This complex is to serve 3.2 million square feet of commercial and residential space, with a total of 1,080 apartments, a 300-room hotel, 200 serviced apartments, a shopping mall and a Cineplex.

4 Towers of 18 storeys is under contruction, and 4 more are approved.

Source: http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/cx/?id=112000

Here are the project details with renders.

PROJECT DETAILS
Havelock City

Havelock City is a 19 acre residential-cum-commercial project - the largest cleared single site in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The project is strategically located on Havelock Road and offers four roads with access to most parts of Colombo. Our principal goal is to develop a self-contained and sustainable project that will serve as a magnet to attract the retail, hospitality and housing sectors.

The site is located next to an established middle-income residential area across the Kirillapone canal. It enjoys easy road access, and is in close proximity to existing educational and religious centers. Apollo Hospital, Colombo's premier private healthcare facility, is located a short distance away. The site is served directly by Havelock Road, and will have connections to major arteries such as R. A. De Mel Mawatha and Galle Road to the west.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/project.gif


The Residential Housing

The residential component is located away and to the South of Retail Podium and will enjoy access from Havelock Road, Skelton Road, Mayura Place and Peterson Lane. There are 8 blocks of apartments, with 4 blocks of 20 storeys each facing the canal side and 4 blocks (two with 24 storeys and two with 27 storeys) on the opposite Mayura Place side. The apartment blocks have been designed to maximize natural lighting and cross ventilation. The apartment sizes will comprise 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom unit types essentially catering to a variety of needs and affordability.

Design priority has focused on access, circulation and layout. Each apartment block has a separate car drop off to the main lobby and is directly accessible from the basement car parking.

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 and comfortable living environment .

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/residential.gif



The Hotel and Serviced Residence

The Hotel and Serviced Residence tower sits on the retail podium next to the Kirallapone Canal thus commanding panoramic and uninterrupted views of the city. The Serviced Residences are located on the higher floors of the tower whilst the Hotel starts from the 5th level. 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/Serviced Residence tower has direct access to the landscaped roof and club facilities on the Podium with connectivity to the Shopping Mall on the lower floors whilst maintaining security control and access to the general public. This hospitality block is expected to have 300 hotel rooms and 200 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.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/hotel.gif


The Shopping Mall

The Shopping Mall is situated in a podium block facing Havelock Road. The Shopping Mall will have anchors such as a Department store, Supermarket, Cineplex, international food court whilst hosting various shops, cafes and restaurants. The roof of the Shopping Mall will be landscaped and accommodate health club facilities. Car parking is located below the Mall and will connect directly to the Mall through escalators and lifts.

This Retail podium is set back from Havelock Road and elevated 10 meters above ground with a large atrium. This enables a generous area for traffic entry, drop off and circulation within Havelock City. The Shopping Mall is connected to the Hotel/Serviced Residence block and the Residential component through a network of pedestrian routes affording excellent access and exposure for the Retailers.

Watch this Slide-Show For more renders
http://www.havelockcity.lk/show.htm

Ashok maybe you could edit this info into the first post :)

Just one more place for me to go shopping when I go to Sri Lanka;);)

Have any of you guys seen the contruction happening? According to the website towers 1-4 are under construction.

I pass the site frequently but from the side where there is a huge wall. Some of the Building constructions are barely visible over it and cranes too, and at night it is illuminated by some huge floodlights or something like that (real bright ones), so that means construction is going on.. :P

any updates n this ? photos ? renders ? news ?

This is one of the major construction going on in the city and how come no one is interested ?

For one- It is not exactly in the middle of the city, its near the outskirts. And the Site seems to be covered by a huge wall on one side and i havent being able to go to the other side yet.

Here are the project details with renders.

PROJECT DETAILS
Havelock City

Havelock City is a 19 acre residential-cum-commercial project - the largest cleared single site in Colombo, Sri Lanka. The project is strategically located on Havelock Road and offers four roads with access to most parts of Colombo. Our principal goal is to develop a self-contained and sustainable project that will serve as a magnet to attract the retail, hospitality and housing sectors.

The site is located next to an established middle-income residential area across the Kirillapone canal. It enjoys easy road access, and is in close proximity to existing educational and religious centers. Apollo Hospital, Colombo's premier private healthcare facility, is located a short distance away. The site is served directly by Havelock Road, and will have connections to major arteries such as R. A. De Mel Mawatha and Galle Road to the west.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/project.gif


The Residential Housing

The residential component is located away and to the South of Retail Podium and will enjoy access from Havelock Road, Skelton Road, Mayura Place and Peterson Lane. There are 8 blocks of apartments, with 4 blocks of 20 storeys each facing the canal side and 4 blocks (two with 24 storeys and two with 27 storeys) on the opposite Mayura Place side. The apartment blocks have been designed to maximize natural lighting and cross ventilation. The apartment sizes will comprise 1,2,3 and 4 bedroom unit types essentially catering to a variety of needs and affordability.

Design priority has focused on access, circulation and layout. Each apartment block has a separate car drop off to the main lobby and is directly accessible from the basement car parking.

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 and comfortable living environment .

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/residential.gif



The Hotel and Serviced Residence

The Hotel and Serviced Residence tower sits on the retail podium next to the Kirallapone Canal thus commanding panoramic and uninterrupted views of the city. The Serviced Residences are located on the higher floors of the tower whilst the Hotel starts from the 5th level. 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/Serviced Residence tower has direct access to the landscaped roof and club facilities on the Podium with connectivity to the Shopping Mall on the lower floors whilst maintaining security control and access to the general public. This hospitality block is expected to have 300 hotel rooms and 200 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.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/hotel.gif


The Shopping Mall

The Shopping Mall is situated in a podium block facing Havelock Road. The Shopping Mall will have anchors such as a Department store, Supermarket, Cineplex, international food court whilst hosting various shops, cafes and restaurants. The roof of the Shopping Mall will be landscaped and accommodate health club facilities. Car parking is located below the Mall and will connect directly to the Mall through escalators and lifts.

This Retail podium is set back from Havelock Road and elevated 10 meters above ground with a large atrium. This enables a generous area for traffic entry, drop off and circulation within Havelock City. The Shopping Mall is connected to the Hotel/Serviced Residence block and the Residential component through a network of pedestrian routes affording excellent access and exposure for the Retailers.

Watch this Slide-Show For more renders
http://www.havelockcity.lk/show.htm

Ashok maybe you could edit this info into the first post :)

Great update. It’s too bad it is not in the city center. It would be great if this would become a trend and more mutli-building completes come along.

ill pass on the condos, very mediore architecture

Yeah, the condos look bad. Im more interested in the shopping and restaurants.

ill pass on the condos, very mediore architecture

Sri Lanka is exactly not in a place to choose exactly what kind of architecture she wants. Any development is good news.

we dont want to end up with ugly buildings taking up prime real estate.

Comeon They don't looks that bad only one or two looks really ugly, others look good

More investment is needed from real estate companies in other countries. Im pretty sure this is being developed by a Singaporean company.

I personally like this development and think its good news.

Thanx for the update

when i passed the site i saw the base laid for 4 towers and 1 tower about 5-7 storeys high. interested in the hotel and serviced apartment tower and the SHopping mall and all it's features.

Havelock City on schedule
Shirajiv Sirimane

CONDOMINIUM: The management of 'Havelock City' project Sri Lanka's largest condominium development project has already received many sales inquiries for their apartments.

Senior Deputy General Manager (Marketing), Overseas Reality Ceylon Limited, Rimaz Ghouse said that the property has also


Under construction: Ghouse with a sketch of the complex.
Picture by Shirajiv Sirimane

attracted many Sri Lanka expatriates who are living overseas. "Most of them now want to come back to Sri Lanka and settle down," he said.

The construction of the building, which began in February 2005, is also on schedule and already five floors have been completed.

The first phase would include two towers offering 226 apartments and is scheduled to be completed next March.

The project implemented on a 19 acre land at Colombo 5 on the former Wellawatte Spinning and Weaving Mills and when completed would be a complete city which has all amenities needed for its residents. "It's a city within a city," he said.

He said that the architects from East China has paid great emphasis to nature and 60 percent of the land for the project would be for gardens, water ponds and for recreation.

He said that the piling for the second phase would commence in early 2007 and this would also include two towers with each having 113 apartments and penthouse suites. The Havelock City would also include Sri Lanka's largest shopping mall and a separate hotel. "We want to create the Singapore apartment living concept to Sri Lanka," he said.

The company also manages Sri Lanka's business icon World Trade Centre and said that they want to create history and land market in each of their projects. Another unique feature of the project is that it has four access points and has also provided additional security.

The management of the complex would be under the Overseas Reality Ceylon Limited, for ten years and thereafter a consortium comprising the owners would manage it.

www.dailynews.lk

So does that mean this is going to be completed by 2009 ?

Ah and you missed the pic
http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/12/28/z_p19-Hanelock.jpg

think so!!! its gonna b good though!!!!!!

Havelock City on schedule
Shirajiv Sirimane

CONDOMINIUM: The management of 'Havelock City' project Sri Lanka's largest condominium development project has already received many sales inquiries for their apartments.



The management of the complex would be under the Overseas Reality Ceylon Limited, for ten years and thereafter a consortium comprising the owners would manage it.

www.dailynews.lk



Dailynews won't load for me :bash:

Well, the internet connection seems to be overloaded currently due to the quake in Taiwan which disrupted the cables. But it loads for me.

So does that mean this is going to be completed by 2009 ?

Ah and you missed the pic
http://www.dailynews.lk/2006/12/28/z_p19-Hanelock.jpg

That looks nice.

Actually now that i think of it, it looks like a Singapore HDB block but with better entertainment facilities.

Woah, Sri Lanka's biggest shopping mall, hotel, promenade, restaurants, side cafes awesome...

http://i17.tinypic.com/2a0lzrq.jpg

Dr Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion inspects the construction site of Havelock City. He is accompanied by Prof. Lakshman R.Watawala, Chairman/ Director General of the BOI and a number of senior officials of the BOI. The Havelock City is the single largest mixed use estate development project to be undertaken in South Asia. It is developed on a 19 acre site in Colombo. The development cost of the project is over US$ 250 million. The complex would comprise of 1,080 apartment units. The first phase which is already under construction will consist of 226 apartments. When completed there will be 8 towers of which the tallest will have 29 floors.
http://www.dailymirror.lk/2007/03/16/ft/04.asp

............................................................................................................
Can we start a thread for project updates, coz that would bring all the updated in to one point! by the way Amunugama is a great man!

Havelock City seems to be going at a snail's pace.. Still, its encouraging to see there is at least some work going on.

About the thread, may be it would be better if a mod could make a sticky and add the links to all the project update topics in the forum and then regularly update the status (percentages ?, newest pictures ?) in the thread when the original topic gets updated.

Still, its encouraging to see there is at least some work going on.

Agree. Wonder when the completion date will be.

It is due to open early 2010...

Two towers comprise 29 floors will be awesome for colombo skyline!

Well, actually like I said, this is nowhere near Colombo 1 or 2, so it would look rather scattered.

would this uplift the colombo skyline or just left along with colombo 6?

Colombo 6 this is in Colombo 5 and would certainly be an iconic part of that area, largescale projects like these can uplift the entire area around it...

This project's really cool!

http://i11.tinypic.com/4vn56kh.jpg

This site is awesome,

http://www.havelockcity.lk

Hotness ! The Render in the first page Flash is awesome ! But it seems like Phase 1 doesn't include the Commercial area which is the part I'm most looking forward to.

Well,

Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Construction Progress


Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005.

Super structure construction of Park Tower has reached level 7 while Elibank Tower has reached level 8. Sub basement and above level carparks as well as the rooftop garden structure has been constructed.

Main structure of both towers up to roof level is scheduled to be completed by end December 2007.

Hotness ! The Render in the first page Flash is awesome ! But it seems like Phase 1 doesn't include the Commercial area which is the part I'm most looking forward to.

This is a common strategy use by real state developers, they usually start from residential segment N make $ out of it and continue the rest by looking for other investment as well.

sorry for rain drops. Cant go out alone until the test is over (4 more months yay !)

http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/4473/Image235.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image235.jpg)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8101/Image230.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image230.jpg)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/633/Image234.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image234.jpg)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/813/Image231.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image231.jpg)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/9483/Image227.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image227.jpg)
http://img411.imageshack.us/img411/8420/Image232.th.jpg (http://img411.imageshack.us/my.php?image=Image232.jpg)

I will try to get some better pictures, but I know that the first 2 towers are both already 18 storeys tall and the ground and some construction has started on the other 2 towers in stage 1.

well, they were taken on the 30th august (yesterday) and maybe you would be given entrance to the site, just pretend you are interested in the apartments or something.

hmm maybe u can try going in but be careful with the camera...theres a police checkpoint right in front of the site!!

Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005.

Super structure construction of Park Tower has reached level 20 while Elibank Tower has reached level 21. Car Park for Phase 1 (Sub basement & Upper Level) has been completed. Internal Partition Walls and Plastering is in progress.

