Stella @ PJCC

SOVO @ Icon City

Dear Valued Registrants,

It is our pleasure to extend you this invitation to the Special Preview of i-SOVO duplex suites (exclusively for registrants only) on:-

Date : 16th July 2011


Time : 2pm – 6pm


Venue : Icon City Sales Gallery, SS8, Petaling Jaya (The site of former Matsushita factory, opposite to


Western Digital)

Please bring along your cheque to book your choice unit(s).

You’re also invited to our grand opening of Icon City Sales Gallery and i-SOVO’s sales launch on 17th July 2011. Please find below the more details of the event programme:-

Programme :

9.45am Arrival of Guest and Registration

10.28am Official Opening of Icon City Sales Gallery

- Launch gimmick with ribbon cutting

- Lion dance performance

10.50am Exclusive Performance by World Famous Malaysian Violinist Ms Joanne Yeoh

12.00pm Buffet Lunch

1.00pm Strings Quartet Performance

1.35pm Performance by Ben & Ice “All That Jazz”

2.30pm Magic Show Performance

3.10pm Belly Dancing Performance

3.45pm Children’s Bumper Boat Rides, Face Paintings, Clown Give Away Balloon Sculptures and

many more

6.00pm The end


We look forward to your presence with us.

http://wickinv.blogspot.com/2011/04/icon-city.html

Transforming PJ - RM10bil for redevelopment - StarProperty.my

Remember those fancy photos posted last time? Here ==> http://wickinv.blogspot.com/2010/07/pj-sentral-garden-city.html

The mayor hints today it will be coming soon :)

The urban regeneration programme in Petaling Jaya, which will see redevelopment projects in prime areas over the next five years, is estimated to cost RM10bil, said Petaling Jaya city mayor Datuk Mohamad Roslan Sakiman.

“This is still in the pipeline. It will see new projects comprising hotels, condominiums and other commercial developments,” Roslan said after attending Petaling Jaya’s fifth City Day celebration at Petaling Jaya Stadium.


Roslan was referring to the projects that were being planned by the Selangor Development Corporation (PKNS), which was said to be involved in projects such as PJ Sentral Garden City and PJ Elevated City.

RM10bil for redevelopment - StarProperty.my

http://www.pjsentral.com/about-pjsentral.php

Glomac to acquire land in Pekan Kayu Ara, Selangor

Glomac to acquire land in Pekan Kayu Ara, Selangor

KUALA LUMPUR: Glomac Bhd’s wholly-owned subsidiaries Glomac Kristal Sdn Bhd and FDM Development Sdn Bhd have entered into two sale and purchase agreements (SPAs) for the acquisition of approximately 7.62 acres of leasehold land in Pekan Kayu Ara, Daerah Petaling, Selangor for RM31,159,875.

The land is adjacent to mature residential and commercial developments like Damansara Utama, Damansara Jaya and Bandar Utama. In its announcement on Bursa, Glomac said this proposed acquisition is in line with the Group’s development strategy of acquiring land in good locations suitable for niche developments with a fast turnaround time.

Ascott @ Uptown

http://www.theascottlimited.com/en/4ascott_strengthens_its_leadership_position_in_malaysia_and_indonesia_with_two_new_management_contracts____.html

ASCOTT STRENGTHENS ITS LEADERSHIP POSITION IN MALAYSIA AND INDONESIA WITH TWO NEW MANAGEMENT CONTRACTS


Singapore, 24 May 2011 - CapitaLand’s wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has strengthened its leadership position in Malaysia and Indonesia with two new management contracts in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia. The 200-unit Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya and the 187-unit Somerset Kencana Jakarta are slated to open in 2016 and 2014 respectively.

Ascott’s entry into the fast-developing Damansara Uptown in Petaling Jaya also extends the company’s footprint to a new city in Malaysia. With the addition of Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya, Ascott remains the largest international serviced residence owner-operator in Malaysia with over 1,500 apartment units across 10 properties. Somerset Kencana Jakarta also reinforces Ascott’s leading position in Indonesia, with over 2,000 apartment units across 10 properties.

Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya

Somerset Damansara Uptown Petaling Jaya is located in Damansara’s main commercial district. The new serviced residence will be part of an integrated development that includes a 400,000 square feet retail mall and five commercial towers housing multinational corporations such as Deloitte, FedEx, L’Oreal, Lenovo, Symantec and Unisys. It is also close to Damansara Heights and Bandar Utama which are host to many Fortune 500 firms.

The property will offer a range of furnished studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments with fully-equipped kitchens. Guests will be able to enjoy facilities such as a gymnasium, swimming pool, restaurant and sky lounge. Business travellers will be able to make use of the business centre and a conference hall which can accommodate up to 900 people.

Tropics Designer Suites ?

PETALING JAYA: A 26-year-old foreign woman fell to her death from the 14th floor of an apartment building onto a passing car near a shopping mall here.

