Areas that were shunned by developers only a decade ago have now become attractive for development as vibrant commercial enclaves with sophisticated designs, aimed at meeting the growing demand for unique neighbourhoods.
The upbeat economic environment has been instrumental in building an aspiring middle class as well as expanding the number of wealthy individuals. Builders are increasingly aware that homebuyers - even those who have never left their hometowns - are very much in tune with developments elsewhere, giving them a heightened expectation for units to suit their enhanced economic status.
Centrio's lush landscaped gardens add to its allure as a place to work, live and play
A new generation of homeowners - both locals and expatriate workers - are expressing their own ideas of what constitutes a high-quality residence that is also redefining urban culture. They seek connections to the community irrespective of their dwelling, whether it is a compact apartment or an opulent penthouse.
Emerging urban hot spots
Consequently, many developments in emerging urban hot spots are mixed-use projects integrating residential, office, retail, and leisure space within plazas, parks, and promenades.
A high quality life is increasingly associated with a natural environment in the form of access to light, idyllic views, and free flow of breeze.
The iconic design of the d7 boutique offices at Sentul East has captivated those in creative fields as well as professionals such as architects and lawyers.
The attractiveness of this lifestyle is evident in the overwhelming response to YTL Land & Development Bhd's (YTL Land) d7 boutique offices in Sentul East: 100 units were sold within 60 minutes of its pre-launch on Sept 8, 2007. Within three hours all units were gone!
The iconic design of the d7offices has captivated those in creative fields as well as professionals such as architects and lawyers who prefer them to the standard conventional shop-office property.
Set against a backdrop of cosmopolitan urban environment, the d7 commercial precinct integrates its offices with retail and food & beverage outlets nestled within a lavishly landscaped environment complete with water features and artistic sculptures.
With sizes ranging between 870sq ft and 1,500sq ft, the boutique offices are broadband- enabled, enjoy lift access, and are assured of 24-hour security. Prices start from RM380psf.
Modern downtown living
Sentul East forms part of the 294-acre urban renewal project in Sentul that has long been known as a 100- year-old former railway town. Today, the area is thriving spearheaded by YTL Land's condominium developments The Tamarind (completed in 2005) and the Saffron (due for completion in January 2008) that have attracted a new demography of young and upwardly mobile cohorts.
While Sentul East sets the pace for modern downtown living with its eclectic mix of businesses and urban housing, Sentul West is a greenery haven dotted with exclusive homes that will be served by its own precinct of shops and offices that fringe a 35-acre private gated park.
Prior to the debut of d7 in Kuala Lumpur's downtown scene, YTL Land had already tested the Small office-Home office (SoHo) living concept with its launch of Centrio at Pantai Hillpark last November. Eighty units of the SoHo suites were sold in two days, and by end of the first, 179 units or 75 per cent of the total 238 units launched. (To date, 80 per cent have been taken up.)
Lifestyle flexibility
The majority of Centrio's SoHo buyers were from the creative field and entrepreneurs who were drawn to a concept that allows them to work from a home specifically designed with lifestyle flexibility in mind.
The duplex dwellings which sit atop retail and office space feature doublevolume interiors, floor-to-ceiling doors/windows, spacious rooftop gardens, skylights, and open sundecks. They are also broadband connected and Wi-Fi enabled.
Completing the new living concept is a wide array of business and leisure amenities such as a fully-equipped business centre, shared conference rooms, a 50-metre lap pool, gymnasium, and yoga studios. They also contain plenty of parking bays. Security features include a 24-hour multi-tiered security and surveillance system manned by security guards and supported by state-ofthe- art equipment.
The 306-unit Centrio is the sole commercial precinct on a 3.8-acre site within Pantai Hillpark. Priced from RM280psf, SoHo suites, which make up 238 units, have floor areas ranging from 623sq ft to 1,361sq ft.
Of the remaining, 24 units are office suites with private pantries and bathrooms with built-up areas of between 440sq ft and 2,641sq ft; 23 units are duplex boutique garden offices with built-up areas ranging from 920sq ft to 1,469sq ft; and 21 retail units between 661sq ft and 2,821sq ft.
Both d7 and Centrio reflect inventive combinations of "work, live, and play" to create enterprising places with unlimited lifestyle choices that have struck a chord with many homebuyers.
Lim Lay Ying is managing director of Research Inc (Asia), specialising in market research and consultancy for all facets of real estate development. Access past articles, and more, at www.researchinc.com.my. Contact: 03-2092 4966.
By New Straits Times (By Lim Lay Ying)
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