Main structure of both towers up to roof level is scheduled to be completed by end October 2007 which is ahead of target.
http://i20.tinypic.com/35d426r.jpghttp://i22.tinypic.com/o5984l.jpg

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

looks nice indeed...go past it everyday!! and believe me the towers are visible from far off even...can jus imagine how it would be when its totally done!!! wonderful project!!!!!!

looks nice indeed...go past it everyday!! and believe me the towers are visible from far off even...can jus imagine how it would be when its totally done!!! wonderful project!!!!!!

Cannot wait to see the full scale:cheers::cheers:

excellent project, here is an example of quality, quick construction work being carried out in Sri Lanka, with a Sri Lankan construction company, hope they keep up the good work...

http://i6.tinypic.com/72k8nwp.jpg
One of Sri Lanka’s newest residential complexes, Havelock City, the largest single mixed development will complete its first phase by mid 2008.

“By now we have been able to sell 100 apartments,” COO of Overseas Reality and DGM Marketing of Havelock City Remaz Ghouse said at Havelock City yesterday.

He said Havelock City will soon redefine Colombo’s sky line and offer customers the convenience of being in


The upcoming Havelock City in Wellawatte. Picture by Saliya Rupasinghe

the heart of Colombo with facilities beyond what other apartment complexes offer. This project has been designed by Chinese architects and constructed by them.

The whole project area is on 19 acres.

Massive in its scope and construction, at a value of USD 250 million, Havelock City is developed by Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Limited. Mireka Capital Land is a joint venture of Overseas Reality (Ceylon) PLC and the Bank Of Ceylon.

“With Havelock City, Overseas Reality’s objective is to create an environment that is completely new to Sri Lanka,” Ghouse said.

Havelock City will afford residents a one stop residential living concept with parks and recreational areas, restaurants and shopping malls. Havelock City offers high rise condominium units designed to combine the resort within a stylish city location.

They also hope to provide walk areas, jogging tracks, a well equipped club house and gymnasium as well an infinity edge swimming pool.

“Havelock City residential tower blocks are designed in such way to give our residents maximum privacy as well as the perfect view they seek from their home offering the natural breeze that only nature can provide” Ghouse said.

He also said they have reserved nine acres of property is reserved for a landscape which will provide lakes and boulder gardens and hope to get massive trees and plant them so that they could have more greenery around the area.

The Havelock City apartments will end by 2010 and by the end of the project, the concept of the Havelock City “city within a city” to suit a definitive lifestyle is expected.

When fully completed, there would be eight luxurious residential apartment towers, 300 room hotel, 200 serviced apartments and retail space, dining and recreational space, which will ensure privacy and a sense of seclusion, Ghouse said.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/11/08/bus02.asp)

http://i3.tinypic.com/6oex4bl.jpg
Car park still under construction,

Spanning over three rugby fields with an area of nine acres, the car park of the up and coming Havelock City will easily be the largest in Sri Lanka and possibly South Asia. “Atop this massive car park will be a landscaped garden with cascading pools, lakes and boulder gardens and will be the only one of its kind,” said Remaz Ghouse, Deputy General Manager of Marketing for the Havelock City project and COO of Overseas Realty.

He said the entire project is spread over 19 acres of prime residential area. The project when fully completed will comprise of eight residential towers and a commercial complex with a hotel and serviced apartments, Ghouse told a press conference held at the premises this week. The first phase of the project, comprising of two residential towers are nearing completion and will be ready for occupation by mid 2008 while the entire project is slated for completion by 2010.

“Havelock City will afford its residents a one stop residential living concept, complete with parks and recreational areas, restaurants and shopping malls,” said Ghouse going on to describe is as a “City within a city”.

The total investment for this project is US$ 250 million and is developed by Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd is a joint venture between Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC and the Bank of Ceylon. Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC are the owners and managers of the World Trade Centre in Colombo. Pix shows the press conference in progess and the site.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071111/FinancialTimes/ft339.html)

wow, i just love this project, this i bigtime competition for Crescat City, but Crescat is located more centrally, lets wait and see...

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCP) will commence construction work of the commercial complex of the Havelock City project next year.
http://i17.tinypic.com/6tbm2q1.jpg
CEO of ORCP, Robert Dover told Daily News Business they expect to commence construction work on the commercial complex in the first half of next year. The Havelock City commercial complex will consist of department stores, supermarkets and a hotel.

http://i13.tinypic.com/8fvm454.jpg
Construction in progress at the Havelock City Project & also some other U/C high rises on the background. Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe

The first phase of the Havelock City Project which comprises two residential towers will be completed in June 2008. 'We are in the process of promoting these Luxury apartments in overseas markets specially in the UK and Middle East. The company will focus more on overseas buyers, he said.

'Over 50 per cent of the total apartments available in these two residential towers have already been sold. We are confident that all apartments will be sold before the completion of the first phase.

Structuring of the phase first has been completed and it is now in the finishing stages, he said. The second phase of the project commenced last August and structuring of this phase will commence next year. The company expects to complete the whole project, which consists of residential towers and the commercial complex by 2011.

The unique feature of this project is that ORCP will manage all the residential towers for 10 years. The company will undertake maintaining and managing all residential towers on behalf of the residents in these apartments. The commercial complex will also be separately managed by the company.


CEO of Overseas Realty Robert Dover

Detailing the future plans of the ORCP, Dover said they expect to expand into the Indian and Middle East market as a Sri Lankan regional player.

'We are not involved in any other developing project at the moment and only focusing on the Havelock City mega project. But we may embark on another project in next year.

ORCP has business expansion plans for land acquisition, development projects and joint ventures, he said. They will be focusing more on real estate related services such as property management, cleaning and security services. The company will also expand to the outskirts of Colombo in near future.

Havelock City includes 1080 luxury apartments for its residential complex. The commercial complex will comprise a 300 room hotel, 200 service apartments a shopping centre, major departmental stores, swimming pools and international food courts.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/12/20/bus01.asp)

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCP) will commence construction work of the commercial complex of the Havelock City project next year.

CEO of ORCP, Robert Dover told Daily News Business they expect to commence construction work on the commercial complex in the first half of next year. The Havelock City commercial complex will consist of department stores, supermarkets and a hotel.

http://i13.tinypic.com/8fvm454.jpg
Construction in progress at the Havelock City Project & also some other U/C high rises on the background. Pictures by Saliya Rupasinghe

The first phase of the Havelock City Project which comprises two residential towers will be completed in June 2008. 'We are in the process of promoting these Luxury apartments in overseas markets specially in the UK and Middle East. The company will focus more on overseas buyers, he said.

'Over 50 per cent of the total apartments available in these two residential towers have already been sold. We are confident that all apartments will be sold before the completion of the first phase.

Structuring of the phase first has been completed and it is now in the finishing stages, he said. The second phase of the project commenced last August and structuring of this phase will commence next year. The company expects to complete the whole project, which consists of residential towers and the commercial complex by 2011.

The unique feature of this project is that ORCP will manage all the residential towers for 10 years. The company will undertake maintaining and managing all residential towers on behalf of the residents in these apartments. The commercial complex will also be separately managed by the company.

http://i17.tinypic.com/6tbm2q1.jpg
CEO of Overseas Realty Robert Dover

Detailing the future plans of the ORCP, Dover said they expect to expand into the Indian and Middle East market as a Sri Lankan regional player.

'We are not involved in any other developing project at the moment and only focusing on the Havelock City mega project. But we may embark on another project in next year.

ORCP has business expansion plans for land acquisition, development projects and joint ventures, he said. They will be focusing more on real estate related services such as property management, cleaning and security services. The company will also expand to the outskirts of Colombo in near future.

Havelock City includes 1080 luxury apartments for its residential complex. The commercial complex will comprise a 300 room hotel, 200 service apartments a shopping centre, major departmental stores, swimming pools and international food courts.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2007/12/20/bus01.asp)

Sorry for the double posting

good work saraprobe thanks for new updates

Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005.

Structural construction of Park and Elibank Towers which forms Phase I of Havelock City has been completed to roof level. The car park and roof garden structure which forms a part of Phase 1 has also been completed. Installation of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Drainage and Fire Services systems are now in progress with approximately 20% of the work being already completed.

The next significant work segment would be the internal finishes of the apartments. Significant progress has already been made as regards the plastering of internal walls of the structure. Construction progress is currently as per schedule.

Piling works for Phase 2 of the project also commenced on 09th August 2007.
http://i16.tinypic.com/6z5obc9.jpghttp://i5.tinypic.com/6tby6ae.jpg

http://i18.tinypic.com/6t01y81.jpghttp://i11.tinypic.com/712mqs4.jpg
City + Sea View from Park Tower Level 20 & City View from Park Tower Level 20.

Excellent progress on Havelock city and thanks for gathering all the info saraprobe...

No worries man, country is first^^^^

wow really great view. and finally the commercial section is getting started !

The Overseas Realty (Ceylon ) PLC (ORCP) currently engaged in the 250 million dollar Havelock City condominium apartment project is to embark on similar construction projects in India and the Middle East as a Sri Lankan regional player.

The company will expand its business to areas such as land acquisition, development projects, and joint ventures focusing more on real estate related services including property management cleaning and security services in the near future, said ORCP Chief Executive Officer Dover in an interview with The Sunday Times FT recently. He said that the company plans to undertake condominium projects in Colombo suburban areas as well:banana:. It will also manage and maintain all residential towers at Havelock City for the benefit of residents in its apartments after the completion of the construction work. The unique feature of this project is that ORCP will manage all the residential towers for 10 years, he added.

The first phase of the project comprising two residential towers will be completed by June next year. Dover revealed that the Havelock City project will offer residents a one- stop residential living experience with parks, shopping malls, recreational areas, entertainment and commercial facilities. East China Architectural Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd. (ECADI) is the design consultant while Design Group Five International (Pvt) Ltd of Sri Lanka is the local architect and consultant. Fifty percent of the phase one apartment sales numbering over one hundred apartments has been secured. Havelock City includes 1080 luxury apartments for its residential complex. The commercial complex will comprise a 300-room hotel, 200 service apartments a shopping centre, major departmental stores, swimming pools and international food courts. Nine acres of land have been reserved for landscaping which incorporates cascading pools, and boulder gardens. The company plans to complete the whole project, which consists of residential towers and the commercial complex by 2011.

S Times (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/071230/FinancialTimes/ft322.html)

Shell gas has signed a mega LPG installation deal with Shanghai Construction Company which is the main contractor of the Havelock City Group.

Havelock City is the single largest mixed-use real estate development project to be undertaken in Sri Lanka. This is the single largest Piped Gas Project in Sri Lanka.

DN (http://www.dailynews.lk/2008/01/10/bus05.asp)

Have seen the website for Havelock City. If i didnt have to pay 100% tax as a foreigner would consider buying there, looks great.

March 27, 2008: The Board of Investment of Sri Lanka signed an agreement with Havelock City (Private) Limited. Mr. Dhammika Perera, Chairman / Director General, signed the Agreement on behalf of the BOI. Hon Dr. Sarath Amunugama, Minister of Enterprise Development and Investment Promotion formally presented the investor with the BOI Certificate of Registrations.

The agreement was signed for the construction of the “Commercial Complex”. The “Commercial Complex” is an investment of US $ 60 million sponsored by Overseas Reality (Ceylon) Limited and Mireka Capital Land Limited.

Remaz Ghouse, Chief Operating Officer of Overseas Reality (Ceylon) Limited
said “We finalised the design of the complex and will commence construction this year”. The venture expects to complete construction of the Commercial Complex by 2010.

He further stated that the Shopping Mall constructed within the first 3 floors of the Commercial Complex will be the largest Shopping Mall built in Colombo.

The complex located at Colombo 6 will have access from the Havelock Road. It contains more 500,000 square feet in area. The complex will include features such as Shopping Mall, Office Space, Multiplex Cinema, Individual Shops, Department Stores, International Food Court and Independent Parking Area.
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:
Mr. H Z Cassim (Director) and Mr. Ralph D Lanerolle (Managing Director) signed the agreement on behalf of Havelock City Limited.

BOI (http://www.boi.lk/boi2005/view.asp?NewsID=3568&CatID=1)

Hello Lankan bros,

I was looking around for something and came across the renderings of the Havelock city project. It's designed by ECADI architects of China. I hope these renderings aren't obsolete and reflect the current plans.

project link on ECADI's website (http://www.ecadi.com/en/project_area_d.php?id=290)


Colombo 6, Sri Lanka

Client: MIREKA CAPITAL LAND(PRIVATE) LIMITED
Purpose: Apartment, Hotel, Commerc
Total Floor Area: 339,718m2
Major Structural Form: Frame Structure、Frame-support Shear Wall Structure
Major Exterior Finishing Materials: Granite, Coating, Aluminum Alloy Door & Window

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/7498/55539553xa7.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/1851/26175260qo8.jpg

Located in Wellawatta Mill, Colombo 6, Sri Lanka, Havelock City is adjacent to Havelock Road in the east and Kirillapone Canal in the north. This place is gathered with medium and high stratums.The project covers a total site area of 78,000m2 with the total planned floor area of 340,000m2. This project, consists of a 3-star hotel, an emporia and 8 high-grade apartments of 22-27 floors, which will be developed in 4 phases.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/155/41481577le5.jpg

The layout adopts courtyard form, providing nice living atmosphere with privacy.The building is in “Z” shape and the concepte is actuated by the fluctuating waves and the winding beach line.

