11 firms bid to build an icon in Bukit Jalil

The core at Bukit Jalil is the national stadium (left) and other sports facilities surrounding it. The new job involves construction of several new facilities including a sports museum and a hall of fame to honour the sporting greats of Malaysia. It also involves refurbishment work on existing facilities. “Emphasis will be placed on the company that is able to construct the new facilities and incorporate an iconic structure into the entire complex that would make it a place for people to visit,” an official said.

PETALING JAYA: The Government wants to promote the National Sports Complex (NSC) in Bukit Jalil, Kuala Lumpur as a tourist destination not only during major sporting events.

In this respect, it has been working with the private sector to build new infrastructure and put up an iconic feature at the NSC to attract more visitors.

Sources said 11 companies have participated in a competitive tender for the construction and refurbishment works worth more than RM1bil at the NSC.

“Initially there were 15 companies but four opted out,” said a source.

It is learnt that established players in the construction industry including UEM Sunrise Bhd, IJM Corp Bhd, WCT Bhd, Malaysian Resources Corp Bhd (MRCB) and the Naza Group are among the companies vying for the job where the most competitive bid in terms of financials and technicals will be paid in the form of land.

“The companies have been working on the project for more than a year and it is going into the final lap before a decision is made,” said a source.

StarBiz reported last week that MRCB was among the top contenders for the NSC project. Another strong competitor is the Naza Group,

It is learnt that the project came about after the Youth and Sports Ministry embarked on a plan to make the NSC more commercial.

“The purpose of the project is to help make the NSC area a popular spot for tourists and people in general. At the moment the facilities and the area draws crowd only when there are major sporting events,” said a sports official.

“Except for the flea market at the Putra Stadium which is fairly commercialised, the other facilities only generate revenue only when there is a major sporting event,” said the official.

A key criteria for the bidders is that they have to come up with an “iconic idea” to attract people to the NSC.

The job also involves construction of several new facilities including a sports museum and a hall of fame to honour the sporting greats of Malaysia. It also involves refurbishment work on existing facilities.

“Emphasis will be placed on the company that is able to construct the new facilities and incorporate an iconic structure into the entire complex that would make it a place for people to visit,” the official said.

The main facilities at the Bukit Jalil sports complex were built 17 years ago in preparations for the Commonwealth Games. Apart from a football stadium and indoor stadium, the other facilities there are a hockey stadium, the squash centre and acquatic centre.

It is also well-connected with numerous access roads and the light rail station passing through the area.

A spokesperson from the Youth and Sports Ministry confirmed that plans to construct new facilities and refurbish the existing stadiums in Bukit Jalil were in the works.

The spokesperson, however, declined to reveal if the stadiums would be confined to just those within the NSC.

Being a mature development, land within the Bukit Jalil area, especially near the NSC, is difficult to come by.

Among the companies with land bank in the area near the Bukit Jalil sports complex is Berjaya Land Bhd, which has developed a golf course with bungalows. The bungalow parcels are going for about RM350 per sq ft.

One of the biggest developers in that area is Malton Bhd, which has 50 acres to be jointly developed with Ho Hup Construction Bhd. The plan is to build a large shopping mall called Pavilion 2.

“It is difficult to get land in the Bukit Jalil area which is why the companies are eyeing the job,” said a property developer.

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Spacious abodes: The first phase of Fairfield Villas project is made up of 122 bungalows.

YARRA Park, a prestigious green township by OSK Properties Sdn Bhd (OSKP), is poised to be a choice address in Sungai Petani, Kedah, with its quality and wholesome living environment.

OSKP branch head Paul Tan said the development, the company’s second township undertaking after the highly successful Bandar Puteri Jaya, had been very well-received.

“Purchasers simply love the overall setting of Yarra Park as a lushly landscaped township with tree-lined roads, wide footpaths leading to guarded precincts and 18 acres of picturesque lakes and greenery, bringing residents closer to nature.

“The whole concept and emphasis on the contemporary design of the homes and enhanced landscaping precinct by precinct will lead the way forward in township development in Kedah,” Tan said.

He said the upcoming Mega Mall and a modern clubhouse were also important ingredients to a successful urban township with all lifestyle facilities within easy reach.