 It is believed she was in the apartment of a local man in his 40s. The woman, who was naked from the waist down, died on the spot.

Petaling Jaya deputy police chief Supt Meor Hamdan said police received a call about the incident at around 10.45am yesterday.

“When we arrived at the scene, we found the body of a woman on the ground several metres away from a damaged Proton Saga.

“We are questioning the man, a manager, who lives in that apartment unit,” he said, adding that the case has been classified as sudden death.

Details here: http://www.chinapress.com.my/node/220436

Ken 3 Photo Update

Managed to capture some photo of Ken 3 yesterday, picture below show that the retaining wall for Ken 3 is completely "vanished".

I am not sure this is river, or monsoon drain. Picture below show another part of the river/drain retaining wall is already collapsed "half way".

This is near Ameera / Five Stones projects, the retaining wall still intact so far.

Collapsed partition wall causing fear among condo dwellers

Collapsed partition wall causing fear among condo dwellers - StarProperty.my

Residents of Ken Damansara 3 Condominium, Petaling Jaya are going through a nightmare as the partition wall in front of the condominium has collapsed 10m into nearby Sungai Penchala.


To make matters worse, the wall opposite the condominium also collapsed due to erosion following continuous rainfall on Tuesday.


Three weeks ago, the perimeter wall surrounding the condominium had collapsed. Large amounts of soil and vegetation were swept into Sungai Penchala due to strong currents.


Part of a 40m retaining wall — from the condominium to the bridge near the SS2 Mall — also collapsed due to the strong currents.

Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) councillor Mak Khuin Weng said the situation was not getting any better. “I am unable to get the developer to agree to rebuild the retaining wall. As an immediate measure, MBPJ has to take responsibility and rebuild the wall and bill the developer. MBPJ has to do it as the safety of the residents is paramount,” he said.

This is so bad news, I have two colleagues live there. The developer few weeks ago told the press they going to be responsible and do something. After so many weeks where is the "take responsible and do something" ?? Mr Listed Company, you want to see Hulu  Langat incident repeat only do something mer....

http://wickinv.blogspot.com/2011/05/developer-accepts-responsibility-ken-3.html

Developer accepts responsibility - Ken 3

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/5/7/central/8633277&sec=central

KEN Property Sdn Bhd, the developers of Ken Damansara 3 Condominium has taken remedial measures to prevent further erosion at the collapsed retaining wall behind the high-rise blocks. Its managing director, Kenny Tan, said a meeting was held with councillors from Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ), consultants and a neighbouring developer to discuss the problem.

He said the affected area had been covered with plastic sheets to prevent further soil movement, including the cutting of trees as requested by MBPJ. He agreed with MBPJ councillor K.W. Mak’s statement that the responsibility for the damage should fall on the developer as the wall was designed and built by them.

Tan added that he was not aware the neighbouring developer had not handed the wall plans to the Department of Drainage and Irrigation (JPS). He also had no knowledge of the JPS refusing to take responsibility for the collapsed wall.

He added that none of Ken Holdings Berhad’s representatives were present during the meeting where the statement was made by a representative of Henry Butcher Property Managing Sdn Bhd.

Retaining Wall Collapsed @ Ken 3

Residents want the authorities to repair the collapsed retaining wall behind the Ken Damansara 3 Condominium in SS2, Petaling Jaya.


A large amount of soil beneath the perimeter wall has been swept away by strong currents of Sungai Penchala near the condominium block. The trees lining the river bank and the temporary fence have also sunk into the eroding soil. There is a danger to the condominium block because of soil movement and the residents are worried.
Residents of the low-cost Bestari apartments nearby also voiced their concerns about the emerging cracks on the roads and pavements. A member of the Ken Damansara 3 Joint Management Body (JMB), Gavin Khoo, said about 200 condo residents fear the collapse of the wall would pose a danger to the building structure. “Most of the residents are young families and students and we want quick action before the situation worsens,” he said.

Another JMB member said he wanted written certification from the authorities rather than verbal assurance. He said several Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) officers and the developer, Ken Holdings Berhad, had visited the site, but no action had been taken the rectify the problem. MBPJ councillor K.W. Mak said the council had requested for an independent audit assessment to determine the cause of the collapse by the second or third week of this month.

“In the meantime, the damaged area has been covered with plastic to minimise further soil erosion,” he said. He added that the developers should be responsible for the damage because the wall was designed and built by them. A representative from Ken Holdings Berhad said the management was waiting for the investigation report from the council.

“We will take action after reviewing the report from the engineer,” he said. He added that the local Drainage and Irrigation Department (JPS) refused to take responsibility for the collapse. “JPS claims that the developers did not hand over the wall building plans and therefore they will not take responsibility,” he said

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2011/5/4/central/8594179&sec=central

Icon City

Two days ago when I passby Sg Way, saw the factory is completed teared down and left with piece of large vacant land. Then saw this announcement in The Star, means Mah Sing will launch this project very very soon. Based on their track record, don't think this will be cheap, some inidication from The Star below, and some new terms I learnt today - SOVO....