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/6453/43560609mo5.jpg

http://img180.imageshack.us/img180/1164/19320101om3.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/6170/84501935oj3.jpg

Have seen the website for Havelock City. If i didnt have to pay 100% tax as a foreigner would consider buying there, looks great.

Appartments from 4th floor up you don't have to pay the 100% so start considering it!

http://i11.tinypic.com/4vn56kh.jpg

This site is awesome,

http://www.havelockcity.lk


hope everything goes well with this project....sri lanka is doing very well in real estate sector....definitely would like to see some more pictures when its done

Appartments from 4th floor up you don't have to pay the 100% so start considering it!

If I remember right the Havelock City developers got approval to waive the normal restrictions on foreigners buying apartments below the 4th floor. So anyone can pretty much buy any apartment. :)

The Havelock City development project, the biggest integrated residential and commercial development in Colombo, has progressed ``very satisfactorily’’ last year with half the available apartments in Phase 1 due to be completed by September already sold, its owners, Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORC) said in its annual report.

``Without any formal sales campaign, already 50% of the apartments available for sale had been sold out,’’ the ORC Annual Report said.

"It is likely the entirety of Phase I would be sold out by the time of its completion. There is market recognition of the uniqueness and the inherent value of investing in the apartment units of the Havelock City project."

Structural concrete work in the two towers completed two months ahead of schedule last October, the report said and mechanical and electrical works have already begun in the residential towers and car park areas and the first deliveries of architectural finish materials have begun to arrive on site.

"Final completion and handover of Phase I is scheduled for September, 2008," the report said.

The company reported that once again the current uncertain environment has adversely affected the property development sector and investments in housing and apartments. But they believed that this would be short-term in nature for two reasons.

"Firstly, given the current high inflation and volatile currency regime, investment in property and particularly in housing, would be one of the better investment choices available in the country.

"Secondly, housing is a basic necessity and as such, demand would continue to grow with increasing population and economic development."

ORC has seen this as true in the case of Phase I sales of the Havelock City project and the company was confident that as and when the other Phases come on stream, equal success can be achieved.

http://www.island.lk/2008/04/06/business3.html

:banana:

http://www.island.lk/2008/04/06/business3.html

Really good news. :banana:

Yep, CMB is coming along:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Superb, I was always sure about the success of this project, simply due to its sheer magnitude.......

The Havelock City site is just behind my house and I could see the phase one buildings. Last time I saw the site was in January when I went back home for holiday and it looked almost completed. I'm sure next time I head back, (which would be in July or so) I'd expect to see the first two towers done. No word on that bridge connecting Havelock City to Skelton road though. I didn't see any work being done on that project. Has it been scrapped? I'll take pictures of the phase one buildings next time I get back home and post them up for you guys.

They've updated their news section for the first time since '05 :lol:

Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005

Structural work of Park and Elibank Towers which forms Phase I of Havelock City has been completed to roof level. The car park and roof garden structure which forms a part of Phase 1 has also been completed.

75% of the installation work of Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Drainage and Fire Services systems in the Car Park areas has already been completed.

The next significant work elements in the two towers which are currently in progress are the Internal/External finishes, Building Services and External Works, out of which Internal Block Work and Plaster has already been completed.

Piling works for Phase 2 of the project has already been completed.

Construction progress is currently as per schedule

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/progress4.htm

And per schedule would mean August of this year. :)

Good, can't wait for the commercial Phase 2 to come up, mall, hotel etc.

Havelock City, Colombo’s landmark luxury residential and commercial complex, has been awarded a prestigious five star award for the ‘Best Development in Sri Lanka’ and a four star award for the ‘Best High Rise Development in Sri Lanka’ at the recently concluded Asia Pacific Property Awards 2008, held in association with CNBC networks worldwide, the promoters said.

The Asia Pacific Property Awards are the earliest established international property awards programme in the world and are open to residential property development professionals from any business based within the Asia Pacific region. Entries from around the world are judged by a panel of well-respected experts from various disciplines relating to the design, development and marketing of properties.

Havelock City is constructed on 16 acres of land and will include eight towers, each rising from 22 to 29 levels in height, surrounding a lush landscaped paradise. Phase One of the project, the Park and Elibank residential towers comprising 226 apartments, is nearing completion with 60% of the apartments already sold.

The project is developed under the leadership of Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd, a joint venture between Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC and Bank of Ceylon, the press release said. “There’s no doubt that winning this award and being recognized as the best in the country, is a matter of great pride and fulfillment to all of us, locally and internationally. Havelock City will bring internationally recognized standards of design and quality amenities to discerning homeowners in Sri Lanka,” said Remaz Ghouse, Deputy General Manager Marketing, Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/081005/FinancialTimes/ft326.html)

Awesome stuff keep it going...

Awesome stuff indeed.

I believe they have started constructing the bridge which connects to Skelton Road over the canal. I've noticed some heavy machinery working on both sides of the canal. I will try and get some pictures of the work.

Yeah, CMB's biggest development project is really taking shape now...

Havelock City wins two prestigious global awards

Havelock City is the proud recipient of two prestigious global awards this year – a five star award for the Best Development in Sri Lanka and a four star award for the Best High Rise Development in Sri Lanka at the Asia Pacific Property Awards 2008 held in association with CNBC. This is the longest established international property awards programme in the world and is open to residential property professionals from any business based in or working within the Asia Pacific region.

Winning the award is an endorsement of the expertise and professionalism of the property developer, Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd.. The award is considered a benchmark of those who are raising standards by providing excellent skills and services, continually reaching new heights in property development in terms of quality and innovation. The International Property Awards are supported by many of the leading professional bodies working in the residential property industry.

“There’s no doubt that winning this award and being recognized as the best in the country is a matter of great pride nationally and internationally” enthused Mr Remaz Ghouse, Deputy General Manager Marketing Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/cbnc_award_01.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/cbnc_award_02.jpg

CNBC (http://www.propertyawards.net/ap/2008architecture.html)

looks like it is coming along well which is more than I can say about ocean view.

Yeah...I think Ocean View was just a massive bluff...what a fake it was...havelock city will be another landmark project in Sri Lanka...

ya i think ocean view is no more...even the big signboard next to its construction site has been taken off...pity though, would have been great!

ya i think ocean view is no more...even the big signboard next to its construction site has been taken off...pity though, would have been great!

lol looks like Ocean View is selling their website too

http://apartmentslanka.com/

(This is what it used to be http://apartmentslanka.com/index.php )

Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005

The superstructure work of phase1 namely Park tower and Elibank tower is complete.

A majority of the internal and Architectural finishes for Phase 1 is also complete. This includes work relating to internal painting, ceilings, wall and floor linings, pantry fixtures/wardrobes, plumbing/sanitary fixtures, electrical, air-conditioning works etc. All glazing works such as windows are currently being put in place.

As the external tower walls are being painted and removal of scaffolding and netting is in progress

The construction of the Link Bridge to Skelton Road has commenced and piling work has already been completed. Work is expected to progress expeditiously. This bridge which spans 117 feet would be an elegant structure providing main access to Havelock City Residential from Skelton Road.

Work on Electrical Sub-station and Sewer/Waste water Pump House is in progress.

http://i36.tinypic.com/zvr2fc.jpg
http://i38.tinypic.com/2rcmses.jpg
http://i35.tinypic.com/izyjpu.jpg
Skelton Road Link Bridge Under Construction
^^^^^^^^^^^^

The view from my backyard :nuts:
http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00762.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00756.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00754.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00755.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00757.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00758.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00760.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00759.jpg

http://i21.photobucket.com/albums/b256/pakaya/DSC00761.jpg

call me a pessimistic...but i really feel like something's wrong with it...either its the colour or its the designs in the walls, it can be seen nicely in the 3rd and 4th pic above! just my view but anyway this project is just wonderful news!!:) what do u guys think?

call me a pessimistic...but i really feel like something's wrong with it...either its the colour or its the designs in the walls, it can be seen nicely in the 3rd and 4th pic above! just my view but anyway this project is just wonderful news!!:) what do u guys think?

it's, so basically saying u are living next to the future biggest mall in CMB:cheers:

thanks for the pics, pilotofthefuture.. great effort !

the building however although posh looks too gray to me. :(

^^ No problem bro, always glad to help out.

so basically saying u are living next to the future biggest mall in CMB:cheers:

Well.. hopefully it'll help push real-estate prices in my area up :lol:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_003.jpg
Early construction stages of the Havelock City Bridge of the Havelock City Project
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_006.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_007.jpg

Photos Copyright : Rehman Abubakr
source : http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_003.jpg

Looks very interesting...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/34/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_003.jpg
Early construction stages of the Havelock City Bridge of the Havelock City Project
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/57/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_006.jpg
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/ca/Havelock_City%2C_Sri_Lanka%2C_007.jpg

Dear Saraprobe,
In case you havent noticed, these images that you have posted are under my licence (i own them). According to wikipedia policy, you are violating copyright laws unless you properly credit them. I hope you understand. Have a nice day.

^^ I have credited the photos to the photographer. Thanks for pointing out and welcome to the forum :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3494401010_ea6f6fd9a2.jpg?v=0

^^^^^^wow:banana:

It looks pretty much same as their design doesn't it?

Yeah, but I want the full thing, with the mega mall, 5-star hotel etc. etc. this would really change life in CMB...

Yeah, but I want the full thing, with the mega mall, 5-star hotel etc. etc. this would really change life in CMB...

Absolutely, It ll give a new kick^^

^^ I have credited the photos to the photographer. Thanks for pointing out and welcome to the forum :)

Thank you for that edit and the welcoming. Am not here much actually; just joined for that comment. I saw those photos posted here when i just "googled" the building title. Cheers.

Thank you for that edit and the welcoming. Am not here much actually; just joined for that comment. I saw those photos posted here when i just "googled" the building title. Cheers.

your welcome. And since you are interested in photography and constructions I hope you will participate more here.. its always nice to get more enthusiastic forumers here :)

http://i43.tinypic.com/x40opd.jpg

http://i43.tinypic.com/x40opd.jpg

:banana:

sorry for double post

:banana:

Awesome dude, looks fantastic^^^^

thanks man........

Construction of Phase 1 commenced on 14 December, 2005

Construction work of Park and Elibank Towers are now nearing completion.

Internal works, facades and architectural finishes on the two towers have been completed. Tiling and finishing works at lobby levels are in progress. Work on the driveways too have commenced and are expected to be completed shortly. All scaffolding and external safety netting has now been removed.

Work on the roof garden will commence shortly with foliage and trees already been brought to the site for landscaping of the roof deck. The garden, the first of its kind in the region, will have large trees, indigenous plants, walkways, water features and pools to provide the residents a feeling of peace and tranquility.

The bridge at Skelton road is also nearing completion with the span across the canal already been constructed. The bridge which spans 117 feet would be an elegant structure providing access to Havelock City residential from Skelton road.

The show flat has been completed although access to it is restricted currently due to construction work being carried out on the rest of the project.



http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_04_29.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_04_29_02.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_04_29_03.jpg


http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/progress4.htm

It looks lovely, I truly hope that they will commence with stage 2 now that the war is over...I'm sure the commercial complex will be of splendid quality and the apartments will probably also live up to high expectations set by buyers, who trust in the developers of the WTC...the clock is ticking...

http://www.dailymirror.lk/DM_BLOG/ArticleImages/vmt53f55cjdrgx553sjojs55_Havelock%20City%20_%204.jpg
Thick black smoke is seen here emanating this evening from the vicinity of an apartment complex being constructed in Colombo. The smoke was not a result of a terrorist attack but came from some pipelines which caught fire.

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2668/133/54/42322186045/n42322186045_1970371_5745720.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2668/133/54/42322186045/n42322186045_1970378_638849.jpg
http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2668/133/54/42322186045/n42322186045_1970290_6230414.jpg

Does anybody know whats happening with "Diamond Tower" in Darley Road which was suppose to be the tallest building in Sri Lanka. Have they started the project?

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_07_31.jpg

Construction work of Park and Elibank Towers are now nearing completion with substantial work already completed. We have already commenced testing and commissioning work of electrical and mechanical systems to facilitate handover. A major part of the external infrastructure work has already been completed.

Work on the roof garden is progressing at rapid pace with foliage and earth mounds being worked on. The garden, the first of its kind in the region, will have large trees, indigenous plants, walkways, a water feature to provide the residents a feeling of peace and tranquility. Approximately 40% of the garden which includes landscape structure works has been completed.

The main Structure of Bridge at Skelton road has been completed and approaches are being constructed. The bridge which spans 117 feet would be an elegant structure providing access to Havelock City residential from Skelton road. Painting and illumination would commence shortly to complete this structure.

The show flats have been completed although access to it is restricted temporarily due to construction work being carried out on the rest of the project
http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_07_31_02.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/newsPages/images/progress_09_07_31_03.jpg

Looks nice...hope the next stage comes up as planned as well...

