EcoWorld London launched

PETALING JAYA (June 8): Eco World International Bhd (EWI) and Willmott Dixon Holdings Ltd have officially launched EcoWorld London last night.

The launch event was held at the Institute of Directors, Pall Mall in London.

The launch will see the two companies delivering over 10,000 much-needed new homes across London and the South East, said EWI in a post-event press release today.

EcoWorld London’s 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. With that, EcoWorld London will see EWI expand from high-end projects with the Ballymore Group into the mid-market, with homes for open market sale as well as built-to-rent.

Under the new joint venture, EcoWorld London will be developing 12 sites in Greater London and the South East of England, with an estimated GDV of over £2.6 billion (RM13.9 billion).

EcoWorld London chairman Sir Edward Lister noted that London is facing a chronic housing shortage and the launch of EcoWorld London will play a significant part in alleviating this.

“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.

Meanwhile, EWI executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Liew Kee Sin noted that London is the most important international market for the EcoWorld brand and firmly believes in the growth prospects of the residential property market here.

“Our substantial investment in EcoWorld London signifies our long-term commitment to build a strong and sustainable business in the UK. 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 to our customers and residents but also contribute positively towards the betterment of the surrounding community in which they are situated,” said Liew.