SINGAPORE, 30 NOVEMBER 2009 - The Keppel Group has started work on the 35.4-hectare site in the start-up area (SUA) of the Sino-Singapore Tianjin Eco-City, a bilateral project between China and Singapore.
Keppel will construct eco-homes in an integrated 30-sq km precinct in the Tianjin Binhai new area. The project is funded with private-sector investment.
The 4-sq km start-up area will be home to 26,500 households and the first batch of residents will move in during 2011. All the homes and commercial properties will be developed according to the Tianjin Eco-City’s green building evaluation standard and green mark gold standard of the building and construction authority of Singapore.
Boasting a global footprint in 35 nations, Keppel specializes in offshore & marine, property and infrastructure business and the announcement is significant as it marks its entry as the first foreign property developer to break ground in Tianjin Eco-City.
Showcase development in China
Keppel Corporation and Keppel Land have interests of 45 percent and 55 percent respectively in the development, and they intend to leverage core competencies and expertise for this ambitious project.
“With the commencement of work today on Keppel’s development, we are making significant strides forward in our contribution towards the vision for a vibrant community in a desirable eco-driven live-work-play environment in Tianjin Eco-City,” said Choo Chiau Beng, CEO of Keppel Corporation and chairman of Keppel Land.
Beng noted that this landmark project will demonstrate Keppel’s sustainable developments in China.
Choo said the eco-home project will showcase Keppel’s capabilities and the his organization already has a successful track record in master planning and executing large-scale integrated township developments in Asia.
Focus on ‘green’ construction
An international team will provide the required expertise and share best practices in the Keppel development. This world class team comprises Palmer & Turner Consultants; Rocky Mountain Institute, a US-based consultant on sustainable solutions; Parsons Brinkerhoff, an engineering consultancy firms with previous experience in China and eco-projects landscape consultant, EDAW.