Sri Lanka Telecom, the nation’s number one integrated communications service provider has entered into a landmark agreement with the Havelock City project, which is the flagship multi-tower residential and commercial real estate development project undertaken in Sri Lanka. The agreement was signed by Ms Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson of Sri Lanka Telecom and H Z Cassim, Director of Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Ltd. This agreement signifies SLT’s commitment to connect the Havelock City with the latest fiber optic connections extending SLT broadband network to all residents catering to their communication requirements. This new commitment would provide infrastructure facilities to provide triple play services such as voice, data, and video and also ensure mobile connectivity within the premises through its fully owned subsidiary Mobitel (Pvt) Ltd.

With the signing of this agreement, the Havelock City apartment owners will be able to enjoy a ‘digital’ lifestyle offered via the cream of today’s broadband technology. The Havelock City, located along Havelock Road is the largest residential-cum-commercial project to be undertaken in Sri Lanka to provide potential residents a true "City within a City" concept.

Ralph De Lanerolle, Managing Director of Mireka Capital Land, speaking at the signing ceremony said that, "the development at the Havelock City will provide residents with the state-of- the-art communication and entertainment facilities. Havelock City will be one of the few developments projects in Colombo to be equipped with the latest technology providing enhanced communication infrastructure and facilities which are on par with global standards. I’m fully confident that with SLT’s support, we can offer guaranteed services to our apartment owners with a basket of value added features".

Ms. Leisha De Silva Chandrasena, Chairperson of SLT, commenting on this special occasion said, "We are extremely happy to be the preferred communication service provider for this flagship project. We have provided fiber connectivity with network resiliencies to the Havelock City covering the two towers in the first phase of the project".

Island (http://www.island.lk/2009/08/14/business9.html')

Nice move, just keep going...

From Flickr:

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h78/premchand/3810210472_6c387e99f6.jpg

Havelock towers in the background

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_11.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_21.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_16.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_15.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_14.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_17.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_19.jpg
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_10.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_07.png
http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_05.png

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/gallery/inner_04.png


Courtesy of www.havelockcity.lk

Looks awesome...

oh wow... awesome indeed! I want one.. lol

nice looking interiors indeed. :)

wow..srilanka..colombo city will be the best in asia

Every single item in that house is from Ikea 2009 catalog.

Still very tastefully done.

Every single item in that house is from Ikea 2009 catalog.

Still very tastefully done.

seriously? I didnt know they had Ikea in Sri Lanka

probably import

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h78/premchand/Untitled1.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h78/premchand/Untitled2-4.jpg

(source-Flickr images of sri lanka)

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h78/premchand/Untitled1.jpg

http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h78/premchand/Untitled2-4.jpg

(source-Flickr images of sri lanka)

Looks awesome, it ll be a nice addition to the city

good buildings good view good decorations ........... it's beautiful

its a good project. Although 1 or 2 such projects aren't enough by even a long shot - am pretty sure with the LTTE on the wane - Sri Lanka has the capacity for much much more. I've seen the frentic pace with which China and India are galloping (both have changed so much since I last visited - its unbelievable) - but these nations need bulwarks like Sri Lanka and Taiwan to prosper for the region as a whole to develop through and through.

Lots of other Condo projects has been canceled. Diamond tower 60 story and suchirNeb 70 floor+ 30 floor was also delayed and 4 or 5 other 30+ story buildings have been delayed due to lack of investment:(

Any update on Havelock City??

Property Drive 19 May, 2010 11:08:12

Sri Lanka Overseas Realty starts expansion drive

May 19, 2010 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's Overseas Realty Ceylon, a unit of Singapore's Shing Kwan group, is pushing ahead with Colombo's largest property project amid renewed buying interest in apartments after the end of a 30-year war.
Overseas Realty owns Colombo's World Trade Centre building which houses the Colombo Stock Exchange and is jointly developing Havelock City, an 18-acre block of land with state-run Bank of Ceylon.

Movement

"I would not say property prices are moving up as such, but certainly from the perspective of our company we are seeing significant increase in interest in rentals at the World Trade Centre," says Thilan Wijesinghe, managing director of the group.

"We have also seen a significant increase in apartment sales in comparison with the same period last year."

Havelock City has started work on a third apartment block, with sales of around 70 percent out of 226 apartments in the first two towers the firm is building being completed. The first two towers had cost about 25 million US dollars.

Sri Lanka's property market is recovering from a downturn triggered by a balance of payments crisis, high interest rates and an intensifying war at home amid a global downturn which reduced demand from the Sri Lankan diaspora for Colombo apartments.

The war and Sri Lanka's balance of payments crisis ended in mid-2009.

Source: http://www.lankabusinessonline.com/fullstory.php?nid=2075442329

Good news, are the planned commercial aspects of the project, like: the shopping mall, hotel etc. going ahead as well or will these only be considered once all the apartments are sold? Any updates in this regard would be greatly appreciated...

@phil... no idea to be honest. Here is another article I came across. It seems as they are only starting the third tower and their silence on the commercial centre section seems likely that it isn't underway (speculation) yet... especially considering similar projects in the past:

Renewed interest in Sri Lanka is driving Colombo’s largest property project.
by Andrew Batt

Sri Lanka´s Overseas Realty Ceylon, a unit of Singapore´s Shing Kwan group, is pushing ahead with Colombo´s largest property project amid renewed buying interest in apartments after the end of a 30-year war.

Overseas Realty owns Colombo´s World Trade Centre building which houses the Colombo Stock Exchange and is jointly developing Havelock City, an 18-acre block of land with state-run Bank of Ceylon.

“I would not say property prices are moving up as such, but certainly from the perspective of our company we are seeing significant increase in interest in rentals at the World Trade
Centre,” said Thilan Wijesinghe, managing director of the group.

“We have also seen a significant increase in apartment sales in comparison with the same period last year.”

Havelock City has started work on a third apartment block, with sales of around 70 per cent out of 226 apartments in the first two towers the firm is building being completed. The first two towers had cost about US$25 million.

Sri Lanka´s property market is recovering from a downturn triggered by a balance of payments crisis, high interest rates and an intensifying war at home amid a global downturn which reduced demand from the Sri Lankan diaspora for Colombo apartments.

The war and Sri Lanka´s balance of payments crisis ended in mid-2009.

Wijesinghe says credit conditions remain weak, especially in the U.K. from where most of the demand for Sri Lankan apartments had come, but there was an “adequate pool,” of customers who
can spend US$300,000 without borrowing including in Sri Lanka.

“At the moment most of the demand has been coming from locals," said Wijesinghe.

“But as the emerging economic scenario establishes itself and the diaspora understands the opportunities that are available in this country I expect as much as 50 per cent of my demand to come from the Sri Lankan diaspora overseas.”

Wijesinghe estimates that in the lower end apartment market of below 20 million rupees (US$176,000), there is an estimated glut of about 1,500 apartments.

Havelock City plays in the 30 million rupees per unit upward niche - the upper middle level in Sri Lanka´s apartment market - and believes it has an edge over other developers.

“It is located on the largest contiguous block of land in Colombo,” said Wijesinghe. “It has three acres of landscaped gardens, which no other project can offer. Our unique selling proposition is that we are the only development that will provide you with a large extent of landscaped gardens. There is no other development in Colombo that will give you eight acres of landscaped gardens.

“Whereas every other development you would come across would be just a small plot of land on which they´ve built several dozen apartments.

“So the glut is consequent to the fact that developers have not understood positioning and developed certain unique aspects of the properties to enhance marketability.”

Piling has started on a third apartment block to continue residential development of Havelock City. In the March 2010 quarter the company reported 134 million rupees from apartment sales.

This is lower than 194 million rupees a year earlier, but the firm says the revenue recognition policy has been changed. In the March quarter rental income was flat at 172 million rupees.

Overseas Realty has just engaged architect Murad Ismail to design a 250 million rupee clubhouse. Commercial development of Havelock City, which adds to recurrent revenues of Overseas Realty, is now in planning stage.

“Through Havelock City we will be in part developing recurrent income through a commercial complex which is now in the design stage,” said Wijesinghe.

“And apartment income which is not necessarily recurrent but will be recurrent over the next four to five years as we fully roll out Havelock City.”

Wijesinghe said S P Tao, the founder of the Shing Kwan group, is positive about the prospects for the country and will back the firm as it looks for new opportunities.

“The genes from our company starting from S P Tao we will stick to property,” he said. “We will diversify our source of recurring and non-recurrent incomes. Different types of developments not limited to Colombo as well.”

Also these units are very expensive to rent. http://www.lankapropertyweb.com/rentals/property_details-12419.html might have inflated prices but £605 a week is a lot to pay for a 2 B/R apartment in Colombo. I suspect the nature of living in one of these high-rise units leads to overvaluation of apartments in Colombo?

I got the price details for 'Park Tower' and 'Elibank Tower' .

Size Square Area Listed Price Range US$
01 Bedroom 990 sq. ft. 204,000-240,000/-
02 Bedroom 1,200 sq. ft. 247,000-293,000/-
03 Bedroom 1,500 sq. ft. 293,000-324,000/-
04 Bedroom 2,100 sq. ft. 419,000-464,000/-

I don't know what the construction cost per unit for these apartments. I dont think even the construction company is certain about the final project .i.e. How many towers, shops, hotels etc. Considering all these factors I feel these apartments are highly over valued.

I got the price details for 'Park Tower' and 'Elibank Tower' .

Size Square Area Listed Price Range US$
01 Bedroom 990 sq. ft. 204,000-240,000/-
02 Bedroom 1,200 sq. ft. 247,000-293,000/-
03 Bedroom 1,500 sq. ft. 293,000-324,000/-
04 Bedroom 2,100 sq. ft. 419,000-464,000/-

I don't know what the construction cost per unit for these apartments. I dont think even the construction company is certain about the final project .i.e. How many towers, shops, hotels etc. Considering all these factors I feel these apartments are highly over valued.

Thanks... was wondering about the pricing. I think the Crescat area apartments are probably better value given their location next to the shops and hotels.

Thanks... was wondering about the pricing. I think the Crescat area apartments are probably better value given their location next to the shops and hotels.

Yes I agree with that!! The prizes of the apartments around galle face are around the same margin..

I got the price details for 'Park Tower' and 'Elibank Tower' .

Size Square Area Listed Price Range US$
01 Bedroom 990 sq. ft. 204,000-240,000/-
02 Bedroom 1,200 sq. ft. 247,000-293,000/-
03 Bedroom 1,500 sq. ft. 293,000-324,000/-
04 Bedroom 2,100 sq. ft. 419,000-464,000/-

I don't know what the construction cost per unit for these apartments. I dont think even the construction company is certain about the final project .i.e. How many towers, shops, hotels etc. Considering all these factors I feel these apartments are highly over valued.

Thanks... was wondering about the pricing. I think the Crescat area apartments are probably better value given their location next to the shops and hotels.



These are the prices (starting prices - for apartments in lower storeys) for 2 bed-roomed and 3 bed-roomed apartments of "The Emperor" coming up at Crescat City. The project is scheduled to be completed by April, 2011.

2 Bed-Roomed Units

1094 sq. ft. - 231,682$
1119 sq. ft. - 236,970$
1282 sq. ft. - 271,495$
1551 sq. ft. - 328,463$

3 Bed-Roomed Units

1629 sq. ft. - 344,982$
1668 sq. ft. - 353,240$
1854 sq. ft. - 392,630$

How much progress has been made on the building? Pictures too, would be great (hard for me to obtain, given where I live). I've been following this development for ages and it looks brilliant

http://www.businesstoday.lk/cpanel/uploader/1759/SLT%20connects%20landmark.jpg.JPEG
Utilizing a part of an Rs.4.2 billion rights issue, Sri Lankan developer, Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Ltd (ORCL), a unit of Singapore's Shing Kwan group, will soon begin work on the second phase of the Havelock City, a commercial complex including a retail mall estimated to cost Rs. 8 billion.:cheers:

This complex will be built in a 400,000 square feet area which is seven times bigger than Majestic City, ORCL CEO, W. Don Barnabas said. The company this week said it was raising Rs.4.2 billion in a 1-for-2 rights issue at Rs 15 a share by issuing 281 million shares. The issue is for the compulsory redemption of non-convertible cumulative redeemable preference shares issued to Shing Kwan Investment (Singapore), part of the Shing Kwan group, its main shareholder, and to meet working capital needs of planned projects.

The money will not be used to repay the shareholders loan taken from the parent company in Singapore, for the first phase of the Havelock City project comprising two residential towers of 226 units, covered parking for 520 vehicles and approximately two acres of landscaped gardens, he added. Around 65% of apartments in the first two towers have been sold. "Revenue from apartment sales in 2009 was Rs.1.2 billion, a 106% increase over the previous year," he said. The majority of buyers are locals and Sri Lankan expatriates from UK, USA and European countries. A British couple was among some overseas buyers who expressed keenness to invest in Sri Lankan property. Havelock City is on 18 acres of prime land in Colombo.