Located just opposite the township, the mall will offer a myriad of retail and F&B options while the clubhouse will feature facilities such as a 50m-long swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose hall as well as a nature park with cycling and jogging tracks.

Spanning 430 acres of freehold land adjacent to Bandar Puteri Jaya, Yarra Park will consist of eight precincts comprising residential and commercial properties.

The recently launched first phase of Fairfield Villas has received strong response. It is made up of 122 attractively designed bungalows on a 17-acre site within a guarded community.

The villas have an expansive 3,376sq ft built-up area on a piece of 5,400sq ft land. Scheduled for completion in 2017, they come with five bedrooms and 4+1 bathrooms in a functional and practical layout that accords residents maximum flexibility.

Each villa is equipped with home alarm systems and will be broadband-ready upon occupancy.

And to cater to individual preferences, the units are available in two different façades.

Both have a double-volume living area that provides seamless living spaces for one to design their own private sanctua-ries.

Fairfield Villas, priced from RM821,800 onwards, are among the properties which OSKP will showcase at the StarProperty.my Fair 2015 at Gurney Plaza and G Hotel in Penang from Thursday to Sunday. OSKP’s Booth G6A will be at G Hotel.

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A green enclave to call home

Spacious abodes: The first phase of Fairfield Villas project is made up of 122 bungalows.

YARRA Park, a prestigious green township by OSK Properties Sdn Bhd (OSKP), is poised to be a choice address in Sungai Petani, Kedah, with its quality and wholesome living environment.

OSKP branch head Paul Tan said the development, the company’s second township undertaking after the highly successful Bandar Puteri Jaya, had been very well-received.

“Purchasers simply love the overall setting of Yarra Park as a lushly landscaped township with tree-lined roads, wide footpaths leading to guarded precincts and 18 acres of picturesque lakes and greenery, bringing residents closer to nature.

“The whole concept and emphasis on the contemporary design of the homes and enhanced landscaping precinct by precinct will lead the way forward in township development in Kedah,” Tan said.

He said the upcoming Mega Mall and a modern clubhouse were also important ingredients to a successful urban township with all lifestyle facilities within easy reach.

Located just opposite the township, the mall will offer a myriad of retail and F&B options while the clubhouse will feature facilities such as a 50m-long swimming pool, gymnasium, multi-purpose hall as well as a nature park with cycling and jogging tracks.

Spanning 430 acres of freehold land adjacent to Bandar Puteri Jaya, Yarra Park will consist of eight precincts comprising residential and commercial properties.

The recently launched first phase of Fairfield Villas has received strong response. It is made up of 122 attractively designed bungalows on a 17-acre site within a guarded community.

The villas have an expansive 3,376sq ft built-up area on a piece of 5,400sq ft land. Scheduled for completion in 2017, they come with five bedrooms and 4+1 bathrooms in a functional and practical layout that accords residents maximum flexibility.

Each villa is equipped with home alarm systems and will be broadband-ready upon occupancy.

And to cater to individual preferences, the units are available in two different façades.

Both have a double-volume living area that provides seamless living spaces for one to design their own private sanctua-ries.

Fairfield Villas, priced from RM821,800 onwards, are among the properties which OSKP will showcase at the StarProperty.my Fair 2015 at Gurney Plaza and G Hotel in Penang from Thursday to Sunday. OSKP’s Booth G6A will be at G Hotel.

For more information on Building and Construction event, please visit www.asiapacificevents.com

Head of estate agents’ institute sees improving standards in property market

A property exhibition where buyers look for the best units and prices. The public can protect themselves by asking real estate agents for their tags.

THE Malaysian Institute of Estate Agents (MIEA) president Siva Shanker recently completed his two-year term on a high note after having led the institute over the period it trained 13,000 real estate agents to serve property buyers better.

Siva said within six months of its inception, the Real Estate Professional Seminars (REPS) received an overwhelming response.

This stands as a good indicator for the Malaysian property market, Siva said.

“We are a non-governmental organisation that is looking out for its members. We are doing all we can to help our registered real estate agents. All they (real estate agents) have to do is attend a one-day seminar with us and they can be recognised,” he said.

