Somerset Ampang is our second Somerset-branded serviced residence in KL

THE Ascott Group is adding another serviced residence in Kuala Lumpur - its sixth property in Malaysia.

The group said yesterday it has signed a conditional agreement to buy a 208-unit serviced residence from HSC Properties (HSCP) for RM112.5 million (S$48.3 million).

The property will be named Somerset Ampang when it opens in the first half of 2010.

Somerset Ampang is in Kuala Lumpur’s ‘Golden Triangle’ - the business, shopping and entertainment district marked by Jalan Ampang, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Bukit Bintang.

When completed, the serviced residence will be part of an integrated development that will house one of Malaysia’s leading medical, heart and diagnostic centres, HSC Medical Centre. The high-end medical centre will be separately owned and managed by HSCP. It will occupy five levels of the 23- storey development, with amenities such as a medical spa, restaurant and cafe.

Ascott’s deputy CEO for finance and investment Chong Kee Hiong said: ‘Demand for international-class serviced residences, especially in the capital of Kuala Lumpur, is expected to remain strong. Given its excellent location in Kuala Lumpur’s business and lifestyle district, Somerset Ampang will enable Ascott to capture a larger share of the serviced residence market.

‘Somerset Ampang will cater not only to business travellers but also to visitors to the medical centre who require post-treatment accommodation, as well as their families and friends.’

Somerset Ampang’s facilities will include a swimming pool, gymnasium and children’s playground, Ascott said.

Its portfolio in Malaysia will increase to more than 760 units when Somerset Ampang opens. Ascott’s other properties in the country are Ascott Kuala Lumpur, Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon in Kuala Lumpur, Somerset Gateway in Kuching and two corporate leasing properties in Kuala Lumpur.

‘Somerset Ampang is our second Somerset-branded serviced residence in KL,’ said Ascott’s deputy CEO for operations Gerald Lee. ‘Having more serviced residences in the city enables us to leverage on economy of scale and brand awareness for better operational efficiency and cross-selling. Adding more properties in Malaysia also means that our customers can choose from a wider portfolio.’

The group operates three brands - Ascott, Somerset and Citadines. Its portfolio spans 53 cities in 23 countries, 11 of which are cities where Ascott’s serviced residences are being newly developed.

Source : Business Times - 22 Nov 2007