May 23, 2004
S. P. Tao beings second mega project in Colombo
HAVELOCK City, the newest residential-cum-commercial project located in the largest cleared single site in Colombo, got off to an auspicious start on Tuesday at a ground-breaking ceremony held on the site. Strategically located on Havelock Road at the former Wellawatte Spinning and Weaving Mills premises, Havelock City will be developed under the expert leadership of Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Limited, a new joint venture between Singapore’s Shing Kwan Group and Bank of Ceylon. The Shing Kwan Group is renowned in Sri Lanka for the development of the state-of-the-art World Trade Centre in Colombo, through its Sri Lankan company, Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd.

Chairman, Shing Kwan Group, S.P. Tao who participated in the ground-breaking ceremony, said that he was very proud to promote this unique project which will be a benchmark for the entire property development industry in Sri Lanka.

Being the largest residential and commercial site offering residents, visitors and corporate clients a plethora of facilities, the fact that Shing Kwan Group’s portfolio of expertise includes investment, development and management of real estate in China (Nanjing, Beijing and Shanghai); Indonesia (Jakarta) and Singapore and of course the magnificent World Trade Center which transformed the skyline of Colombo, are ample proof of the expertise and attention to detail that will be infused into the project.

Showcasing a model of the project, a spokesman for Mireka Capital Land said that one of the main features of Havelock City is the provision for 1,080 condominium housing units which will provide exceptional value for money. Ample car parking for the residents will be housed underground giving shelter from inclement weather. “The close proximity to modern day commercial amenities and facilities, schools, hospitals, banks, places of religious worship and four road access are definitely advantageous he explained, adding that more than 13 leading schools are within 20 minutes drive and the property is approachable from Havelock Road, Skelton Road, Peterson Lane and Mayura Place.

“Also the proximity to the commercial capital is highly beneficial. We will provide one, two, three and four bedroom apartments and penthouses housed in eight blocks. Our design focuses on accessibility, circulation and layout, maximizing natural lighting and cross ventilation. We realize that today’s lifestyle revolves around convenience which prompted to us study and evaluate the needs of our desired constituencies, incorporating condominium facilities such as swimming pools, tennis and squash courts, gyms and multi function rooms,” the spokesman said. The large green open spaces and panoramic views of both Colombo city and the sea create a soothing ambience in this city with a city.

The commercial component of Havelock City will include a 36,000 sq. meter shopping mall housed in a retail podium elevated 10 meters above ground around a dramatic central large atrium, a 300 business hotel and 200 units of serviced residences. “This hub will have everything you would want in a mini-city,” said the spokesman. “The shopping mall will have shops, a major department store, a supermarket, restaurants, a food court, and leisure and entertainment complexes. The roof of the shopping mall will be landscaped, accommodating health club facilities. 750 covered car parking spaces lead directly to the shopping mall through escalators and lifts.

The mall will be connected to the rest of Havelock City through a network of pedestrian routes, giving excellent access and exposure to the retail areas. The Hotel and Serviced Residence Tower commands an uninterrupted scenic view of the city with the hotel starting from the fifth level and serviced residences, which will cater to long staying guests, being located on higher levels.

Havelock City is developed by Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd., a joint venture collaboration between the Shing Kwan Group, real estate specialists based in Singapore and Bank of Ceylon, the largest bank in Sri Lanka. Shing Kwan Group is founded and led by S. P. Tao. They are also the major shareholders in Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Limited, a BOI flagship company listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange and the developer/owner of the World Trade Center, Colombo. Shing Kwan Management Ltd., a member of the Shing Kwan Group, has been appointed the development manager of the project. Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd, will assist Shing Kwan Management in providing management and logistical resources.

The Hotel and Serviced Residence Tower sits on the retail podium next to the Kirulapone Canal, commanding panoramic and uninterrupted views of the city. The serviced residences and the hotel occupy a single tower to facilitate central servicing and operations. The serviced residences will cater to long staying guests. The hotel/services residence tower has direct access landscaped roof and club facilities on the podium with connectivity to the shopping mall on the lower floors whilst maintaining security control and providing access to the general public. This hospitality block is expected to have 300 hotel rooms and 200 serviced apartments.

The canal side of the podium will also be developed to have sidewalk cafes with open landscaped terraces etc. to attract residents, shoppers and hotel guests.

The residential component is located away and to the south of the retail podium and will enjoy direct access from Havelock Road, Skelton Road, Mayura Place and Peterson Lane. There are eight blocks of apartments, with four blocks of 20 storeys each facing the canal side and four blocks (two with 24 storeys and two with 27 sotreys) on the opposite Mayura Place side. The apartment blocks have been designed to maximize natural lighting and cross ventilation. The apartment sizes will cater to a variety of needs and affordability.

Design priorities have focused on access, circulation and layout. Each apartment block has a separate car drop off point to the main lobby and is also directly accessible from the basement car park.

All apartments have views of the city, the sea or the landscaped gardens and pools.

Common facilities for the apartments include function rooms, gymnasiums and swimming pools.

Landscaping is extensive in the residential component and creates an idyllic, comfortable living environment.

Havelock City brings a lifestyle with comfort, convenience and a secure environment.
 
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