Puteri Central

Puchong Financial Corporate Centre

As one of the pioneer developers of Puchong, IOI Properties has made its mark by turning the area into a thriving and bustling township.

IOI Properties will once again elevate the status of Puchong with the advent of the landmark corporate towers – the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre or PFCC.

Located about 1km from the IOI Mall Shopping Centre, five majestic towers will rise to punctuate the Puchong skyline. The PFCC, which boasts the tallest buildings in Puchong, is poised to become the symbol of corporate excellence. Fronting the Lebuhraya Damansara Puchong (LDP), the PFCC enjoys unsurpassed visibility along this main road.

Within the immediate vicinity of PFCC is the Bandar Puteri town centre, an established commercial hub that is constantly abuzz with activities.

There are complementing facilities such as the Giant, Jusco and Tesco Hypermarket along with hundreds of food and beverage outlets, tourist class hotels and numerous local and international banks such as Citibank, OCBC, Standard Chartered and Al Rahji Bank.

Out of PFCC’s planned five towers, two (Tower 1 and 2) have been completed. These ultra- modern organic-shaped structures have numerous windows to harness natural sunlight while deep louvres prevent overheating within.

One of their unique features is the “Vertical Gardens in the Sky” where warm green spaces cascade between the floors of concrete and steel, while courtyards on selected floors and penthouses allow people to take breaks amidst the greens.

These green spaces will be the hubs of leisure activities for the people working in these two towers. Towers 1 and 2 have adequate car parking of 1,920 bays.

Among the notable features of PFCC are half an acre of landscaped promenade, a gymnasium and lifestyle alfresco restaurants to provide a conducive environment for work and relaxation.

The sophistication of PFCC is matched by other facilities such as 24-hour security with CCTV monitoring, dedicated shuttle lifts to the basement carpark area and ready IT infrastructure with CAT 6 cabling.

To sum it up, PFCC is in a very strategic position to become the new icon of Puchong. For businesses looking for a commercial address to relocate or to set up a base, PFCC is the ideal choice.

Source: theedgeproperty.com

Zen Residence @ Asplenium Condominium

Sentral City Development Group recently launched its maiden condominium project Zen Residence in the highly evolving township of Puchong. Since its soft launch in mid-November last year, support from purchasers has been overwhelming despite the current economic slowdown.

Many have seized the opportunity to invest in this landmark property in a prime location of Klang Valley. Zen Residence has won much praise for its distinctive building design and product innovation; some have labelled it ambitious while others have hailed it inspiring.

Prime location

Zen Residence’s location, which is within the ‘growth centre’ of the fast developing Bandar Puteri and Puchong commercial centre, is a key factor and major driving force for the project’s exceptional take up rate. IOI Mall, IOI Boulevard, Setia Walk and Puteri Financial Centre are all mere minutes away.

Affordable entry cost, zero financial burden

The popularity of Zen Residence is due in part to its innovative financing package. Purchasers can own a piece of the property with a minimal RM8,000 only and enjoy zero financial burden during the construction period, as the developer is funding all interest payments until handover. Almost 100 per cent loan packages with low interest rates are available by end financiers. Other goodies thrown in to the purchasers are two free covered car parks, high quality floor and wall tiles, built-in kitchen cabinets with solid surface counter tops, tempered glass shower screens for all bathrooms, centralised water heaters for bathrooms, branded air-conditioners with ionizers for the living room and bedrooms, and a home alarm system.

Zen living concept

Zen defines the concept of living lifestyle, which embraces nature, peace, purity and tranquillity. At Zen Residence, minimalist architecture and landscaping with serene water elements have been incorporated to accentuate the Zen living concept. It strives to inspire the mind and brings into physical presence the sense of refuge, safety, sanctuary and well-being.

Tallest condominium building in Puchong

The architecture of Zen Residence is an expression of minimalism in the form of two identical gleaming white towers. The architecture seeks to project simplicity and structural clarity, while the incorporation of large glass panels and a series of cantilevered structures in its façade lend the building a feel of transparency and lightness.

The use of predominantly white and grey shades heightens the architectural concept of purity and unpretentiousness, which is the very essence of Zen. Each of the 21-storey twin tower features an oversized roof structure soaring high over the building to impart the notion of ‘floating’ crowns, thus glorifying the building’s status as the tallest residential towers in central Puchong.

