Beyond Skyscrapers: How Mixed-Use Developments Are Changing India’s Real Estate Game

Beyond Skyscrapers: How Mixed-Use Developments Are Changing India’s Real Estate Game

By Mr. Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director, MRG Group

Published on April 18, 2025

India’s urban landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and at the heart of this transformation is the rise of smart mixed-use developments. These integrated communities seamlessly blend residential, commercial, retail, hospitality, and entertainment spaces into a single, self-sufficient ecosystem.

As metropolitan areas continue to grapple with challenges like traffic congestion, pollution, and overstretched infrastructure, the demand for well-planned, all-inclusive townships is soaring. No longer just about luxury, these developments offer efficiency, convenience, and a modern urban lifestyle that aligns with India’s rapid economic and technological growth.

This shift is not merely a real estate trend - it represents the future of urban living.

Why Mixed-Use Townships are gaining popularity

1. The ‘15-Minute City’ Becomes a Reality

The 15-minute city is an urban planning concept that ensures all essential services - workplaces, schools, healthcare, shopping, and hotels - are accessible within a 15-minute commute.

Smart mixed-use developments bring this vision to life by reducing travel time, cutting down pollution, and enhancing the quality of life for residents. With everything within walking distance or a short commute, these townships minimize reliance on personal vehicles, making cities more liveable and sustainable.

2. A Magnet for Investors

For real estate investors, mixed-use developments have emerged as highly lucrative assets. These townships drive higher rental yields, faster property appreciation, and stable long-term value.

Cities like Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Chennai, and Mangalore are witnessing surging demand for integrated communities. The reason? A well-balanced mix of residential, commercial, and retail spaces enhances property value, making it a future-proof investment.

Additionally, businesses are increasingly choosing these hubs for office spaces due to their proximity to skilled talent, strong infrastructure, and premium facilities.

3. Changing Lifestyles in a Post-Pandemic World

The pandemic accelerated the need for self-sufficient communities where safety, convenience, and accessibility are paramount. With work-from-home and hybrid models becoming the norm, professionals now prioritize live-work-play environments that minimize daily hassles.

Mixed-use townships cater perfectly to this shift with:

·        In-house workspaces and co-working zones

·        Wellness and fitness centers for a healthier lifestyle

·        Retail, dining, and entertainment hubs within walking distance

·        Green spaces and open areas for relaxation

For millennials, NRIs, and digital entrepreneurs, such developments offer the perfect balance of comfort and connectivity.

Goldfinch City: A Benchmark for Smart Townships

Leading the charge in this transformation is MRG Group’s Goldfinch City in Mangalore, a ground-breaking mixed-use development designed to set new benchmarks in urban living.

What Makes Goldfinch City Unique?

·        Premium Residences with high-end amenities

·        IT Parks & Commercial Spaces attracting top businesses and Start-ups

·        A High-End Retail Mall featuring global brands and entertainment zones

·        Hotels, Fine Dining & Leisure Spaces offering a range of lifestyle experiences

·        A State-of-the-Art Convention Centre & Sports Arena for global events

·        Advanced Healthcare & Education Institutions ensuring a world-class living experience

"We are not just building spaces; we are designing smart, well-planned ecosystems that define the future of Indian real estate," says Mr. Gaurav Shetty, Managing Director, MRG Group.

With its future-ready infrastructure, strategic location, and cutting-edge amenities, Goldfinch City is redefining the concept of urban townships in India.

The Future of Urban Real Estate in India

As India moves forward with its Smart City Mission, mixed-use developments are becoming the backbone of modern urbanization. These communities are not just residential spaces, they are evolving into economic and social hubs, offering everything from employment opportunities to premium lifestyle experiences.

With MRG Group’s visionary projects, the future of Indian real estate is looking more connected, convenient, and community-driven than ever before.

Are mixed-use developments the new gold standard in real estate?

The answer is clear - they are here to stay.


The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

The Design Company: Where Luxury Meets Living

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

The Design Company is a premier design studio redefining the art of architecture, interiors, and landscapes for discerning clients. Based in Bengaluru,  Known for its seamless blend of artistry and precision, the firm creates environments that capture timeless elegance, functional sophistication, and a deep connection to their surroundings. Every project is a personalised journey, shaped by the client’s vision and elevated by the studio’s uncompromising commitment to craftsmanship, detail, and enduring quality.

From bespoke residences to signature hospitality spaces, The Design Company designs not just spaces, but experiences, environments that look exceptional and feel unforgettable.

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At the heart of The Design Company’s success are Sweety R. Nahar and Milind Mantravadi, Founders & Principal Designers, whose expertise in design ideation and flawless execution has set new benchmarks in the industry. Under their leadership, the firm breathes life into every structure it touches, an orchestration of natural light, bespoke materials, and exquisite proportions in perfect harmony.

 Sweety R. Nahar, Founder of The Design Company Says :

“Luxury is not about excess, it’s about intention. Every line, every texture, every shade is chosen to tell a story worth living.”

