EWI and Willmott Dixon launch EcoWorld London

PETALING JAYA: Eco World International Bhd (EWI) and Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd have officially launched EcoWorld London, which will be developing 12 sites in Greater London and the South East of England, with an estimated gross development value of over £2.6bil (RM13.9bil).

This will increase EWI’s total development pipeline in the United Kingdom and to add on projects from Barnet to Barking and Westminster to Woking to complement its existing portfolio in Central London.

EcoWorld London will see EWI expand from its high-end projects with the Ballymore Group, including Embassy Gardens, Wardian and London City Island, into the mid-market, with homes for Open Market Sale as well as Build to Rent.

The launch follows the recent completion of a significant joint-venture, whereby EWI acquired a 70% stake in Be Living, the residential development arm of Willmott Dixon.

In a press release yesterday, EcoWorld London chairman Sir Edward Lister commented that the launch of EcoWorld London will play a significant part in alleviating the chronic housing shortage in the capital, ensuring the delivery of much needed new homes that are accessible to those on middle incomes.

“For many, London remains the de-facto capital of the globe, and it is imperative that together we provide enough housing to sustain its future.

“By combining the construction and middle-market expertise of Willmott Dixon with the vision and EWI’s best in class international development experience and operations, the new entity is well placed to serve the local market and the broader international audience that calls London home,” he said.

EWI executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin added that the group’s substantial investment in EcoWorld London signifies its longterm commitment to build a strong and sustainable business in the United Kingdom.

“London is the most important international market for the EcoWorld brand and we continue to firmly believe in the growth prospects of the residential property market here.

“Working in partnership with Willmott Dixon, we aim to bring the best of all we have learnt as a developer operating in three continents to ensure that EcoWorld London projects benefit not just our customers and residents but also contribute positively towards the betterment of the surrounding community in which they are situated.”

The launch signals a new era for housing and reflects confidence from EWI in the long-term potential of the UK economy.