Townships that spur growth, stir economic activity
Integrated, mixed-use communities and township developments have long drawn the interest not only of real estate developers but also of businesses, investors and homebuyers, both here and abroad.
Often espousing the livework-play concept and sometimes, even more, these masterplanned large-scale districts have since become aspirational addresses of many as they offer unparalleled convenience, connectivity and accessibility. In such a setting, everything you need is practically nearby or at least within a 5km radius— residences, offices, commercial centers, leisure and entertainment hubs, even hospitals, schools and places of worship.
For developers, townships often represent their expertise, culled from decades of experience in creating self-contained, sustainable communities that attract investments; generate demand, value and jobs; and eventually, spur growth and economic activities in the areas where they are located. In the region alone, there are numerous examples of masterplanned townships that have a created mark in their respective countries. Here are some of them.
ECOPARK TOURISM AND TRADE URBAN AREA Vietnam
Spanning 500 ha, the eco-urban development located in the southeast of Hanoi, is planned with more than 20 percent of the area being water and green, making it a livable, classy “eco-urban city”.
The development includes special housing projects with green technology, a sports complex, a school system, an international hospital, trade and tourism centers and an urban landscape system, among others. Ecopark, which began construction in 2009, welcomed its first families in 2012. Upon completion in 2030, it will have a capacity of around 110,000 residents.
PARAMOUNT PETALS Indonesia
Paramount Petals, located in Banten province towards the west of Jakarta, is a “one-stop living” integrated development. It combines urban infrastructure—such as residential, commercial and business spaces, education and healthcare facilities and an entertainment area—with a green environment. The township promises investments in long-term infrastructure and facilities essential for creating a smart and sustainable city.
The 300-ha development was named Asia’s Best Township Masterplan Design at the 2021 PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards, a prestigious real estate awards program in the region and organized by property technology company PropertyGuru. It also won the Best Township Masterplan Design in Indonesia’s edition of the PropertyGuru Property Awards in 2021.
BANDAR SRI SENDAYAN Malaysia
Bandar Sri Sendayan is a sustainable township development in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. Covering over 6,272 acres in Seremban West, Bandari Sendayan, the mega township is part of Malaysia Vision Valley 2.0, a growth area that aims to deliver economic impact by attracting local and international investors and generating job and business opportunities.
The township, developed by Matrix Concepts Sdn Bhd, features close-to-nature homes with upscale facilities, commercial projects, exclusive country club and green spaces, showcasing modern architecture in evergreen landscapes.
EASTWOOD CITY
Philippines
Eastwood City, considered the country’s first-ever “live-work-play” community, involved the development of the sleepy district of Libis into a dynamic, bustling urban center that has residential condominiums, office towers, a hotel, lifestyle malls, church, police and fire stations, and fitness centers, among others.
The 18.5-ha development in Quezon City is Megaworld Corp.’s first integrated township project and among its biggest achievements. A pioneer in the cyber park concept,
Eastwood City, now home to more than 85,000 workers and 20,000 residents, helped put the Philippines on the IT and business process outsourcing map in the region.
Sources: Inquirer Archives, Megaworld, KMC MAG Group, eastwoodcity.com, vietnamtourism.gov.vn, ecopark.com.vn, asiapropertyawards.com, paramountpetals.com, sendayan.com.my