something that IT and ITeS companies need to build within their business working, people and processes to ensure energy and resource efficiency.  As developers, we create the structures which they then can leverage for greener operations. Primarily, it is about creating and maintaining a work space where human resources can work to global standards in a safe and secure environment. For IT and ITeS development, we create a Green campus which includes rainwater harvesting as also has a Sewage Treatment Plant. The development has to be eco-friendly, with low-emission systems and fixtures.   What are the technology and other considerations essential for IT Parks? India’s IT industry has matured over a period of time. It is an extremely demanding industry, in terms of the work space, and aspects such as a prominent location with infrastructure support is the basic foundation. Add to this ‘best in class’ quality of infrastructure plus well designed space management plus adequate back end facilities support and easy connectivity. The location must also offer quality socio-civic infrastructure like power, high speed telecom & fibre-optic connectivity as also sufficient water supply. Not to forget the set-up for a hassle free commute. The Next Gen Youth comprises a major section of the workforce in the IT industry. They seek good working environment, social facilities like restaurants, coffee centres, Bank ATMs, medical facilities as also aspects that fulfil their quintessential need for a global working culture. It also includes 24*7 security and surveillance, as also a hub for entertainment and relaxation activities. From an HR perspective, acquisition and retaining good talent becomes very crucial, and these are the factors essential for IT Parks.

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