Mr. Barnabas noted that the rights issue was ratified by the overseas directors of the company who visited the island last week. He revealed that directors of Shing Kwan Investment expressed willingness to invest in Havelock city commercial complex project and several other property development projects in the city of Colombo as Sri Lanka's property market is recovering after the war. He pointed out that sales of new apartments in the project and occupancy at its existing World Trade Center (WTC) building have begun to pick up after slumping last year owing to global recession and ethnic strife. He declined to comment on the recent decision by ORCL Managing Director Thilan Wijesinghe to resign from the company.

ST (http://www.sundaytimes.lk/100829/BusinessTimes/bt33.html)

If I am not mistaken phase II includes a hotel, shopping complex and twin towers^^

Yeah I think you're right Saraprobe...if this goes ahead, Colombo will finally move on step further when it comes to Shopping and Entertainment! Hope there is no further delay!

Look how many condo projects has been shelved, put on hold or canceled. lets hope at least this one lasts

Look how many condo projects has been shelved, put on hold or canceled. lets hope at least this one lasts


Slowly they are moving ahead, this will surely go ahead since the project is backed by BOC!

I think this started somewhere in 2002 it took 8 years to complete the 1st Phase! 3 more Phases plus the commercial area, GOM judgin by the speed of things that could be 32 more years!! Every phase of hambantota port will be completed by then.. for a private venture the speed of things is very dissapointing!

I think this started somewhere in 2002 it took 8 years to complete the 1st Phase! 3 more Phases plus the commercial area, GOM judgin by the speed of things that could be 32 more years!! Every phase of hambantota port will be completed by then.. for a private venture the speed of things is very dissapointing!

construction started in 2006 (Dec 14th 05) not that disappointing

construction started in 2006 (Dec 14th 05) not that disappointing

Ground Breaking Ceremony - May 18, 2004

Ref: http://www.havelockcity.lk/nae.htm

It seems like this has been under construction forever! but 2004, thats not too bad I suppose....

In Havelock city, their monthly service charge is LKR 15,000, where as Trillium charges only LKR 12,000. & since HC management continues to be in charge for the next 10 years, & with the upcoming phases, they might increase that even more.
Also I heard that there was some problem in the management some times back. Hope things are back to normal now. However, their sales are slow compared to other projects.

That service charge is hardly anything, in most housing schemes like Lotus Grove and The Villa run by Ceylinco the service charge is close to LKR 20,000.- but if you can afford a high-end apartment, what is a $30 difference in service charge...

http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/main%282%29.jpg


Iconic World Trade Centre, Colombo promoter Singapore’s S.P. Tao in town next week to unveil final stages of Havelock City

Chairman of Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, S.P. Tao will be in Colombo in the first week of December to present the designs for the final phases of the Havelock City project.
Chairman Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC, S.P. Tao

This presentation is envisaged to include development plans for the remaining six residential towers, the Clubhouse, Sri Lanka’s largest and most modern shopping mall as well as plans for office towers and a hotel. As anticipated, after completion, Havelock City will change Colombo’s skyline unlike any other development project which has been undertaken to date.
This internationally-known real estate developer, which heads Singapore’s Shing Kwan Group, is the majority investor of Overseas Realty, with a wide range of large real estate developments within its portfolio internationally. These include Marina Square and the Gateway Building in Singapore, the Shanghai Mart in Shanghai, China and the World Trade Center in Jakarta.
Overseas Realty is the single largest foreign investor in Sri Lanka with its investment in Colombo’s iconic World Trade Center and now Havelock City. Havelock City is being developed on the single largest cleared site in Colombo spanning over 19 acres and consists of both commercial as well as residential components.
Phase One of Havelock City comprising Park and Elibank Towers is already complete, with a majority of the 226 apartments sold and residents already in occupation.
With this success, the remainder of the Havelock City project now gets underway, making the ‘city within a city’ concept a reality.


Ft (http://www.ft.lk/2010/11/26/trailblazer-to-return/)

Singapore property tycoon and Chairman of Overseas Realty Ceylon Plc S.P. Tao (centre), Senior Minister Dr. Sarath Amunugama (right) and Overseas Realty Deputy Chairman H.Z. Cassim share a hearty smile at the ceremony to mark the commissioning of the final phase of US$ 350 million Havelock City in Colombo 6 yesterday
http://www.ft.lk/wp-content/uploads/file/32_main_LL.jpg

The foreign trailblazer of Colombo’s skyline S.P. Tao though 94 years old is still passionate about Sri Lanka and confident of greater prosperity in post-war era.
Having built the iconic World Trade Centre Echelon Square midst war as well as embarking on a further mega commercial and residential project via Havelock City, Tao has stood firm on Sri Lanka.Despite his old age and health conditions, he was flown down from Singapore to personally see the commissioning of the last phase of the Havelock City.
“The investment for the project was never a question, only the commercial viability of the project was at stake. Now that things are getting back to normal and with Sri Lanka poised to achieve economic prosperity, the project will be a significant one waving in other investors to follow my footsteps,” Tao said during the ceremony yesterday.
“The nature and scale of development would be similar to those in Hong Kong and Singapore,” he added.
“The peace that we now experience and the strong and stable government providing the leadership for fast tracking development of the country is a strong signal that the time is more appropriate for us to realise our property development potential of Sri Lanka and be ready.
What we now see is tremendous opportunity for urbanisation of cities which will naturally add fillip to the real estate business,” Tao emphasised.
“In three years, you will see the change in Colombo’s skyline,” he claimed adding, “but it is not just the skyline that will change. The way of life for Colombo city will also change, going with the tagline ‘city within a city’ the project with its new concepts and designs for urban living will transform lifestyles and lives and create for Sri Lanka what it has never experienced before.”
Tao who has been a friend of Sri Lanka ever since 1941 when he visited the island for rest and recreation said that he “fell in love with the country ever since then. I stayed at Mount Lavinia and ever since then Sri Lanka has always stayed closer to my heart.”
On the project he said, “It is not just business for me; it gives a personal feeling of contentment to see this project coming into life.”
Senior Minister for International Monetary Cooperation Dr. Sarath Amunugama who was also present at the event thanked Tao for “giving Sri Lanka this magnificent gift which will be well fitted in the growth the country is now expecting.” Claiming that Tao was one of the greatest friends of Sri Lanka and a true visionary investor, the Minister praised him for investing in Sri Lanka even when others were not optimistic in the country.
“In the economic growth envisaged for Sri Lanka there is a role for big mega projects as they could be game changers for Sri Lanka. The Havelock City project will likely be the biggest game changer for Sri Lanka and would take Sri Lanka from a middle grade country to one which could successfully compete in the world arena,” Amunugama said. Such projects would add to the image Sri Lanka is looking to create in the global market as a successful investment opportunity.
********************
To be completed by 2013:nuts::nuts: only 24-36months:nuts:
:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Well this is a remarkable project. Investing in one of these apartments worth it as it looks onto a golf course and the lush garden in the midst of it is a bargain.

Singapore investor to launch the second phase of Havelock City in Sri Lanka
(http://www.property-report.com/site/singapore-investor-to-launch-the-second-phase-of-havelock-city-in-sri-lanka-10550)

Singapore investor S P Tao has launched the second phase of its mixed use development Havelock City in the heart of Colombo in Sri Lanka.

Located on a 17-acre prime land within the Colombo City, the US$350 million Havelock City is a joint venture between the owner of World Trade Centre, Colombo – Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC and the Bank of Ceylon. It’s the single largest real estate investment project to be completed by 2013.

According to the ORC’s chairman Tao, the first residential phase comprising 226 apartments on 22 levels is now complete with 65 per cent of it has been sold.

As reported in The Sunday Times Sri Lanka, the residential development has been divided into three phases, which would comprise six towers of between 22 and 29 storeys housing around 800 exclusive apartments. In addition, a 25-storey commercial tower, covering an area of 500,000 sq ft, will also built to integrate the largest and most modern shopping mall, offices and hotel with the Sama Viharaya integrated into its forecourt at street level.

When completed there would be eight apartment towers consisting a total of 1,080 apartment units.

“In three years, Colombo’s skyline will change. It will be simply not the skyline that will change, but the way of life for Colombo that will also change. Havelock City is our prime focus and what we see now is opportunity for urbanisation of cities which will naturally add fillip to our business,” said Tao.

These freehold apartments are available for sale at prices ranging from RS20 million (US$180,310) to RS40 million (US$360,620), while the rentals range between US$1,000 to US$2,500 per month.


http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/1700/havelockcity.jpg

Massive US $ 350m Havelock City project construction begins

Post-war foreign investment in Sri Lanka, which is fast picking up in transforming the country economically, saw the biggest to date in a US $ 350 million rupee investment in the Havelock City Club House which will be the largest such entity in Sri Lanka to be completed by October 2012.

http://www.thebottomline.lk/2011/08/07/page11.html

do u see any ground reality as the URL doesn't speak much as Pravir is a sitting duck...get the commercial wing kick started and this will automatically create an interest for the condos..

http://island.lk/modules/modPublication/article_title_images/3940925331.jpg
The developers of Havelock City, one of Colombo’s plushest new residential condominiums where 226 units in two towers have been almost sold out and two more residential towers are under construction, are gearing to begin building an up-market shopping mall and office accommodation with construction due to begin next year.

:cheers:’ Mr. Pravir Samarasinghe, CEO of Overseas Realty, leading the development said. ``It will be something like what you see in Singapore at present.’’

Samarasinghe said that slightly over 25% of the new residential complex, also comprising two towers, has already been sold. This property is being marketed at USD 200 a square foot against the USD 160 per square foot price at which the first two towers were sold three years ago.

He was confident that there will be takers for the shop and office space that is being developed, noting that the World Trade Center in Colombo Fort, owned by Overseas Realty, is currently enjoying 95 percent occupancy.

Given the pace of the country’s development, the expected influx of tourists and other positive features, there would be a great demand for both shop and office space by the time the new construction is completed, he said.

The owners said that ``shopping and entertainment as you know it is bound to change’’ with the completing of the country’s largest and most modern shopping mall.

Designed by internationally renowned architects, there will be six retail floors to provide a ``one-of-a-kind vibrant experience of shopping and entertainment,’’ the developers said.

High-end retail outlets and brands both local and international will be made available ranging from designer boutiques to department stores. Fashion, perfumeries, toys, household goods, supermarkets, electronics and appliances are just a few of what will be spread over the retail floors.

Fine or casual dining options will be available at the restaurants and food courts and a plush multiplex cinema will provide a host of different movies to choose from.

In creating a ‘city within a city’ spanning on 17 acres of prime land in the heart of Colombo, the mall is developed under the commercial wing of Havelock City. Apart from the shopping mall the commercial complex would also consist of two towers of office space on 20 levels each.

As the largest mixed development in Sri Lanka, Havelock City entails 1,080 luxury condominiums across eight residential towers. With the finalizing of the schematic designs, the shopping complex that is not second to any other upscale international mall will see construction begin in early 2012.

Samarasinghe affirmed that similar to WTC, still a decade ahead of its time and offerings and the only ‘intelligent’ building in the country, the new shopping mall too is designed to be ultramodern and a forerunner amidst Sri Lanka’s envisaged malls in the foreseeable future.

Similar to the WTC, the towers would offer world class office space, thus consolidating Overseas Realty as Sri Lanka’s largest office space provider. Three separate floors on the low block would be specifically designed to support BPO and IT enabled services; a fast developing sector in Sri Lanka.

"Hence the world class mall and the towers of office space have been designed taking into consideration the rapid economic expansion and the steadily increasing influx of tourists and investment in the country. Havelock City will directly help the government’s vision of making Colombo a renowned commercial and tourist city,’’ the developers said.


Island (http://island.lk/index.php?page_cat=article-details&page=article-details&code_title=39409)

http://www.havelockcity.lk/
they have relaunched the website

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/Launch_of_final_Phase_designs/lfpd1.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/facilities_img/fac_img3.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/facilities_img/fac_img4.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/facilities_img/fac_img5.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/facilities_img/fac_img1.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/facilities_img/fac_img2.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/gallery/galary1.php#!prettyPhoto

http://www.havelockcity.lk/news/news_and_events8.php

Any feedback from a current resident?

Can you spot Havelock City?

http://exploresrilanka.lk/wp-content/gallery/colombomyhome/11.jpg

Just bought an apartment in Phase 2. Researched the project a bit before buying. If anyone needs to find out anything about Havelock City may be able to help

In Havelock city, their monthly service charge is LKR 15,000, where as Trillium charges only LKR 12,000. & since HC management continues to be in charge for the next 10 years, & with the upcoming phases, they might increase that even more.
Also I heard that there was some problem in the management some times back. Hope things are back to normal now. However, their sales are slow compared to other projects.

Actually the service charge is Rs.18000 and not Rs.15000, and this is a total cheat out since buyers were told of this high charge at the time of purchase. Besides the sales agreement covers the servcie charge for the use of the club house and pool aas well, which is currently not available. Since the MC is controlled by a subsudiary of the developer they are taking an high handed approach contrary to the provisions of the CMA

Well this is a remarkable project. Investing in one of these apartments worth it as it looks onto a golf course and the lush garden in the midst of it is a bargain.


There is no golf course there

http://www.havelockcity.lk/news/news_and_events8.php

Any feedback from a current resident?


Here is a feed back received from a current resident

The good thing about the project is the architectural design is very good.