Quadrant security

Zen Residence aims to provide a safe haven and refuge from the chaotic and unruly world outside. The building control incorporates a multi-tier security system, which utilises CCTV, card access and guard tour at all the six access points via the guarded entrance/exit, multi-level car park, lift lobby, lifts, quadrant access and main doors of condominium units.

This system deserves special mention as it is another first for condominium design. All units are clustered into groups of four with each group sharing a common access door. To reach an individual unit’s main door, a resident who lives within the quadrant must first access through a common secured door with CCTV and card access, providing an additional level of private security.

Low density

Zen Residence comprises 286 units on a 4.1 acre site. In the effort to preserve more green space at the ground level, only two towers with 21 floors were conceived. There are only two quadrants or eight units per floor, accessible by means of three high-speed lifts equipped with CCTV and card access system that take residents only to their respective floor.

Spacious unit with lanai

Zen Residence is available in various unit sizes ranging from 1,178 to 1,493 sqf with three or four bedrooms each. Instead of offering a standard condominium unit, the developer set out to impress by providing an extra large living hall that measures 12 to 14 ft in width. The living hall opens to an enormous lanai purposefully designed to enable resident to carry out landscaping or add a water feature. The idea that they will be able to enjoy nature despite living high up is definitely reflective of the Zen living concept.

The most impressive innovation from the architect is, however, the enormous master bathroom with a glassed external wall. The overall effect is a light-filled and airy bathroom interior as opposed to the conventional gloomy, wet and musty bathroom in most other apartments or condominiums. By making some of the units cantilever over the edge of the building, the architect has managed to turn its bathrooms open to the sky and admit rain into the interior. This so-called ‘sky shower’ is an unusual creation and surely a first in condominium design.

Clubhouse facilities and Zen-inspired hot springs

The 12,000 sqf clubhouse at Zen Residence houses two squash courts and a cantilever gym on the first floor. A café is provided on the ground floor with an extended dining deck, practically hanging over a huge free-form swimming pool.

To provide further impetus to an exclusive Zen experience, the developer is presenting two Japanese Zen-inspired hot springs for the enjoyment of residents. These hot springs are housed in a separate single storey Japanese style building set amidst a Japanese rock and bamboo garden. Though not mineral-rich pools, they nevertheless bestow the atmosphere the soothing affects of real hot springs.

To find out more about Zen Residence, please visit www.zenresidence.com or www.sentralcity.com.my. You could also call (603) 8061 1238 to make an appointment for a visit to the sales office and show unit.

IOI Properties Rides Financial Strength

IOI Properties Bhd retains its position as a Top 10 developer in the country on the back of its strong financial position. Riding the housing market boom in the 1990s, the company grew to become one of the biggest and most profitable developers in Malaysia.

Although IOI Properties posted a lower 2QFY2008 group revenue of RM182.3 million compared to RM208.8 million in the preceding quarter due to uncertainties in the political situation and sharp rise in petrol prices, executive director Datuk David Tan is optimistic about the company's performance.

He says, "We have landbank in strategic locations and high-growth areas and we have the purchasers' confidence. As a township developer, IOI Properties provides a wide range of products that cater to changes in market sentiments." "Bandar Puchong Jaya used to be the backwaters, so we've come a long way.

Being recognised as one of the Top 10 developers every year (since The Edge Top Property Developers Awards was introduced in 2003) is wonderful, but we want to remain humble," says Tan, who played an instrumental role in designing the township.

So, what's ahead for IOI Properties?

The company is embarking on an ambitious project to develop the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre (PFCC) with office buildings being retained for leasing. "All banks, including foreign ones, have at least one branch in Puchong. Maybank has three branches while Public Bank has two. Banks are doing well due to the catchment of businesses here. So, developing a financial centre here is a natural move," explains Tan.

