Sime Darby, Sunrise to develop RM1b project

The tie-up to develop a RM1 billion integrated commercial project in the Bukit Jelutong township means that both companies can take advantage of each other's strengths

Sime Darby Property Bhd (Sime Property) is partnering Sunrise Bhd to develop a RM1 billion integrated commercial project in the Bukit Jelutong township in Selangor next year.

It is the first tie-up between Sime Property and Sunrise. Sime Property is known for its landed properties, while Sunrise is well known for its high-end projects in Mont'Kiara, Kuala Lumpur.

The deal means that both companies can take advantage of each other's strengths, Sime Property managing director Datuk Tunku Putra Badlishah Tunku Annuar said.

"We are always looking at ways to accelerate the land development with reputable and like-minded developers like Sunrise. This partnership will further enhance the value of properties at the township," he said after signing the joint-venture agreement in Bukit Jelutong, Shah Alam, yesterday. Sime Property has 14,800ha in Greater Klang Valley.
The two firms will have equal stakes in the joint-venture company, Baywood Avenue Sdn Bhd. They plan to build retail, shop-offices, office-suites and serviced apartments on some 8.4ha.

The project, located opposite Sime Darby Pavilion, will be developed in five phases over seven years, beginning next year.

The joint venture will buy the land from a subsidiary of Sime Property for RM118.1 million, or RM125 per sq ft.

Sunrise executive chairman Datuk Tong Kooi Ong said the vision is to develop sustainable, or green, properties that will appreciate in value.

Sime Property and Sunrise may even do more projects together.

"We have completed the first part of the marriage today. This means, going forward, things will be easier for us as we have already built a base here. If the project goes well and the chemistry is there, the joint venture could be extended," Tunku Putra Badlishah said.

It is learnt that Sunrise may want to partner Sime Property to develop pockets of land along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway.

Tunku Putra Badlishah also said that the project will be the first of many joint ventures Sime Property will be forming with reputable developers. It is already in talks with several other developers and may ink a second deal soon.

By Business Times