A “transformer” spreading its wings

Experience an all-embracing elegance at Waltz Residences, a freehold iconic lifestyle where 419 units of effortlessly refined luxury are crafted for the flourishing urban community.

THE ability to turn an undeveloped site into a sought-after landmark is a coveted skill which not many developers have been able to execute effectively. This however has become WCT’s edge, making the developer stand out amongst its peers. However, it is such a Midas touch that gives WCT Holdings Bhd its cutting edge.

WCT’s impressive record started in 1996 when it acquired Bukit Tinggi, an unknown raw estate land in Klang South. It was a new player in property development then, though it had been in the construction industry since it was founded in 1981. Critics said the land was too remote to attract any dwellers. The project got off from an inauspicious start too, hit by the 1997 Asian Financial Crisis.

Still, with unswerving focus, unflagging tenacity and undaunted travail, WCT overcame the challenges, turning criticism into praise. Within 20 years, the once obscure land has been transformed into Bandar Bukit Tinggi, a Transit Oriented Township with 15,000 units of residential and commercial properties, two hypermarkets – Tesco and Giant, Première Hotel, Klang, WCT’s commercial towers – BBT_ONE The Towers & The Boulevard and schools – Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Hin Hua, Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan (C) Wu Teck & Sekolah Jenis Kebangsaan Ladang Highlands (T). Anchored by the landmark AEON Mall, Bukit Tinggi, it has become the commercial and leisure hub of Klang, with spillover benefits for its adjacent neighbourhoods. The introduction of Bandar Bukit Tinggi 2 and Bandar Parklands further cemented WCT’s success in transforming townships.

Soon this renowned township will be served by two LRT stations of the proposed LRT3 Bandar Utama-Klang line project, namely Tesco Bukit Tinggi LRT station and AEON Bukit Tinggi LRT stations. A catalyst commercial, retail and corporate businesses, BBT will benefit from the proposed LRT3 project connecting established hubs including Petaling Jaya, Glenmarie and Shah Alam.

Infinity edge Olympic length swimming pool at level 31.

Driving another paradigm shift

In 2007, WCT raised eyebrows again when it saw value in what others could only see as an unused site in Kelana Jaya. Through its subsidiary, WCT Land Sdn Bhd, the developer planned to turn the 14-acre land along the Damansara-Puchong Highway (LDP) into a mixed development to be fronted by a 1 million sq ft lifestyle mall.

Again, observers ran rife with doubts. This time, they said the market was already saturated with shopping malls, with most of them performing below expectations. It did not help either that it was positioned between two major malls in Bandar Sunway and Bandar Utama. Thirdly, the soft soil and sloping terrain of the former mining land posed great challenges. The pylons nearby and the heavy traffic during peak hours also served to pile on the skepticism.

With the same resilience, the challenges were countered one by one. Led by WCT Holdings Berhad’s managing director, Taing Kim Hwa, the acquired site received a total makeover when Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya opened its doors in 2012.

Speaking to TheEdgeProperty.com, WCT Land’s director, Mr Choe Kai Keong described the popular suburban hub as “a very strategic mall with a very unique architecture and strong façade”.

Green lawn at level 7.

Being a community-centric developer that “builds values”, WCT invested RM33 million to build an underpass which he says has effectively “changed the image of Kelana Jaya and brought it to the forefront of property investment radar”.

As an iconic landmark along the LDP Highway, Paradigm Mall Petaling Jaya is complemented by The Azure Residences, a luxury high-rise; New World Hotel atop The Azure; and a 32-storey corporate tower named The Ascent, which is MSC-certified.

Choe emphasises that WCT uses high quality material that will withstand the test of time, both in durability and in style.

“It is very chic. It doesn’t age. We always say The Ascent is the best office tower in terms of architecture because it doesn’t wear off like other brick and mortar buildings that requires repainting because Paradigm is made of curtain wall, glass, steel and concrete” Choe highlighted.

According to Choe, despite the current economic slowdown, WCT has achieved a 70% occupancy in The Ascent, consisting Grade-A multi-national companies, at a rental of approximately RM5.50 per sq ft, which is comparative to areas around KLCC. Its mall too, has been commanding a respectable footfall of 16 million per annum.

Sky gymnasium level 33.