The negative list is very long and I will list them out for future purchasers of stage-2 ;

This is probably the only building in Colombo where the lifts do not reach the basement, so the residents have to park the car and then carry their luggage up or else leave the luggage at the entrance, park the car in the basement and then WALK up the take the luggage.

The lifts are cheap Chinese lifts and rattle like a local train and also fals very often. Hope stage-2 is different.

Generators have not been provided with automatic switch over, hence every time there is a power cut, the electricians have to manually switch the generator on, which takes some time.

The building has not been provided with a BMS system, everything is done manually.

Once a lightning struck and the lifts were not working for over a month until they brought down the spares. Don't know why the lightening arrestors are not functioning, may be they did not provide the loop type one.

Most of the fittings, switches, bulbs, fans etc. are all cheap Chinese stuff and are not working, and spares are not available locally.
The living room fan is a decorative item and provides no breeze.

Initially the bathrooms were not provided with bidet sprays, the residents had to fight with the management, fortunately when Thilan Wijesinghe was the CEO he made sure that this anomaly was rectifed which the others like were not willing to provide, saying we did not promise to give you a bidet spray

The developers have declared themselves the MC through a declaration in the S&P, there by depriving the owners and the actual members of the MC to decide their own representatives. Which is actually illegal, since this declaration is not binding on the MC, as this is done even before the MC is registered.

The Stage-1 residents were promised the swimming pool and club house which is stated in the S&P but only now after 2 years they have started constructing these facilities, but the residents are already paying Rs.18,000 monthly service charge. SO may be the service charge may increase once these facilities are completed. This is the highest of any apartment in Colombo.

In all other apartment complexes in Colombo the ancillary facilities are owned by the residents through the MC, in Havelock City the developers have retained the ownership of these facilities. Hence they can allow outsiders to use these facilities and earn an additional income at the same time charge the residents also by increasing the monthly service charges.

The balcony and window glass cannot be cleaned since the developers have not provided a gondola.

The security take a high handed attitude by not allowing kids to play in the garden and objecting to residents plucking flowers. The residents pay for the up keep of the garden. If kids are not allowed to play in the garden,why the hell would any one want to buy this apartment with a garden.

The stage-1 Chinese contractor has used cheap SS304 rated stainless steel for the handrails instead of the appropriate SS316, and all the common area handrails have been rusting.

Maintenance period is only 6 months and beyond that they do not do any maintenance.

The basement garbage storage room is not temperature controlled and hence stinking and infested with rodents and rats.

^^ Look like a freaking nightmare to be honest aren't the apartments in here well over 150laks? Well if it was me I would write to a paper and try to get someone to publish your complaint!

Terrible -Hopefully the newer aparments like the Emperor (crescat city) won't go that way.

Ohh boy terrible,,,,, how about if we get this posted on a national news paper??

as if all these were not enough to test the residents endurance they are charging Rs.4500 to issue a sticker to let you park your cars in the basement, while the S&P clearly states the cost of this sticker would be Rs.2500. The explanation given by developer- we have revised our rates.
There is ample extra car parking lots for visitors and for residents having a second car. Developer is charging Rs.1000 per month for each additional car. There is no other apartment complex in Colombo which charges monthly rentals for cars to be parked.
Many other developments issue such stickers free of cost. What is Rs.4500 when people have paid over Rs.30 Million for these apartments.

They have issued proximity cards but the entrance booms do not have long range readers, so every time some one comes in the boom has to be lifted up manually.

One would imagine an apartment complex of this standard would have an audio-video intercom, but they have only provided and audio intercom.

The residents are owners of the apartments, not prison inmates to be treated by the MC controlled by the developer, like they do with rules decided by themselves, that one cannot bring in goods/furniture etc after 5:00PM or on weekends.Now even some external workers brought in by residents to do minor repairs or even to attend to a computer problem at home cannot use the Skelton Road access. They decide all this themselves without even putting it to the council meeting for a decision.

Many apartments do not allow a second car so paying another Rs. 1000.00 to park your second car sounds fair to me, I lived in an apartment complex in Col 03 and there was no way to park a second vehicle there even if I was willing to pay for it.

Many apartments do not allow a second car so paying another Rs. 1000.00 to park your second car sounds fair to me, I lived in an apartment complex in Col 03 and there was no way to park a second vehicle there even if I was willing to pay for it.


Usually in apartments they do that to discourage residents from having a second car due to space restrictions. But at Havelock City they have car parking facility twice their requirement, and charging Rs.1000 per months does not solve any problem as there is adequate extra parking space available.
Also in apartments like Monarch and Emperor they have provided second and even third car parks o certain residents depending on the size of their aprtments

Having just bought an apartment in phase 2 I was horrified by Tallbuilders comments. So I sent them to Remaz Ghouse, the COO of Havelock City.
Remaz got back to me with the following responses

Tallbuilder: This is probably the only building in Colombo where the lifts do not reach the basement, so the residents have to park the car and then carry their luggage up or else leave the luggage at the entrance, park the car in the basement and then WALK up the take the luggage.
Remaz: Havelock City lifts are designed to start from the main lobby level. There are many other apartments in Colombo where lifts do not necessarily go to car park level. At Havelock City we have provided very convenient sheltered access to both car park levels leading from the main lift lobbies thus causing no inconvenience to residents. The main reason for not providing direct lift access to the car park is to enable our security personnel who have been deployed at the main lobbies of each tower on a 24/7 basis to monitor persons (resident or visitor) who get into the lifts to get the tower floors. This would ensure the highest level of security and exclusiveness.

Tallbuilder: The lifts are cheap Chinese lifts and rattle like a local train and also fails very often. Hope stage-2 is different.
Remaz: The lifts installed at Havelock City Phase 1 are OTIS and they are under a comprehensive maintenance contract with the maintenance contractor. As for the rattles, there are no such noises and any movement felt within the lift is due to high speed vertical movement. Whenever any abnormal movement, noise or rattle is experienced, the lift maintenance contractors are called in to make the necessary adjustments. The lifts rarely fail and but are taken off line for regular servicing as per a pre determined schedule.

Tallbuilder: Generators have not been provided with automatic switch over, hence every time there is a power cut, the electricians have to manually switch the generator on, which takes some time.
Remaz: the generators installed at Havelock City are on auto-change over which means that they come on automatically when CEB power fails. It takes a maximum of 40 seconds for the generator power to kick in and be supplied to the apartments. The 40 seconds or less is taken to ensure that after the generator starts, the power supplied by it is stabilized and do not have any erratic spikes before it provided to the apartments.

Tallbuilder: The building has not been provided with a BMS system, everything is done manually
Remaz: depending on requirements, equipment in the towers are fully automated. For instance, all lights are set on timer, all pumps turn on and off automatically, generator is set to auto-changeover, a fully functioning CCTV system with digital video recorders are used and monitored by security, the fire alarm is fully automated and addressable. A BMS system does the same functions but costs much more to maintain. With the required systems in place and fully functioning as needed, there is no need for a separate BMS system.

Tallbuilder:Once a lightning struck and the lifts were not working for over a month until they brought down the spares. Don't know why the lightening arrestors are not functioning, may be they did not provide the loop type one – Remaz: Havelock City is fitted with a fully operational lightning protection system. However, given that some of the lift components are extremely sensitive, on one occasion there was a malfunction of a circuit board in one of the lifts. The lift was stopped for a couple of days until the contractor identified the malfunction and the part was replaced.

Tallbuilder: Most of the fittings, switches, bulbs, fans etc. are all cheap Chinese stuff and are not working, and spares are not available locally.
The living room fan is a decorative item and provides no breeze.
Remaz: The fittings provided are used most occupants without any defect or malfunction. Some fittings are not locally available as they were imported. Nevertheless, we have found alternative fittings which are very similar to what has been originally provided should there be any need for replacement.

Tallbuilder: Initially the bathrooms were not provided with bidet sprays, the residents had to fight with the management, fortunately when Thilan Wijesinghe was the CEO he made sure that this anomaly was rectifed which the others like were not willing to provide, saying we did not promise to give you a bidet spray.
Remaz: The bidet spray was not a part of the original design. However, after we received feedback from purchasers, a decision was made to provide them at the developer’s cost.

Tallbuilder: The developers have declared themselves the MC through a declaration in the S&P, there by depriving the owners and the actual members of the MC to decide their own representatives. Which is actually illegal, since this declaration is not binding on the MC, as this is done even before the MC is registered.
Remaz: The Management Council has representation from the developer as well as owners of Havelock City. At the time of the last Annual General Meeting, there were many owners who had not got their Transfer Deeds Executed and therefore could not be elected to council. Technically, all apartments not transferred to the rightful owner remains with the developer. Therefore, the developer had to have representation in the absence of legal owners to have a fully operational council.

Tallbuilder: The Stage-1 residents were promised the swimming pool and club house which is stated in the S&P but only now after 2 years they have started constructing these facilities, but the residents are already paying Rs.18,000 monthly service charge. SO may be the service charge may increase once these facilities are completed. This is the highest of any apartment in Colombo.
Remaz:The service charge applicable to owners at Havelock City is comparable to that which is being charged by other condominiums that are of a similar standard. This is not withstanding the fact that we have a much larger surface area, a two acre roof garden and many other features compared to other developments. We have also maintained service charge static since the first day the Management Corporation was formed despite general inflation, escalation of maintenance costs by external contractors, increase in general labour costs, increase in electricity tariffs etc.

Tallbuilder: In all other apartment complexes in Colombo the ancillary facilities are owned by the residents through the MC, in Havelock City the developers have retained the ownership of these facilities. Hence they can allow outsiders to use these facilities and earn an additional income at the same time charge the residents also by increasing the monthly service charges.
Remaz: Havelock City is a registered condominium with the Condominium Management Authority. At approval stage, the authority reviewed all plans in detail including facilities provided prior to granting approval. As Havelock City is Sri Lanka’s largest phased development, certain facilities such as the clubhouse has been maintained as a common element to be enjoyed by the residents of all phases without providing its exclusive use to any particular phase. Therefore, through initial design and land demarcation, the developer maintained ownership of the clubhouse as there was no other legal entity who could retains its ownership. It is not the intention of the developer to retain ownership of such facilities to enable the use of this by third parties.

Tallbuilder: The balcony and window glass cannot be cleaned since the developers have not provided a gondola.
Remaz: With modern construction and maintenance technology, there is no specific need to provide an external gondola system to clean the facades of the towers. There are alternative methods which have been adopted internationally to clean high rise buildings that we could use. The only reason why the cleaning has not been proceeded with is because with the ongoing construction of Phase 2 the windows would get dirty once again making the funds spent in the cleaning exercise a waste. The windows would be cleaned when it is most appropriate to do so.

Tallbuilder: The security take a high handed attitude by not allowing kids to play in the garden and objecting to residents plucking flowers. The residents pay for the up keep of the garden. If kids are not allowed to play in the garden,why the hell would any one want to buy this apartment with a garden.
Remaz: Once completed, Havelock City would have all the necessary facilities and amenities including children’s play areas etc. The current phase of Havelock City is not designed for children to play cricket, football etc. We also must note that in addition to children wanting to use the roof garden, there are many other residents including older people, mothers with babies and other residents who use the garden for recreational purposes. If sports such as cricket and football is played, there is a possibility that other users may be injured by such activities. Further, the way the garden is designed, these particular sports would damage plants and light fitting which would then have to be replaced using funds of the Management Corporation. It is for this reason that such rigorous sports activities are discouraged. Having said that there is no restriction in children running around and playing in the garden that would not harm persons or property.
The general rule is that whatever the fixtures, fittings, gardens, foliage etc in the common areas are not to be damaged, cut, plucked or removed from the common area. These features are to be left and maintained for the enjoyment of all residents and not for particular segment of residents. That is why plucking of flowers or fruit from any part of the common area is not permitted.
Security implementing the rules and by-laws of the Management Corporation should not be interpreted as them taking a high handed approach. They have been instructed to enforce the by-laws that is currently in place by the Managing Agent. These rules which have been approved at an AGM are for the benefit of all residents. Security not implementing the laws set out should be considered a weakness of the management and not the other way around.

Tallbuilder: The stage-1 Chinese contractor has used cheap SS304 rated stainless steel for the handrails instead of the appropriate SS316, and all the common area handrails have been rusting.
Remaz: The handrails in the common area is developing corrosion owing to the environmental condition – proximity to the sea. Regular cleaning of these fittings, which is being done minimizes this effect. Phase 2 constructing is using a different material which would be easier to maintain.

Tallbuilder: Maintenance period is only 6 months and beyond that they do not do any maintenance.
Remaz: Although at initial handover the defects liability period was 6 months this has only been a legal cutoff date. We have always dealt with and assisted owners with any concerns they have encountered within their apartment beyond this date. We are a reputed developer who value the relationship we build with our clients. We believe that Havelock City has been a success not only because we offer a quality product but also because of the trust and reliance our clients place on us as developers. Therefore, we would always continue to assist owners with their issues especially when it is not related to normal wear and tear.