He also encouraged more real estate agents to be above board and not operate illegally.

“To date, we have approximately 21,000 registered real estate agents.

“However, there are as many, if not more, unregistered real estate agents in the country. There is a perception that the activities of illegal real estate agents are victimless crimes, but it is not so.

Siva says there are now 21,000 registered real estate agents in Malaysia.

“Registered agents are the victims as we follow the rules. The illegal brokers don’t abide by any rules and in most cases, buyers are also victims as they have to pay more for the property if they deal with illegal brokers.

“The government is also victimised because illegal brokers do not have to pay taxes. In the last 34 years, not a single illegal broker has been charged. We can’t seem to get the authorities to clamp down on them. A little enforcement is all we need,” said Siva.

The public can also protect themselves by asking real estate agents for their tags.

“The tags come with a QR code, which can be scanned. If the person is registered with MIEA, it will show in the system,” said Siva.

The immediate past president also expects this year to be better for all as real estate agents are expected to be busier.

“There is a perception in the market that property prices are falling. They are not. Prices are going up but on a smaller scale. We want slow steady growth over a long period of time instead of a sudden climb,” Siva added.

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Cybersouth a showcase on wholesome living

Cybersouth offers a fresh new way of living, integrating nature and life.

MCT BHD is taking advantage of the fast developing southern corridor of the Greater Klang Valley to launch its latest township development, Cybersouth on 417 acres within Cyberjaya vicinity in Dengkil, Selangor, into a “master blueprint built on passion for wholesome living”.

MCT sales and marketing director Datuk Soo Kai Chee discloses that the township will be developed in line with the group’s vision of building wholesome communities in high growth corridors.

“Our projects will embrace eco-friendly ideas to make the communities healthier, safer, greener, more liveable and prosperous,” he says.

A glimpse of MCT’s property development journey shows the developer has quite a number of flagship projects that it is proud of.

Tracing MCT’s history since it started out on its corporate journey under the company name of Modular Construction Technology Sdn Bhd in 1999 as a builder specialising in undertaking construction, civil engineering and mechanical and electrical works through modular construction techniques, Soo says the company ventured into property development in 2004.

Residents can enjoy a dedicated 10-acre Central Park embellished with lofty greenbelt landscapes within this community.

Its maiden project was USJ One Avenue, a 448-unit condominium project in UEP-Subang Jaya, Selangor. The project worth a gross development value (GDV) of RM138mil was completed in 2008.

Since those early days, MCT has made great strides as a property developer and is today an integrated property developer with in-house capabilities in development planning, architectural and engineering design, quantity surveying and procurement, interior design, project management and construction.

Among its flagship projects include phases 1 and 2 of the One City development located in USJ, which comprise mixed commercial with shop offices, retail lots, office suites, hotel tower, office tower, dual purpose hall for cinema and seminars, fitness centre, rooftop food and beverage area, banquet and event hall, with a GDV of approximately RM880mil.

In total, MCT has completed projects worth a cumulative GDV of RM1.32bil and is currently developing on-going projects worth some RM3.7bil.

Soo says MCT has approximately RM5.1bil of GDV of projects with development order in place ready to be launched. In addition, there is also remaining landbank of 296 acres that are yet to be planned. The developer is looking to add value and offer buyers more holistic features across all three residential, commercial and educational zones in its Cybersouth township.

Cybersouth township, wholly owned by MCT, will take eight to 10 years to complete.

Intrinsically designed homes here nurture and enrich just about every aspect of your life.

Soo says the township’s location offers a prime location that allows close proximity to the three activity hotbeds of Putrajaya, Cyberjaya and the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA). It is just 400 meters to the boundary of Putrajaya and 1.5 km to Cyberjaya. And the KLIA is only 24 km away. Its location is well connected to surrounding areas via the major highways that include the LDP, MEX, Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway, NKVE and SKVE.

“Cybersouth is certainly a piece of heaven on earth. And believe us, once you are in, you will refuse to leave,” he adds confidently.

“We offer a gated and guarded concept yet we are also issuing each and every buyer an individual title,” Soo says.

Cosy comfortEach of the phase features cul-de-sac designs to ensure safety, with only one way in and one way out, which will be guarded by a guardhouse and perimeter fencing.