Bringing the Paradigm brand to KL

Having made its mark in Klang and Petaling Jaya, WCT is now ready to make its entry into KL. Under its subsidiary, WCT OUG Development Sdn Bhd, it has identified a parcel of land in the heart of OUG, only 16km to KL city centre. At 63-acres, Choe says it is four times larger than Paradigm Petaling Jaya.

“OUG is a matured enclave better known for its busy morning market and shops. It is a quiet place occupied by mostly the older generation. We are going to change it into an entirely elevated mega development epicentre that will appeal to every generation,” he enthuses.

Carrying its brand name, Paradigm Garden City (PGC) is envisioned to be the first 4-in-1 fully integrated lifestyle destination in OUG. With a gross development value exceeding RM8 billion, it will be anchored by a megamall, and complemented by a corporate office tower, retail offices, luxury residences and hotel.

With 2 million sq ft of net leasable area, Choe says the mall is set to be one of the biggest in Klang Valley – “a regional mall that will attract a wide target market from its vicinity as well as tourists”. The company says: “Paradigm Mall KL will be the nucleus of the development. Surrounded by Klang Valley’s pulse points including KL city centre, Mid Valley City, Sri Petaling, Puchong, Petaling Jaya, Bangsar and Subang Jaya. Paradigm Mall KL weaves a kaleidoscope of fresh potential and possibilities, making it OUG’s new central benchmark for live, work, play and more.”

With a 1km frontage along Kesas Highway, it promises not only a prominent presence, but five ingress and egress including two proposed new roads via Kesas Highway, MEX Highway, Bukit Jalil Highway, New Pantai Expressway and KL Seremban Highway, offering easy access to Sri Petaling, Bukit Jalil, Old Klang Road, Subang Jaya, Klang and KL city centre. It is a mere 1.2 km from the Awan Besar LRT Station, offering a direct link to the Ampang line.

Outdoor lounge at level 31.

Its strategic location presents a ready catchment for a thriving hub that serves an approximately 300,000 ready affluent population, as well as a host of established amenities such as shopping malls, medical centres, educational institutions, golf clubs, recreational parks and public transportation.

In addition to all these factors to ensure its success, the company said its “freehold status makes this the few crowning investment opportunities you can’t afford to miss in land-strapped Kuala Lumpur”.

The whole development is slated for completion within 8 to 10 years.

Offering the first-mover advantage in Waltz Residences

Kicking off the first phase of PGC is Waltz Residences, a luxury condominium which is just a waltz away from the future Paradigm Mall KL and minutes away to the Awan Besar LRT Station.

With 419 units spread within two blocks of 38 floors and 33 floors, it offers five layouts ranging from 948 sq ft to 1,691 sq ft, including a dual-key unit. Every floor comprises eight units served by four lifts plus a separate service lift, which according to Choe, is another atypical value-added feature offered by WCT.

In this urban sanctuary of contemporary lifestyle, the array of facilities include a cascade water feature, interactive play zone, resting pergola, refresh garden, launderette, convenience store, business centre, child care centre, green lawn, resting shaded pavilion, garden walk path, raised gathering deck, sky garden and entertaining garden space, squash courts, sauna, Jacuzzi, steam rooms, yoga platforms, infinity-edge Olympic length swimming pool, kid’s pool, poolside floating pavilion, interactive water feature, function deck, open lounge, barbecue area, multipurpose hall, gymnasium, changing facilities and games area.

Most of the facilities are located on the triple-volume sky deck while its level 7 is dedicated to a landscape garden for unwinding and the ground floor is allocated for children’s recreation.

Units are furnished with kitchen cabinets, hood and hob, washer dryer and at least four air-conditioners. A five-tier access control provides high security.

Compared with neighbouring similar projects, Choe says Waltz Residences has the advantage of having “every urban convenience at its doorstep”. Priced from RM754,000, Choe says the capital yield is projected at “easily 20%” upon completion of the whole township.  Waltz Residences buyers will gain first mover advantage, he adds.

To be launched on 3 September 2016, Waltz Residences is expected to be completed in July 2020.

Paradigm Mall, Petaling Jaya.

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This story first appeared in TheEdgeProperty.com pullout on Sept 2, 2016, which comes with The Edge Financial Daily every Friday. Download TheEdgeProperty.com pullout here for free.