Urbanites seeking a home in cosmopolitan yet old-world George Town will find Sandilands an ideal city sanctuary.
The mixed residential-commercial development by BHL Water-front Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of the Heng Lee Group, is located on the fringe of the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site along Jalan C.Y. Choy.
Sited on 1.9ha of inner city land next to Sungai Pinang, its main component is the twin 38-storey residential towers with 403 units. Set for completion in 2015, it is poised to transform the river front.
Group director Yeap Leong Soon describes the spacious units as semi-Ds and bungalows in the sky.
Typical units (Types 1 and 2) come in two layouts both measuring 1,338sq ft, which are perfectly suited for small families.
Families with three or four generations living together can opt for the penthouses (Types 3, 4 and 5) with built-up area ranging from 1,968sq ft to 2,250sq ft. Type 5A comes with a roof garden.
Most units offer unobstructed panoramic views of the Butterworth channel, Penang Bridge, Komtar tower and other parts of the island.
Prices range from RM512 to RM600 psf. Typical units come with a free parking bay with the option to buy another next to it, while penthouses get two free parking lots and the option to buy two more.
“Sandilands is being constructed on the site of one of Heng Lee’s old warehouses,” said Yeap.
“Given its location in George Town and proximity to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, it has received strong interest with 70% sold already.
“Sungai Pinang or Ch’neah Chui Kang to the locals is an area with plenty of potential. It is a mature neighbourhood with existing amenities, good road links to other parts of the island, and within walking distance to the city’s heritage areas.
“The project will be a catalyst that sets the standard for future developments in the area, and in the long run, will definitely add more value to the neighbourhood,” Yeap said.
Sandilands has received a provisional Green Building Index Gold Rating, thanks to features like rainwater harvesting and recycling, energy efficient fixtures, and heat reduction measures.
The building is aligned north-south to allow plenty of natural sunlight but without the heat, and windows have low-emissivity glazing. The structural design also enhances cross ventilation through the two blocks, keeping units cool.
The development also offers independent storage spaces (utility rooms), a jetty by the river, and a clubhouse that is detached from the main building.
The clubhouse features a pool, gym, badminton court, multi-purpose halls, and sauna.
There are also sixth floor facilities for communal activities.
A retail block, offering some 20,000sq ft of commercial space, will be built on an adjacent site and set for completion around the same time as the units.
Heng Lee Group was founded in 1933 by Yeap’s grandfather, Yeap Chor Ee, and was primarily involved in trading rice and sundry goods.
Over the years, it divested itself of its merchandising business, and is now engaged in property development and management, credit financing, education and warehousing.
“Our new, niche development projects are focused on George Town because we are familiar with the city. This is an exciting time for the group as we want our projects to draw more life back into the city and revitalise the area.
“More importantly, we also want to attract businesses into the city, to encourage sustainable development which benefits everybody,” Yeap said.
BHL Waterfront will be offering attractive packages including a RM20,000 rebate for those who sign up during the Star Property Fair. To find out more, visit them at booth A4.
The fair, which is organised by The Star for the 11th year, is open from 10am to 10pm daily from today to Sunday at Gurney Plaza and G Hotel. Admission is free. - By The Star
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