Solaris Market Place in Tuaran to boost tourism
TUARAN: Solaris Market Place will bring a new look to Tuaran and a new attraction to the west coast of Sabah.
The commercial development would include the first and largest tour bus pit stop apart from 106 units of two-storey commercial shoplots, said Raisul Trading Sdn. Bhd. managing director Assalam Datuk Hj. Sulaiman Omar during the relaunching ceremony of Solaris Market Place Tuaran on Saturday.
The project, expected to be completed in April 2019, was relaunched by Toh Puan Hajah Norlidah Datuk R.M. Jasni, the wife of the Head of State, and witnessed by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Haji Noor.
Assalam, who is the winner of the McMillan Woods Global Rising Star for Young Leader of the Year Award 2013, said the opportunity came about when the previous developer decided to cash in by selling off the development plan.
“Right after analysing the location and concept, I did not hesitate to take up the task and responsibility in developing the said land located just outside Tuaran Town and right beside the west coast northern highway,” he said.
Assalam said Solaris would guarantee to bring in a new lease of life to the already vibrant Tuaran Town, especially since it is tourism oriented.
“Tourism is one of the largest contributors to our state’s revenue. The continued aggressive commitment by the state government in the tourism sector is a positive note for Solaris to be ever more appealing,” said Assalam.
In order to be part of Sabah’s booming tourism industry, Mantanani Paradise, Sentai Tours and Travel, and Classic Holidays have officially agreed to bring in tourists to Solaris on a regular basis.
“A local farmers’ market will also be incorporated within the development to create opportunities for local farmers within the district.
“We plan it to be operational daily to encourage the promotion of our local farmers’ produce to both local and foreign consumers,” he added.
Apart from the farmers’ market, some famous retail brands are also being discussed to be brought in as factory outlets stores, as well as some local food and beverage players which have shown keen interest in setting up their outlets at Solaris.
“There are many interpretations of a successful development project and most developers sadly measure their success only from their profit margin.
“However, our interpretation of a successful development project is when we can achieve sustainability from a financial and social standpoint,” said Assalam.
Solaris, being the first and largest tour bus pit stop in the west coast, is definitely an investment opportunity not to be missed either from the investor or end-users’ standpoint.
It is unlike any other development where the developer will actually bring in the crowd and the right mixture of operators to make sure that everyone will have a piece of the market share.