Tallbuilder: The basement garbage storage room is not temperature controlled and hence stinking and infested with rodents and rats.-
Remaz: Regular pest control of the bin center is undertaken by a reputed pest control contractor. This together with regular upkeep and maintenance has prevented the infestation of rodents in the bin center.

as if all these were not enough to test the residents endurance they are charging Rs.4500 to issue a sticker to let you park your cars in the basement, while the S&P clearly states the cost of this sticker would be Rs.2500. The explanation given by developer- we have revised our rates.
There is ample extra car parking lots for visitors and for residents having a second car. Developer is charging Rs.1000 per month for each additional car. There is no other apartment complex in Colombo which charges monthly rentals for cars to be parked.
Many other developments issue such stickers free of cost. What is Rs.4500 when people have paid over Rs.30 Million for these apartments.

They have issued proximity cards but the entrance booms do not have long range readers, so every time some one comes in the boom has to be lifted up manually.

One would imagine an apartment complex of this standard would have an audio-video intercom, but they have only provided and audio intercom.

The residents are owners of the apartments, not prison inmates to be treated by the MC controlled by the developer, like they do with rules decided by themselves, that one cannot bring in goods/furniture etc after 5:00PM or on weekends.Now even some external workers brought in by residents to do minor repairs or even to attend to a computer problem at home cannot use the Skelton Road access. They decide all this themselves without even putting it to the council meeting for a decision.

:applause: Thank You for the feedback. Hope one or two Havelock City agents,in this forum, take a lesson from this and try to improve the service or face the threat of going out of business.

Looks like the mall part of Havelock City is finally going to commence. Here is an article from the financial times. The Full link is http://www.ft.lk/2012/12/21/havelock-city-signs-deal-with-boi-for-rs-27-b-fresh-investment/

Havelock City signs deal with BOI for Rs. 27 b fresh investment
Published : 12:58 am December 21, 2012

The BOI said yesterday it has signed an agreement with Havelock City (Private) Limited to establish a mixed development project which will include a shopping mall with multiplex Cinema, restaurants, shops, entertainment areas and an office complex.

The value of this investment is over Rs. 27 billion (of which US $ 5 million is FDI). This project will provide an estimated 243 direct employment opportunities.

“This is another flagship development by Overseas Realty which will change the urban landscape of Colombo. Its modern shopping complex will be ahead of its time and cater to discerning locals and tourists alike,” PravirSamarasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Overseas Realty said.
“The office spaces too have been designed keeping the country’s future business needs in mind, especially the growing BPO and IT-enabled services,” he added.
The project is part of the Havelock City residential and commercial developments which is a US $ 350 Million project on an eighteen acre site in the heart of Colombo. The Havelock City complex consists of eight luxury residential towers, a magnificent club house, a very large elevated roof garden and shopping mall. Havelock City is a project by Overseas Realty and is a BOI approved project and Flagship Company in property development.
It is part of the Shing Kwan Group, the owner; developer and Manager of the World Trade Centre, Colombo’s first modern high rise building.

Looks like the mall part of Havelock City is finally going to commence. Here is an article from the financial times. The Full link is http://www.ft.lk/2012/12/21/havelock-city-signs-deal-with-boi-for-rs-27-b-fresh-investment/

Havelock City signs deal with BOI for Rs. 27 b fresh investment
Published : 12:58 am December 21, 2012

The BOI said yesterday it has signed an agreement with Havelock City (Private) Limited to establish a mixed development project which will include a shopping mall with multiplex Cinema, restaurants, shops, entertainment areas and an office complex.

The value of this investment is over Rs. 27 billion (of which US $ 5 million is FDI). This project will provide an estimated 243 direct employment opportunities.

“This is another flagship development by Overseas Realty which will change the urban landscape of Colombo. Its modern shopping complex will be ahead of its time and cater to discerning locals and tourists alike,” PravirSamarasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Overseas Realty said.
“The office spaces too have been designed keeping the country’s future business needs in mind, especially the growing BPO and IT-enabled services,” he added.
The project is part of the Havelock City residential and commercial developments which is a US $ 350 Million project on an eighteen acre site in the heart of Colombo. The Havelock City complex consists of eight luxury residential towers, a magnificent club house, a very large elevated roof garden and shopping mall. Havelock City is a project by Overseas Realty and is a BOI approved project and Flagship Company in property development.
It is part of the Shing Kwan Group, the owner; developer and Manager of the World Trade Centre, Colombo’s first modern high rise building.
Yeah, i live on Skelton Road, its been rising at like a floor a month or something. o.O Really fast building.

Yeah, i live on Skelton Road, its been rising at like a floor a month or something. o.O Really fast building.

What you see coming up is not the mall. its phase 2 of Havelock City with 2 more apartment buildings. The mall is is to come up on Havelock Road

Yeah, i live on Skelton Road, its been rising at like a floor a month or something. o.O Really fast building.
Treat us with some pics dude..:bash:

What you see coming up is not the mall. its phase 2 of Havelock City with 2 more apartment buildings. The mall is is to come up on Havelock Road

you right , from last week they had started the ground work of the mall & most parts of the club house is also finished.

What you see coming up is not the mall. its phase 2 of Havelock City with 2 more apartment buildings. The mall is is to come up on Havelock Road
Edit: Oh right, I see what you mean.

Treat us with some pics dude..:bash:

Sorry. I'll try to get some.

The layout is given on their website
http://www.havelockcity.lk/recidencies/overview.php

The layout is given on their website
http://www.havelockcity.lk/recidencies/overview.php

Yeah I saw that. thats why I said I understand now in my edited post. But since when was the water blue? XD Its always green.
(Something seriously needs to be done about that though @_@)

On an unrelated note, anyone know the exact meter height of the towers?

Blue waters in the Wellawatte canal! Forests in slave island! (see Destiny Mall and Residency)

I think developers are taking quite a bit of artistic liberties when they show images of their projects.

Hopefully this should not extend to project descriptions as well as most people buy into the project based on these discriptions

Havelock City- Park Tower from the Wellawatte Canal
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8332843733_9c75e05f4d_b.jpg




Layards and Davidson towers under construction. Layards tower is up to about level 8. Photo taken on 1/1/2013
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8333897904_be715909ec_b.jpg

Havelock City- Park Tower from the Wellawatte Canal
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8499/8332843733_9c75e05f4d_b.jpg




Layards and Davidson towers under construction. Layards tower is up to about level 8. Photo taken on 1/1/2013
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8501/8333897904_be715909ec_b.jpg

Are these your photos? Also, any work on the mall?

Nice pics! Thanks for sharing. They do need to clean that canal up though.

Nice pics! Thanks for sharing. They do need to clean that canal up though.

That and every other canal. :bash:

The navy offers boat rides starting from near the Open University, right up to the Waters Edge lake, then down to Wellawatte (to just beyond the duplication road bridge) and back.

The section from the Open University up to Waters edge was reasoanbly clean. And the navy was also doing a bit of cleaning up removing garbage and water hyacinth. We saw about two gangs at work.

The section from Open University to Wellawatte was more dirty and also smelled a bit. What seems to be happening is that some of the residents bordering the canal were using it to dump their garbage. Which is very sad.

But overall its an amazing ride, seeing Colombo in a way you have never seen before. Wild birds, reed beds and beautiful bangalows bordering the canal.

Thanks for sharing.

How much does it cost per trip?
I remember seeing these "stations" at various locations when i visited Colombo in June. It is a great idea enabling people to commute as well as explore the city. As you mentioned the canals need to be cleaned up.

Not sure how much interest the UDA/GR/Gov has in this project (though they did implement it) but this is definatly a great venture for Colombo that should be promoted. A different kind of public transport, with more investment and public awareness would be a real success.

Thanks for sharing.

How much does it cost per trip?
I remember seeing these "stations" at various locations when i visited Colombo in June. It is a great idea enabling people to commute as well as explore the city. As you mentioned the canals need to be cleaned up.

Not sure how much interest the UDA/GR/Gov has in this project (though they did implement it) but this is definatly a great venture for Colombo that should be promoted. A different kind of public transport, with more investment and public awareness would be a real success.

The start point is the Open University Bridge on the Narahenpitiya Nawala road. You have to hire the boat which seats up to 10 people. The Waters edge leg is Rs 2000/- and the Wellawatte leg is Rs 1000/-

BOI signs agreement with Havelock City (Private) Limited


BOI signed an agreement with Havelock City (Private) Limited to establish a mixed development project which will include a shopping mall with multiplex Cinema, restaurants, shops, entertainment areas and an office complex. The value of this investment is more than 27 Billion Rupees (of which US $ 5 million is FDI). This project will provide an estimated 243 direct employment opportunities.

“This is another flagship development by Overseas Realty which will change the urban landscape of Colombo. Its modern shopping complex will be ahead of its time and cater to discerning locals and tourists alike.” SaidPravirSamarasinghe, Group Chief Executive Officer of Overseas Realty. He further added“ The office spaces too have been designed keeping the country’s future business needs in mind, especially the growing BPO and IT-enabled services.”

The project is part of the Havelock City residential and commercial developments which is a US $ 350 Million project on an eighteen acre site in the heart of Colombo. The Havelock City complex consists of eight luxury residential towers, a magnificent club house, a very large elevated roof garden and shopping mall. Havelock City is a project by Overseas Realty and is a BOI approved project and Flagship Company in property development. It is part of the Shing Kwan Group, the owner; developer and Manager of the World Trade Centre, Colombo’s first modern high rise building.
© 2013 Board of Investment of Sri Lanka. All Rights Reserved

http://www.investsrilanka.com/news/?id=3966

The WTC is a high-rise? XD
That should be second modern skyscraper, I believe. But I swear, we've seen this one before....

Once you sign an agreement with the BOI you are given a time frame to start and finish the project- else the agreement lapses. So this project will finally start shortly but I am expecting it to take 3 to 4 years to finish. This is because of the two high rise office towers which are part of the project.

Wonder what they will do about the traffic jams in this area at peak hours. The mall will only add to the congestion which is already horrendous.

Once you sign an agreement with the BOI you are given a time frame to start and finish the project- else the agreement lapses. So this project will finally start shortly but I am expecting it to take 3 to 4 years to finish. This is because of the two high rise office towers which are part of the project.

Wonder what they will do about the traffic jams in this area at peak hours. The mall will only add to the congestion which is already horrendous.

Uh-oh. I hope the traffic doesn't start congesting on my road, which contains the bridge to HC.

Uh-oh. I hope the traffic doesn't start congesting on my road, which contains the bridge to HC.

Hopefully not, because the congestion is north- south axis, along Havelock Road, Maya Avenue and the turn off to Stratford Avenue.

A flyover here is badly needed.

Hopefully not, because the congestion is north- south axis, along Havelock Road, Maya Avenue and the turn off to Stratford Avenue.

A flyover here is badly needed.

Lol how are they going to construct a flyover near Havelock city, theres not really anywhere they can build one.

Well, they could, but traffic problems would be a nightmare during construction, unless they do it over the canal or something >.>

I had posted this in a separate thread in Skybar but it but it got just one response.

As is this a much more active thread, I am re-posting it here.

"Sri Lanka Construction Costs
High Rise apartments are extremely expensive in Sri Lanka. In quality projects like 110 Parliament Road, Sky Garden and Havelock City, the price per sq ft currently starts from about 22,000/-with the avarage being about 25,000/- per sq foot. This is much more expensive than equivalent projects in South Asian cities like Bangalore & Chennai (in spite of land in those cities being much more expensive than in Colombo)

Anyone has any feedback on high rise construction costs in Sri Lanka and the breakdown of the pricing of these apartment complexes"

Well to start the debate, I have some numbers.

Havelock City phase 2 Total project cost Rs 4.4 billion (from the contractors website- the contractor is ICC.)

Total sellable floor area calculated at approx 370,000 sq ft. (From the floor plans given in the Havelock City website.)

Therefore construction cost per sq ft of sellable floor area is approximately Rs 12,000/- per sq foot.

The balance won't be entirely profit. There will be the cost of the land, design costs, sales & marketing costs, finance costs, VAT etc etc.

Does anyone on this forum know how these things work?