The Design Company offers a multidisciplinary expertise in Architecture, Interior Design, Landscape Design, and Home Styling, delivering a complete and cohesive design experience.

  • Architecture: Innovative yet timeless, their buildings respect the environment, harmonise with surroundings, and stand the test of time.

  • Interiors: Curated spaces that reflect personality, blending textures, colors, and materials for beauty and practicality.

  • Landscapes: Green spaces that connect people to nature, focusing on sustainability, native planting, and seasonal beauty.

Every project is approached as a unique narrative, tailored to the client’s lifestyle and aspirations. From modern urban residences to luxury commercial spaces and serene outdoor retreats, The Design Company integrates form, function, and beauty in every detail.

Clients are treated as collaborators in a creative journey, with a transparent and personalised process ensuring each choice resonates with their vision. Customer satisfaction isn’t just a metric, it’s the foundation of every project.

As trends shift and lifestyles evolve, The Design Company remains committed to its core philosophy: design that inspires and endures. With a growing portfolio across residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors, the studio continues to push creative boundaries while staying rooted in its passion for meaningful, sustainable design.

Milind Mantravadi, Founder of The Design Company Says:

“Design is not just about what you see, it’s about how you feel when you experience it. Our job is to make that feeling unforgettable.”

For those seeking more than just a beautiful space, for those looking for a place that tells their story, The Design Company is where the journey begins.

For more details:

Instagram: @thedesigncompany_india
Email: sweetynahar.tdc@gmail.com / milind.tdc@gmail.com


Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Reports Rs 13 Crore Net Profit in Q1 FY26

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 18, 2025

Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels Limited (ASPHL) announced its financial results for Q1 FY26, recording a net profit of Rs 13 crore. Revenue from operations stood at Rs 154 crore, a 14% increase year-on-year, while operating EBITDA grew 16% YoY to Rs 45 crore. The company maintained an industry-leading occupancy of 92%, reaffirming its leadership in the hospitality sector.

ASPHL’s growth is fueled by expansion into Tier 2 and Tier 3 markets. The company recently signed an MoU to acquire and manage four leisure properties in Goa, Manali, Shimla, and Dharamshala, adding 138 rooms under its brand. These steps align with ASPHL’s strategy to broaden its presence in high-potential tourism destinations and double its key count to 5,750 over the next five years.

Flurys, ASPHL’s iconic bakery and confectionery brand, now operates 102 outlets nationwide, reflecting the company’s focus on expanding its market presence while integrating modern amenities with rich cultural heritage.

Commenting on the performance, Vijay Dewan, Managing Director, Apeejay Surrendra Park Hotels, said,

"We have delivered an extraordinary and best-ever Q1, setting a strong momentum for the year ahead. With topline growth of 14% and EBITDA growth of 16%, we recorded India’s highest occupancy of 92% and maintained leadership in RevPAR in the upper-upscale segment. ARR improved by 13% and RevPAR increased by 12%. With nearly 600 new rooms added, including a 41% rise in our asset-light model, and nationwide Flurys rollout, we are poised to scale faster, enhance margins, and deliver exceptional shareholder value."

ASPHL’s strong performance in Q1 FY26 underscores its strategic focus on market expansion, operational excellence, and premium guest experiences.


Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

Hotel Association of India Launches First-Ever Industry Mentoring Program

By Hariharan U

Published on August 17, 2025

The Hotel Association of India (HAI) has rolled out a landmark mentorship program, an industry-first initiative tailored exclusively for the Indian hotel sector. The move comes as the hospitality industry sees rapid growth, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities, spanning nearly 50 locations.

This structured platform aims to bridge the widening talent gap, while supporting sustainable growth across the sector. Its key focus areas include leadership development, career progression, enhancing organisational culture, and improving both employee attraction to hospitality and their long-term engagement.

The operational framework has been crafted by a team of domain experts from HAI member hotels, ensuring the program is deeply aligned with industry realities.

At the program’s launch, Union Minister of Tourism Gajendra Singh Shekhawat hailed the initiative as a turning point for Indian tourism,“The Hotel Association of India’s innovative program marks a significant step towards establishing India as a global tourism powerhouse, with an ambitious goal of creating a $3 trillion tourism economy by 2047. As the demand for tourism continues to surge, the need for talented and visionary leaders in hospitality has never been greater”, he said, adding that the program will shape professionals ready to lead the sector’s future.

KB Kachru, President of HAI and Chairman, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group, described the program as being rooted in the guru-shishya tradition, offering personalised mentorship that fosters a lasting commitment to hospitality leadership.“The government and industry aim to create around a million branded hotel rooms to meet the India Tourism Vision 2047. This will require adding about 100,000 middle to senior management hotel managers to the current pool”, Kachru noted.

The initiative will be integrated into member hotels’ brand culture, enabling them to nurture future leaders and strengthen India’s standing as a world-class hospitality destination

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