“We are committed to ensuring our buyers’ privacy,” he says.

Built as a wholly integrated development, travelling between the commercial, residential, and educational zones will be extremely easy and accessible. Soo says Cybersouth is estimated to provide not less than 10,000 units of residential and commercial units and when it is completed, MCT expects Cybersouth to host a total number of 40,000 residents.

There will be landed housing projects with approximately 1,500 units and also commercial and educational zones. Soo says MCT is currently in the midst of planning the components for Cybersouth’s commercial areas.

MCT sales and marketing director Datuk Soo Kai Chee.

“There are a lot of factors to take into consideration, especially the supply and demand economics of the surrounding areas. However, it would be safe to say that the usual mainstays of commercial hubs located in residential areas will be found there, such as supermarkets and leisure activities,” he says.

There will be a wide range of leisure facilities to be incorporated in the township, including a 10-acre Central Park that will be well planned around a core lake enveloped by experiential garden themes that will showcase a Forest Walk complete with seating areas and gazebo, Linear Landscaped Garden with mini stage, Putting Lawn for mini golf, riverside jogging and cycling path, Lakeside Deck with jetty and other unique facilities.

“We are targeting first-time home buyers, young executives and upgraders. Only a very small number of our existing buyers consist of investors,” Soo says.

He says the first phase of landed housing property, Greencasa @ Cybersouth, comprising 418 units double-storey terrace houses, has already been sold. Launched in April 25, the houses of 18 ft by 65 ft, 20 ft by 65 ft and 22 ft by 65 ft, have built-up of 1,545 sq ft to 1,913 sq ft. The houses were sold from RM519,800 a unit and are expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2018.

Meanwhile, the second phase of Cybersouth, Casaview @ Cybersouth also comprises two-storey link houses. The 20 ft by 70 ft, 22 ft by 70 ft, 22 ft by 75 ft, and 24 ft by 75 ft houses will have built-up of 1,959 sq ft to 2,700 sq ft. They will have price tags from RM629,800.

Cybersouth’s Forest Walk.

These units were previewed for sales on April 25 and 26, and are expected to be completed in the third quarter of 2018. Despite the softened buying sentiment in the local property market, Soo says sales are still going strong.

“However, we have encountered a slower pace in terms of bank loan approvals,” he says.

In order to raise the awareness and promote sales at Cybersouth, the developer is in the midst of ramping up its advertising activities to ensure the project gets maximum market exposure.

Marketing campaigns that will effectively appeal to its target demographic market group is also underway. Given its customer-centric focus, MCT is all geared up to put its best foot forward to turn Cybersouth into a well planned township of distinction.

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i-City raises the bar on infrastructure

I-Bhd to provide state-of-the-art infrastructure connectivity for residents in this ultrapolis and its surroundings.

Artist’s impression of i-City, an integrated ultrapolis township.

I-BHD has set out to make its flagship development, i-City, on 72 acres along the Federal Highway, an integrated ultrapolis with state-of-the-art infrastructure connectivity and conveniences to promote holistic living.

As a MSC Cybercentre, i-City is expected to be home to 50,000 knowledge-based workers when it is completed.

Being a prominent tourist destination, this township has an average of 90,000 visitors per week currently. This number is expected to increase after the completion of Central Plaza Shopping Mall in 2017.

“With the high number of visitors at the Leisure Park i-City, as well as higher number of residents in near future, a throughly planned infrastructure is crucial to ease traffic congestion to maintain the harmony of this township,” says I-Bhd director Monica Ong.

Providing exceptional accessibilityIn terms of accessibility, I-Bhd aims to provide a hassle free environment for the residents and visitors, by endeavouring effective means to reduce congestion. The direct flyover access to the Federal Highway, together with the upcoming i-City LRT connectivity scheduled for completion in 2020, are among the exciting things to look out for in i-City. Meanwhile, the Bus Rail Transit (BRT) development along the Federal Highway is in the pipeline.