"Puchong has transformed from an industrial area to a location for major employers. However, it does not yet cater for the 'upper-middle' type of employers. We want to attract these types of employers as well as companies that want to move away from Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur. "We are in the midst of negotiating with two major anchor tenants. PFCC will be the first green building block in Puchong," adds Tan. IOI Properties is also developing an office-cum-retail and entertainment hub called IOI Boulevard. According to Tan, 75% of the units have been sold. The company, however, has retained the two blocks facing the LDP Highway and the internal boulevard. "People will judge the image of the place by its frontage and so we want to control the tenant mix and manage it actively to ensure the place is vibrant. It's good for the buyers of other units in the long term," he says.

While developing parts of Puchong, IOI Properties is setting its sights on luxury developments elsewhere to add to its portfolio mix. In the pipeline is a high-end condominium along Jalan Ampang tentatively called Verandas. Also being planned are seafront luxury condominiums, Seascape and Pinnacle, in Sentosa Cove, Singapore. While pundits say prices have peaked at the time when IOI Properties entered into the agreement to acquire the 99-year leasehold land in Sentosa Island, Tan believes otherwise. He says the land is valuable because it is the last piece for sale at Sentosa Cove and furthermore, Singapore has many economic factors in its favour.

Source: The Egde Daily

Residential Property Prices & Rental Rising

The many developments that have sprouted in the southern corridor have given a boost to property values. These developments range from townships and niche residential enclaves in Puchong, Bandar Kinrara and Seri Kembangan to the intelligent cities of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya.

Zerin Properties chief executive officer Previndran Singhe said that in the past five years, prices of residential properties had appreciated by at least 30% to 40% while rental rates in Cyberjaya were more than RM4.00 per sq ft.

With Puchong fast transforming into a robust residential and commercial address, the iconic Putrajaya and Cyberjaya cities are in line to see a boom next.

The federal administrative capital of Putrajaya with the advantage of a well thought-out master plan incorporating the best of what technology and nature have to offer has shaped up as the country's first intelligent garden city.

The city also benefits from first-class amenities such as the Garden International School, Alamanda Shopping Centre and a medical centre.

Cyberjaya is also shaping up well as a world-class intelligent city for international information and communications technology (ICT) enterprises, complete with residential and commercial enclaves.

IOI Properties Bhd director Datuk David Tan said the garden concept of Putrajaya and Cyberjaya was setting the tone for development in the other parts of the southern corridor with more inclination towards modern aesthetic buildings with lush landscaping.

IOI Properties, which is one of the pioneer property companies that have made it big in the southern corridor, notably Puchong in the early 1990s, still believes in the corridor’s potential.

According to Tan, the company's developments in the Klang Valley have been moving southwards, stretching from Taman Mayang in Petaling Jaya to Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong.

Having built the 926-acre Bandar Puchong Jaya and 930-acre Bandar Puteri Puchong, the company has gone on to develop the IOI Resort City on 788 acres on the fringe of Putrajaya.

Tan said the next project lined up would be Sierra Puteri on 550 acres at the entrance to Cyberjaya, which has direct access from the LDP-Serdang Interchange.

“Sierra Puteri has been carefully planned after taking into consideration the needs of house buyers. We have gained valuable feedback from our buyers and have new concepts and ideas on housing and environmental designs that will fulfil their more discerning expectations,” he added.

Earthworks for the new township have been completed and infrastructure work is in progress now. Sierra Puteri will comprise terrace and semi-detached houses, bungalows and apartments as well as a town centre fronting the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP) and South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE).

In Puchong, IOI Properties will be launching IOI Boulevard comprising retail/office blocks with lifts and basement carparks next month.

Coming up next will be the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre (PFCC) in Bandar Puteri Puchong comprising Class A office buildings.

At the IOI Resort, which still has 540 acres available for development, plans are underway to build lake-front offices fronting the main entrance into Putrajaya; exclusive bungalows in Diamond Hill that overlook the scenic Putrajaya views; a mega shopping mall and office buildings along the SKVE; and condominiums.

At IOI Resort's Beverly Row, 80 exclusive bungalows will be built for long-term lease to corporate clientele. So far, 37 bungalows have been completed.

SP Setia group managing director and chief executive officer Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin said that with the sophisticated population flocking to Puchong from all parts of the Klang Valley, “the time is ripe for more commercial action in the area.”

SP Setia Bhd's 700-acre Pusat Bandar Puchong has grown into a mature township with 8,000 units of properties and a population of some 32,000.