Coming soon will be the preview of the SOVO (Small Office Versatile Office)  units, priced from RM570,000 onwards and registration for serviced residences with sizes ranging from 550sq ft to 1,820sq ft, are coming up in May and June/July 2011 respectively 

http://www.icon-city.com.my/

Stay Tune ...

Petaling Jaya Commercial Center

Just found out another big scale development at PJ area, by a developer name PJCC http://www.pjcc.com.my/

They just completed their futuristic sales gallery below, near NPE towards Sunway direction.

They have 33 acres of land bank, which they plan to build office, service apartment, hotel and retail lot within this area. Will pay a visit to the site soon, as for now I still have no clue where is the exact location of this place :)

http://www.theedgeproperty.com/news-a-views/6973.html

Centrestage Section 13 PJ

Visited the sales office, the office is way too quiet than a normal property launch. Usually a hot property will be snap within hours, but this one is not.

Selling at RM233k for 302sf unit, un-furnish, no discount or any special gift. Some more is a new developer is this property industry also selling at this kind of price, I guess people rather invest in Empire City.

Furthermore there at 31 unit per floor, serve by only 3 lifts, I can't imagine how long you need to wait for lift...

Nice ?

Ameera Residence @ SS2

Heard about this condo since day one when the developer (SDB) launch it. I still remember I visited the sales office few years ago, and quite impress with their show house indeed. But the selling price is way too high off my budget, it was selling at RM400,000+-.

Finally the condo completed this year, and start seeing lot of good feedback about this condo in the Internet. The current market price for 1700sf++ unit is selling at RM700,000.

Decided to pay a visit to this condo, and I finally did it last weekend, with my mum and wife, daytime.

I would say Selangor Dredging Berhad (SDB) is very good developer, the workmanship is quite good and they decorate the condo until it look like a hotel. Quite impress when looking from outside.

However after viewing the common area, as well as the condo, my mum start geleng kepala.

"The room is so dark, like not enough sun light. Worse is the common area is so small, no space to walk around. The children playground pathetically tiny, dunno what can your daughter play. Left hand side got construction, and opposite land like building something, if stay here, I need to suffer 2 years of noise pollution lor. No no no..."

Tell you what, it remind me a Chinese saying "It is like having a treasure if there is an elder in your home". Her comment wake me up immediately while I still enjoying the hotel like design. I know for sure my mum do not like to stay in this condo, so do my daughter.

This make me think, is this condo a good investment now? For first hand buyer, maybe. For second hand buyer, I am not sure. But I quite sure those have elders and kids at home, most likely they will not choose to stay here. This means, if you are investor, your target market is quite limited......

PJ Sentral Garden City

Come across this property.

First impression: Wao !!! Look so grand, look like another transformation project @PJ.

Still planning stage, mastermind by Gapurna Group. If can execute it right, this will be the new icon in PJ :)

Further news can be found at The Star newspaper


View Larger Map

Tropicana City @ SS2

Tropicana City Mall - For those live around PJ area, this shopping mall should be a familiar face to you.

Developed by Dijaya Group. Consist of

a) Shopping Mall - Tropicana City Mall

b) Office - Tropicana City Office Tower

c) Apartment - Tropicana City Tropics

The Shopping Mall is completed and launch sometimes last year 2009. While the Office and Apartment are near completion, should be able to handover this year 2010.

During the construction period of this project, I passby this area quite frequently. Everytime I passing by this area, I keep asking how can government approve the poermit to build a shooping mall at this congested area. Without the shopping mall, the road from Sprint Highway towards LDP is already at crawl. And how can this new shopping center compete with One Utama and The Curve?

After completion of Shopping Mall, thing start to get better. New flyover was built to link from Jalan Damansara to the shopping mall. And there is on-going work to enhance access road towards LDP.

For me, I visit this shopping center quite frequently, at least 2-4 times a month. Mainly due to Carrefour, and it is nearby my house and less crowded compare to One Utama.

Ok, enough talk about the Shopping Mall. What I would like to highlight here is the apartment. Launch in year 2006. Consist of Block A and Block B, total 601 units (quite high density). Come with different layout start from 625 sf - 1127 sf. About 14 units per floor per block. Launch price is about RM300 psf. For 625sf unit, it cost about RM190,000. Not cheap at all for 625sf unit in year 2006 !

Do some scan at iProperty, the asking price for this 625sf unit now between RM300,000 - RM360,000 range. Minus all cost, the owner should be able to profit RM 60k-100k. (Not bad for property that is distance away from LRT station)

For those interested in this property, you may want to watch out this project closely. The developer plan to launch Block C sometimes this year, at the proposed location show in the picture. But the price will not be RM300psf anymore, guess it may be at RM500psf +-.