PROPERTY developer Bolton Bhd (1538)is looking to expand its landbank in Penang with a potential acquisition in Teluk Kumbar this year.

Bolton executive chairman Datuk Azman Yahya yesterday said it was hopeful to conclude the proposed acquisition of the 44ha site within two to three months.

The land on the south-western end of Penang island is estimated to cost Bolton RM150 million, Azman added.

"Our maiden project in Penang – Surin, has been encouraging and we are now looking at expanding our landbank on the island via acquisitions and joint ventures," he told reporters after a topping out ceremony for the Surin Tower B project located in Tanjung Bungah.
Surin is a two-block 28-storey luxury condominium project which is built on a freehold parcel of elevated land and carries a development value of RM199 million.

Of the project's 390 units, about 77 per cent had already been sold out and about 30 per cent to 35 per cent of the buyers were foreign, Azman said.

The units, which were sold at prices ranging from RM345,998 to RM1.2 million, offer amenities such as an infinity pool, rooftop garden, two covered carpark bays per unit, three tier security, a barbeque area and sky decks.

On the planned purchase of the Teluk Kumbar land, Azman said Bolton was looking at building landed property units, along with apartments in a gated community.

"Our target investors for this proposed project would be locals," he added, saying that Bolton remains on the lookout to buy land in Tanjung Bungah.

"We remain convinced of Penang's vibrancy and growth prospects and we are actively looking for development opportunities.

"The residential market remains buoyant and this is a segment which we want to focus on," Azman said.

In the Klang Valley, he said the company will soon unveil a block of luxury serviced residences at Jalan Bukit Ceylon, an exclusive gated community in Ukay Perdana, and the 51 Gurney development.

The latter project is touted as Malaysia's first and only super luxurious condominium which comes complete with spacious driveway on every floor and a car park within every unit.

SOURCE: Business Times