“Our next challenge is to change the face of Puchong with a niche commercial project, SetiaWalk, that will revolutionise the people's lifestyle experience. The integrated residential and commercial development comprising retail blocks, offices, an entertainment complex, service apartments and residential apartments will appeal to the trend-conscious younger clientele.

“SetiaWalk is set to combine all the elements of live, learn, work and play through a seamless blend of astute planning, imaginative architecture and creative landscaping,” Liew said.

In Putrajaya, SP Setia's associate Setia Putrajaya Sdn Bhd is developing Precincts 9 and 15.

Park Village - a high-end residential private condominium villa complex within a secure, gated compound – will be launched in Precinct 15 in the third quarter of this year.

The project comprising 120 luxury villas in the sky will incorporate contemporary tropical designs.

Source: The Star, 28 April 2008

PFCC, IOI Boulevard, IOI Mall New Wing

IOI Properties Bhd will be able to reap good earnings from several high-value commercial and residential projects in Puchong, Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Singapore over the next two to three years.

The main board-listed company is also building up its property investment portfolio with the launch of the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre and the expansion of the IOI Mall in Puchong.

According to IOI Properties Executive Director Dato' Lee Yeow Chor, the company has set out to capitalise on the high value of its two townships, Bandar Puchong Jaya and Bandar Puteri Puchong, and has lined up a number of interesting commercial projects that will further spruce up these addresses.

As Puchong still lacked Grade A office buildings, IOI Properties will be building the Puchong Financial Corporate Centre (PFCC) that will showcase five blocks of Grade A office buildings in Bandar Puteri Puchong.

Construction work for the first two blocks has started and is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2009. Work on the other three blocks will start early next year and the buildings will be ready by 2011.

“If the offer is right, we may consider selling one of the blocks in PFCC on an en bloc basis to a corporate or institutional buyer.

“IOI Properties will keep the remaining four blocks for long-term lease by corporations on condition that the space leased should be at least 25,000 to 40,000 sq ft,” Dato' Lee Yeow Chor told StarBiz.

At an estimated rental rates of between RM3.80 and RM4.60 per sq ft for the office space and RM7 per sq ft for the retail space, total rental income expected from the first two blocks was some RM23mil, he said.

“These are futuristic and iconic office buildings that will elevate the office property landscape in Puchong. The project's location along the Damansara-Puchong Expressway gives the buildings very good frontage,” he added.

The ongoing extension of the IOI Mall costing RM70mil will add 300,000 sq ft of net lettable space to the existing 670,000-sq-ft mall.

He said the new wing, scheduled for completion by the end of this year, would raise the annual rental income from the shopping mall to RM50mil from RM37mil now.

In the 930-acre Bandar Puchong Jaya, a new lifestyle business-cum-entertainment hub called IOI Boulevard will be built on the last piece of commercial land totalling six acres.

The RM330mil project will comprise 60 shop offices of five, six and eight storeys with average built-up areas of 11,050 to 17,680 sq ft.

The 60 retail lots on the ground floor will be priced from RM600 to RM650 per sq ft while the offices that are occupying the upper floors will be from RM300 to RMM350 per sq ft.

There are also eight corner blocks of eight storeys each offering space of 45,000 sq ft a block. They are priced around RM17mil each.

“The focal point of IOI Boulevard will be the glass canopy-covered centre courtyard called Fusion that will be a covered street with lush landscaping and water features, complete with alfresco sidewalk cafes,” Dato' Lee Yeow Chor said.
Each of the shop offices will be equipped with a private lift.

On the residential property front, IOI Properties is moving into luxury condominium developments in Kuala Lumpur with its maiden project, The Verandas Condominiums in Jalan Ampang. Work will start by year-end, to be completed in two years.

The 16-storey condominium block on 3.8 acres will have 152 residences, including 10 penthouses. The intermediate units are from 2,200 to 2,700 sq ft while the penthouses will be from 3,300 to 4,200 sq ft.

“The residences will be designed in a single banked layout with all units having a direct view of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. There will be large landscaped areas with multiple pools and an elevated clubhouse,” Dato' Lee Yeow Chor said.

Source: The Star, 05 May 2008