Strategically located along the Federal Highway, these new infrastructure connectivity will make it highly convenient for the residents to reach Kuala Lumpur and other cities or towns, namely Klang, Port Klang, Subang Jaya, Petaling Jaya and Puchong.

i-City is also connected via the other highways, namely New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE), Kemuning-Shah Alam Highway (LKSA) and North Klang Straits Bypass (Shapadu), reducing distance between major towns.

So far, 20% of i-City has been completed and full completion is expected to be around 2020. Today, completed projects include i-Residence, a 346 units of high-rise tower and 20 exclusive villas, as well as 220 units of Sovo.

The Best Western Hotel opened in January 2015 and the MSC Cyber Offices are also among the projects which are completed to date. The current projects under construction are i-Soho, i-Suite, Liberty Tower and Parisien Tower.

Designed to be one of the most well-planned projects which offers quality from all angles, it comprises residential units, commercial units, mall, hotels, coupled with theme park.

“i-City is well prepared to charm both the residents and visitors, and aims to provide the best experience for all to savour,” Ong adds.

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Eco World to unveil three London projects

Early groundwork: Liew says Eco World had been building up its customer base and momentum before launching its projects.

LONDON: Eco World Investment Co Ltd, a private vehicle controlled by Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin, has set a target to launch its three London property projects within the next two years now that “the major approvals” are in place.

The three projects – London City Island, Embassy Gardens and Wardian London – have a total gross development value (GDV) of £2.257bil (RM13.33bil).

A financing package of £1.1bil for the development of the three projects from CIMB Bank Bhd and Maybank Investment Bank Bhd had already been secured, said Eco World International executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin.

Liew said they had been building up their customer base and momentum before launching their projects.

“Most of the units are expected to be sold prior to the launches,” Liew said.

Liew was speaking to reporters after the formalising a partnership with English National Ballet, one of UK’s most treasured artistic institutions. The strong demand was reflected in London City Island Phase 2 which currently has achieved an 84% take-up rate with firm bookings of the 419 units within several weeks after its official May 30 launch.

To-date, Eco World Ballymore has recorded strong sales value for Phase 2 of about £210mil.

Eco World Ballymore is a 75:25 joint-venture company between Eco World Investment and UK-based Ballymore group, with Eco World Investment having the majority stake. Liew is also Eco World Ballymore chairman.

Meanwhile, the English National Ballet will be moving to London City Island.

English National Ballet and English National Ballet School’s decision to move to London City Island from their current space in Kensington was a testimony to the cultural vibrancy and ever-expanding arts scene of East London, Liew said.

It also speaks of the unique opportunity afforded by EcoWorld Ballymore to work with them to create a centre that combines a production space with state-of-the-art training facilities, teaching and rehearsal studios that is unrivalled in the capital.

Sean Mulryan, chairman and group chief executive of Ballymore group said: “This partnership demonstrates our deep commitment to establishing City Island as one of the most exciting new destinations in London and we are honoured that English National Ballet, a truly inspiring artistic institution, has decided to make its new permanent home there.”

The partnership with English National Ballet also saw the unveiling of a new 80m bridge which links London City Island and Canning Town.

On its other projects, Liew said the preview for the Embassy Garden project was set for next week while its official launch had been scheduled for September.

Liew said the company had expected Malaysians to make up only about 10% of buyers for its three London projects while the rest to be international buyers.

He was, therefore, surprised by the overwhelming response by Malaysians.

“Phase 2 London City Island project sales comprised 25% Malaysians who made firm bookings, another 25% were by Singaporean buyers,” said Eco World Development Bhd senior manager in international business Foo Yuk Meng.

Eco World International president and chief executive officer Datuk Teow Leong Seng said the weakening of the ringgit would not impact Eco World International as its bank borrowings are in pound sterling.

On another note, Liew said he aimed to have Eco World International listed by the first quarter of next year. The company is seeking a direct IPO market capitalisation listing on Bursa Malaysia after withdrawing its special-purpose acquisition company application.

Eco World International will then be able to share the Eco World brand with Eco World Development Group Bhd, which builds properties in Malaysia.

“We will then be able to give a familiar brand to our investors for Eco World International’s overseas project.

Kenanga Investment Bank head of equity research Sarah Lim told StarBiz that she was optimistic about Eco World International projects based on the take-up rate of London City Island so far.

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