In a landmark move to boost Tamil Nadu’s handloom sector, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the construction of an eight-storey mega mall in Egmore, Chennai, on January 29, 2025. The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Handlooms and Textiles Department, will come up at the Co-optex campus at an estimated cost of ₹227 crore.
In a landmark move to boost Tamil Nadu’s handloom sector, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin laid the foundation stone for the construction of an eight-storey mega mall in Egmore, Chennai, on January 29, 2025. The ambitious project, spearheaded by the Handlooms and Textiles Department, will come up at the Co-optex campus at an estimated cost of ₹227 crore.
A Mall Dedicated to Promoting Handloom and Handicrafts
Tamil Nadu Handloom Weavers’ Cooperative Society, popularly known as Co-optex, will now make its presence felt among Chennai’s premier shopping destinations. The State government aims to empower local artisans by providing a dedicated space to showcase and sell handloom and handicraft products under one roof.
Grand Scale and Modern Amenities
Spanning 4.54 lakh sq.m., the upcoming ‘Unity Mall’ is set to be an architectural marvel with state-of-the-art infrastructure, including:
- Eight Floors of Retail Excellence – A sprawling shopping space dedicated to traditional handloom products.
- Two-Level Basement Parking – Accommodating up to 300 cars for visitors’ convenience.
- Centralized Air Conditioning System – Ensuring a premium shopping experience.
- Dedicated Industry and Commerce Centers – Two District Industries and Commerce Centres (DICC) will provide insights into the intricate process of handloom weaving, educating the public about Tamil Nadu’s rich textile heritage.
A Step Towards ‘One District, One Product’
Unity Mall is part of the Central Government’s ‘One District, One Product’ (ODOP) scheme, a nationwide initiative aimed at promoting indigenous products from various regions. This initiative aligns with the Tamil Nadu government’s broader vision to uplift traditional artisans and encourage sustainable economic growth.
A Milestone for the Weaving Community
With the support of Tamil Nadu’s government, Unity Mall promises to redefine how handloom products are marketed, giving artisans direct access to urban consumers. This significant step is expected to revolutionize the local textile industry and strengthen its global presence.
The unveiling event at the Secretariat was attended by esteemed dignitaries, including Ministers R. Gandhi and P.K. Sekarbabu, Chief Secretary N. Muruganandam, and other senior officials.