In a significant move towards building integrated urban lifestyle destinations, The Phoenix Mills Ltd, in partnership with Ileseum Clubs, has launched Millennium Club in Wakad, Pune. The new development brings together sport, wellness, hospitality, and community into a single, experience-led ecosystem.

Strategically located alongside Millennium Towers and Phoenix Mall of the Millennium, the Club is part of a larger mixed-use development spanning over 2.6 million sq. ft. of commercial and retail space. Designed as a lifestyle extension of the workplace and retail environment, Millennium Club reflects a growing shift towards integrated urban living.

Spread across approximately 62,000 sq. ft. over six floors, along with a pool and terrace, the Club offers a multi-dimensional experience. It features professional-grade sports infrastructure including pickleball, squash, and badminton courts, alongside expansive fitness and wellness zones. The space is designed to seamlessly transition from daytime fitness activities to evening social and hospitality experiences.

Enhancing its wellness offering, the Club has partnered with leading brands such as Fittr, Tattva Spa, and Manah Wellness, creating a holistic ecosystem focused on health and wellbeing.

A key highlight of the destination is Aufside, a sports-led hospitality concept developed by Aufside Hospitality LLP. Designed as a multi-level venue, it combines large-format sports screenings with social dining, catering to both high-energy match days and relaxed gatherings.

Commenting on the launch, Vithal Suryavanshi, CEO – Commercial Real Estate at The Phoenix Mills Ltd, said the Club is a natural extension of the company’s philosophy of building integrated destinations where work, leisure, and community coexist. He emphasised the importance of embedding wellness into everyday urban life rather than treating it as an occasional pursuit.

Pavit Singh, Co-Founder of Aufside Hospitality LLP and Managing Partner at Ileseum Clubs, highlighted that the launch marks a key milestone in expanding sports-led lifestyle destinations across India, tailored for the evolving expectations of modern consumers.

The launch comes at a time when India’s sports industry, valued at over ₹18,000 crore, is witnessing strong growth alongside rising demand for organised, experience-driven formats. Millennium Club responds to this shift by offering a scalable model that integrates sport, wellness, and social engagement within a single platform.

With expansion plans already underway across key cities, Millennium Club is positioned as a flagship prototype for the next generation of community-driven, sport-led urban destinations in India.

On the occasion of Earth Day, Garden Café highlights how sustainability can be seamlessly integrated into everyday operations. One of Kolkata’s oldest café brands, the establishment has built its identity not just around food and community, but also on responsible practices that reduce environmental impact.

Founded with the vision of creating an accessible and community-friendly space, the café has evolved over the years while staying rooted in its core values. Under the guidance of its founder, Sandip Nowlakha, the brand has been reimagined to reflect a more conscious way of operating without compromising on its inclusivity and legacy.

Today, with five outlets across Kolkata, including its newest in Newtown, Garden Café continues to expand while maintaining a balance between growth and responsibility. A notable example is its waste management approach, where food waste is systematically redirected to piggeries. This simple yet effective practice helps reduce landfill contribution while supporting a circular system.

Further reflecting its forward-thinking mindset is its in-house brand ‘Jiggis,’ which has introduced probiotic potato chips, an innovation seen in only a few companies globally. Alongside this, the café’s association with initiatives like Art of Living and participation in social awareness campaigns reinforce its commitment to mindful living.

Rather than relying on one-off initiatives, Garden Café focuses on consistency in everyday actions from responsible waste handling to conscious product innovation.

Speaking about the philosophy, Sandip Nowlakha shared that sustainability is not a separate effort but a part of daily decision-making, ensuring that growth does not come at the cost of responsibility.

As conversations around sustainability grow louder, Garden Café’s approach serves as a reminder that long-term impact is built through small, consistent choices made every day.

Perceptive Ideas has marked another milestone in structural engineering and design innovation with the Taj Amer Jaipur project. Set near the historic Amer region, the development reflects a careful balance between heritage charm and modern construction. With Jaipur’s cultural richness as its backdrop, the project stands out as more than just a hospitality space, offering a thoughtfully designed environment that connects tradition with contemporary living.

The design of Taj Amer Jaipur draws strongly from Rajasthani architectural elements such as courtyards, chhatris, jaalis, and detailed stonework. These traditional features are combined with modern construction methods to meet current safety and functional needs. The layout has been planned in a way that allows clear views of the Aravalli hills, helping every space feel closely connected to nature and enhancing the overall guest experience.

From a structural perspective, the project required a strong focus on both design and performance. Reinforced concrete framing systems have been used along with carefully planned load distribution to maintain stability. This becomes especially important in large open areas like banquet halls, lobbies, and recreational spaces, where wide spans and minimal columns are essential.

Another important aspect considered during the design is seismic safety. Since Rajasthan falls under a moderate seismic zone as per Indian standards, the structure has been detailed to perform safely under such conditions. Factors like wind pressure and temperature variations have also been taken into account, keeping the region’s climate in mind.

What makes Taj Amer Jaipur visually appealing is how it retains its traditional look while being supported by modern engineering techniques. Stone cladding, jaali work, and decorative elements are fixed using advanced systems that ensure durability and safety. This approach allows the project to maintain its cultural identity without compromising on structural strength.

Sustainability is also a key focus area in the project. Efficient water management, energy-conscious planning, and the use of locally sourced materials help reduce environmental impact. Passive cooling methods, such as shaded courtyards and well-ventilated spaces, have been included, drawing inspiration from traditional Rajasthani design while meeting present-day sustainability goals.

Executing a project of this scale required close coordination between architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors. Attention to quality, careful material selection, and timely execution played an important role in achieving the final outcome.

The interiors of Taj Amer Jaipur reflect a strong sense of detail, with handcrafted elements, rich textures, and a colour palette inspired by Jaipur’s royal heritage. At the same time, modern amenities ensure comfort for both leisure and business travellers, making it a well-rounded hospitality destination.

Speaking on the project, the Founder of Perceptive Ideas Mr Ajay Gupta said:

“Taj Amer Jaipur exemplifies our commitment to creating structures that respect cultural heritage while embracing modern engineering excellence. Our focus was to deliver a solution that is not only structurally robust but also contextually meaningful and environmentally responsible.”

With this project, Perceptive Ideas continues to set strong benchmarks in combining tradition, innovation, and sustainability. Taj Amer Jaipur stands as an example of how modern engineering and cultural sensitivity can come together to create something truly meaningful in today’s built environment.