(http://www.icc-construct.com/web/)









http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_thumb_2.jpg (http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_image_2.jpg) http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_thumb_4_pcu.jpg (http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_image_4_pcu.jpg) http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_thumb_5.jpg (http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_image_5.jpg) http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_thumb_6.jpg (http://www.icc-construct.com/web/images/com_sobi2/gallery/159/159_image_6.jpg)

(http://www.icc-construct.com/web/projects/high-rise-commercial-building/Havelock-City-Phase-II.html#)

Overseas Reality (Ceylon) Plc, together with Bank of Ceylon will construct Sri Lanka’s largest shopping complex/mall as a joint venture project at a cost of US $ 100 million. The project will commence this year and is planned to be completed by 2016. http://www.dailynews.lk/2013/03/01/z_pi-SL%E2%80%99s-largest.jpg
“This would be Sri Lanka’s largest shopping complex with a 250,000 leasable sq ft area with a higher proposition of food and beverage areas along with a modern amenities within the Havelock City project premises, ‘ Chief Executive Officer Pravir Samarasinghe told Daily News Business .
He said that this shopping complex would have a large dinning area, food court, casual eating area and also an entertainment component will be added to it with a multiplex cinema hall to provide an excellent experience to visitors and people who patronize the shopping complex. Samarsinghe said when the company starts their last phase of the project, it would comprise eight towers altogether with 1,100 apartments in the Havelock City project.
“This would comprise a shopping mall, cinema, hotel & service apartments, restaurants, swimming pool and gym. We are going ahead with the plans and are now in the process of constructing the 280 apartment premier apartment project with 280 units while 60 percent of them have already been sold by now,” Samarasinghe said. He said that with these developments, the land prices of central business district were high due to the disposal of state lands, while the land prices of secondary business district had not increased during the recent past.
"The proposed 100 percent land tax as well as the leasing tax on foreign buying would have an impact on land prices, which would decrease the number of commercial transactions involved in foreign buying," he said. Mireka Capital Land (Pvt) Limited is the developer of Havelock City and is a joint venture between Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCPLC), the owner, developer and manager of the World Trade Center, Colombo and the Bank of Ceylon (BoC), the largest bank in Sri Lanka. ORCPLC owns 60 percent of Mireka, while BoC owns the remaining 40 percent.
Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCL) is a Board of Investment flagship company incorporated in Sri Lanka in 1980 to undertake the principal activities of investment in properties, property development, trading and management. It is a public quoted company with listing in the Stock Exchange of Sri Lanka.
Singapore based real estate specialists, Shing Kwan Group, holds approximately 92 percent of the existing issued share capital of the company. 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.

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con1.jpg

[/URL]

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con4.jpg

(http://www.havelockcity.lk/gallery/galary1.php#)






http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con5.jpg

[URL="http://www.havelockcity.lk/gallery/galary1.php#"]

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con8.jpg


http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con9.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con6.jpg

Lovely photos Alabonda1. From the angles that the photos have been taken, it looks like you have access to the construction site both at Havelock city and Skygardens. When were the Havelock city photos taken? I visited a friend at Elibank Tower today, and construction of the Layard's tower had already crossed the 15th floor.

Happy to see the clubhouse at Havelock city finally being built. Looks like it will be ready with Phase 2 of the project in August 2014.

However as of 02/03/2013, there was no activity at the Havelock city mall site Don't know how they are going to complete it by 2016.

can anyone plz show the design of the 2nd phase ?

can anyone plz show the design of the 2nd phase ?

The second phase is two towers- Layards Tower and Davidson Tower and the layouts are given in the Havelock City website

http://www.havelockcity.lk/recidencies/layards_tower.php

http://www.havelockcity.lk/recidencies/davidson_tower.php

Overall layout:http://www.havelockcity.lk/recidencies/overview.php

tnxx

Overseas Realty (Ceylon) PLC (ORCL,) the leading property development group in Sri Lanka, saw a rise in 2012 financials with a 47 per cent growth in group operating profits and a group net profit of Rs 2.5 billion.
Group revenue in 2012 was Rs 2 billion, down 21 per cent from the previous year due to the revenue recognition policy adopted, whereby the company did not recognise the sale of apartments in the Havelock CityPhase 2 Residential development.
However, profit excluding Fair Value Gains on Investment Property, increased by 47 per cent to Rs 909 million,despite an exchange loss of Rs. 85 million consequent to the depreciation of the Sri Lankan Rupee in 2012 compared with an exchange loss of Rs 40 million in 2011, according to a company statement. Post tax profit of the company, comprising the leasing of space at the World Trade Centre (WTC) without the fair value gains, was Rs 955 million, which was a strong growth of 108 per cent over the previous year. “The occupancy level at the WTC, the premier business address in Colombo, reached 97 per cent by December 2012 whilst the average occupancy was above 90 per cent throughout 2012; and correspondingly rental income grew by 57 per cent in 2012 compared to 2011,” the statement said.
Havelock City’s Phase 2 Residential development, comprising two more residential towers with 218 luxury apartments has now reached the 11th level in construction and is expected to be completed by May 2014. As at end February 2013 the main subsidiary Mireka Homes (Pvt) Ltd had pre-sold over 60 per cent of the Phase 2 condominiums. Revenue from the sale of apartments recognised in 2012 was Rs 554 million, which comprised only the sale of the remaining inventory in the Phase 1 development. Revenue and Profitability of the apartments sold in Phase 2, will be recognised in 2013, the company said.

As of 10th March 2013

http://i1272.photobucket.com/albums/y394/premkandasamy/IMG-20130310-WA0005_zpsd39c784c.jpg

Passed by the Havelock City Mall site this evening. Some activity seems to be taking place. A site office had been set up and steel structures had been put up- probably to display a hoarding for the mall

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8374/8543916939_1c8532002b_b.jpg

Havelock City From Hilton Residencies-23/03/2013 Can see the Layards Tower and Davidson Tower Under Construction
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8582510220_4226c545d8_b.jpg

Havelock City From Hilton Residencies-23/03/2013 Can see the Layards Tower and Davidson Tower Under Construction
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8582510220_4226c545d8_b.jpg

Thank You KukuMarx :banana::banana::banana::banana:

Havelock City From Hilton Residencies-23/03/2013 Can see the Layards Tower and Davidson Tower Under Construction
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8582510220_4226c545d8_b.jpg

Sigh. I wish the govt would do something to reduce the smog and air pollution in Colombo.

Sigh. I wish the govt would do something to reduce the smog and air pollution in Colombo.

I don't think there's that much smog?

I don't think there's that much smog?

Compare the hazy gray smog in the photo above to this photo taken on one of those rare days when the weather conditions have aligned to blow the smog and air pollution away from the city.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ryDygLZyIiQ/s/900/900/colombo-skyline-sri-lanka-TW-0095.jpg

Compare the hazy gray smog in the photo above to this photo taken on one of those rare days when the weather conditions have aligned to blow the smog and air pollution away from the city.

http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get/I0000ryDygLZyIiQ/s/900/900/colombo-skyline-sri-lanka-TW-0095.jpg

Well, no I meant I thought that was the weather/lighting/camera that made that effect in his picture. I been to heights often, and I don't see much smog, its usually pretty clear.

Well, no I meant I thought that was the weather/lighting/camera that made that effect in his picture. I been to heights often, and I don't see much smog, its usually pretty clear.

The hazy gray in the photo is definitely smog. I guess whether it's a lot or not depends on one's definition of what a lot of smog is.

To look at an extreme, Colombo on a really bad smog day....
http://www.masters.me.uk/PhotoTravelogue/SriLanka/ColomboSmog.jpg

In spite of it being a saturday (around 11 am) it was a bit smoggy. I too was surprised by this because it was a bright sunny day and there was a slight breeze. Hilton residencies to Havelock City should be about 5 or 6 km as the crow flies. The other shots, Celestial etc taken at the same time are closer shots (1 to 2 km) but still show a little bit of the smog

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con4.jpg


http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con1.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/phase_ii_construction/pahse_2_con5.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con7.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con10.jpg


http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con8.jpg

http://www.havelockcity.lk/images/fullscreen/clubhouse_construction/clb_con6.jpg

images taken from havelock city website
[/URL]


[URL="http://www.havelockcity.lk/gallery/galary1.php#"] (http://www.havelockcity.lk/gallery/galary1.php#)

Dr Senaka Dhammathilaka is the architect for the Havelock City project. He has published an article in the Sri Lankan Journal of Real Estate about the concepts behind the Havelock City project. I came across this article while surfing the net.

This concept article is very technical but may interest some members of this blog

The link is http://journals.sjp.ac.lk/index.php/SLJRE/article/view/554/139

I quote from the article
Following such structuring of common space, the Havelock City development almost equally spreads out its 1080 housing apartments into eight high-rise blocks. These blocks are located around a nine acre landscaped „Roof Garden‟ that is intended to be the central congregation space for all its dwellers. This Roof Garden is located 5.35 meters above ground level and is insulated from any vehicular circulation that is confined to an internalized “ring-road” around the residential blocks. Such total pedestrianisation of the this social hub is also a strong point advocated by “New Urbanists” such as Jan Gehl who had similarly sculpted a large amount of commercial related public spaces in Denmark (Gehl, 1987). This public space or the “Central Park” of this neighbourhood is landscaped in a manner that defines different functional spaces by natural elements such as earth mounds, lakes and streams as well as vegetation. While this garden resembles parkland featuring lush vegetation it contains a playground, paved pathways with seating areas and a club house with a large swimming pool and a pool deck that integrates with its natural settings. This club house is designed to be the centre of the social life of all Havelock City dwellers as it lays emphasis on the real social needs of the Sri Lankan upper-middle income category in terms of its space allocations. Its functional spaces include a sheltered but open multipurpose hall, a physical fitness centre, a nursery school that closely integrates with the garden, four reception halls, and a barbeque terrace that overlooks the roof garden. Thus, a pleasant walk across Sri Lanka‟s largest landscaped roof garden would bring any Havelock City resident to the hub of their neighbourhood social life.

Immediately adjacent to this elevated parkland are eight public foyers that relate to each residential block. The second level of each such block is kept as a “void deck” that spatially opens out to the Roof Garden. These sheltered but open spaces act as a veranda for each residential block where the toddlers and senior citizens among its residence could relate to the activity in the garden and enjoy its foliage while remaining in the protective shade of their own building. Thus, special care is taken to cater for these two user categories by incorporating a "senior citizens‟ corner and a properly equipped "kiddies‟ play area. Further, these sheltered spaces of relaxation and congregation are also provided with fixed equipment that facilitates fitness exercises. Thus, each of these verandas would become ancillary semi-public spaces that relates to the main public space which is the vast Roof Garden.

The leading architects and designers of the project are the East China Architecture Design & Research Institute Co. Ltd (also abbreviated as ECADI), and The Design Group Five International (Pvt) Ltd of Sri Lanka.

ECADI of Shanghai China, have a major portfolio for projects undertaken so far. The complete listing for tall buildings is given in

http://www.skyscrapercenter.com/list.php?do=company&company_id=2622&company_name=ECADI

Their portfolio is very impressive and includes the Jin Mao building, CCTV Hq and the Shanghai World financial Center. Its worth taking a look at!

(Havelock City is not mentioned:ohno:-probably because it is not defined as a Tall building!):lol:

Havelock City construction from Thimbirigasyaya Rd, Havelock Road Junction- 10/4/2013 http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8395/8648201450_f024d716a1_h.jpg

Apr 21, 2013 (LBO) - Sri Lanka's 'Havelock City' a mixed development with multi-tower apartment complex with more than 100o untis and commercial space said it is forging ahead despite emerging risks from a state move to restrict foreign ownership of property.

"..[T]he regulatory changes contemplated by the Government on foreign ownership of property could have an adverse impact on the real estate sector and is a concern to the Company," the firm told shareholders in the annual report.
Overseas Realty (Ceylon) Plc, a firm controlled by Singapore's S P Tao group is building Havelock City' through Mireka Capital Land, a joint venture with state-run Bank of Ceylon.

Despite the end of a 30-year war in 2009, analysts say new risks are emerging in the island to hurt investors in Sri Lanka amid a rise of nationalism and undermining of rule of law and justice.

Rulers have resumed expropriating property of citizens, which analysts say could turn out to be worse than terrorism risk as expropriation is a calculated targeting of citizens by the state with the full force of the law and police unlike random acts of violence.

Assets of several firms including two listed companies were expropriated by the state through a controversial law in 2011 which left no room for judicial review.

Restricting the ability of citizens to sell property to foreigners, which analysts have said is a subset of East European style 'rural nationalism' is the latest threat and an undermining of people's freehold property rights.

Meanwhile Havelock city said it was going ahead with the development of the second and third stages, with a recent fall in the rupee and higher interest rates also hurting the market.

"Despite these challenges, given the uniqueness of the concept and development and its superior build quality and total offering we expect the Havelock City residential sales to continue to register strong growth through 2013," the company said.

The complex cited on an 18 acre land in Colombo's Havelock Town area will have 1,100 apartments.

Chairman S P Tao also told shareholders that he was optimistic.

"The evolution of Sri Lanka's residential real estate market driven by increasing cost of land in Colombo and rapid urbanisation of the population, along with changing lifestyles are fuelling demand of condominium residencies in central Colombo,.."Tao said.

"..[T]raditional villas and detached houses are being pushed to the peripheral greater Colombo areas.

"This augurs well for the future outlook of Havelock City."

Mireka Homes (Pvt) Ltd, which is building the apartments had completed the sale of phase 01, residential apartments and had pre-sold 50 percent of the 219 apartment twin tower second phase.

The firm is expecting to finish construction of phase 01 by May 2014. The superstructure of tower C had reached level 11 and in tower D it had level 06 by end 2012, the firm said.

The construction of a clubhouse with 55,000 square feet of recreational facilities, including a gymnasium, day care centre, swimming pools, Jacuzzi, badmington, basketball and squash courts, mini cinema, is expected to be finished by Augusts 2013.

Phase 02 is made up for four towers with 600 apartments.

The firm plans to begin construction and pre-selling of the third stage at the end of 2013 or beginning of 2014 based on the progress of the stage II.

Havelock City is also expected to have the biggest shopping mall in Colombo

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