GuocoLand’s Martin Modern held its grand preview last July 8 and 9. This is GuocoLand’s first major launch since the 302-unit Martin Place entrance in 2008.
Besting 12 bidders, GuocoLand gave an aggressive winning bid of $595.1 million or $1,239 psf per plot ratio (ppr). Other luxury condos in its fleet is Goodwood Residence along Bukit Timah Road and Leedon Residence along Farrer and Holland Roads.
Growth and Activity
Meanwhile, the neighborhood along Robertson Quay is fast morphing into a bustling area, what with the opening of Great World (the new MRT which will be less than a 15 minute walk and is slated to operate in 2021).
As per Cheng Hsing Yao, group managing director of GuocoLand Singapore, Robertson Quay has a great zone of growth: the makeover of The Quayside, the Inter Continental Singapore Robertson Quay, and the revamping of the Zouk Site (along Jiak Kim).
According to ERA, PropNex Realty, and Huttons, GuocoLand’s marketing agents, prices range from less than S$2 million for a 2-BR unit to $2 million for a 2-BR with study unit. Median price is around $2,300 per square foot. PropNex CEO Ismail Gafoor, says that an increase in investor interest is inevitable because of the property’s location. This is the case, despite the dearth of launches in the last ten years.
(Artist's Impressions)
Faith in the new investments
Last month, a joint undertaking between Kajima Development and Singapore Press won a GLS site. This is being groomed as a 600-unit residential unit affair. A commercial area (300,000 sqft) is included in the plan. The joint venture submitted the winning bid of $1.13 billion ($1,181 psf), for the area located beside the Woodleigh MRT.
A new development at the Bidadari Estate site could be sold at prices above $1,800 per square foot. Martin Modern prices (which is above $2,000 per square foot) will not deter investors as the location is within the exclusive neighborhood of District 9.
A Landmark to Watch Out For
GuocoLand plans to build a novel icon at Robertson Quay through the expertise of master architect Yip Yuen Hong (ip:li Architects). Yip is in collaboration with Tang Kok Thye of ADDP Architect. ICN Design has been tapped as landscape architect.
The buildings feature corrugated panels. The raw look pays homage to the warehouses. While the sturdy but sleek interiors is a juxtaposition against the structure’s exteriors.
450 units will be housed between the two 30-floor towers. 80% of the 171,500 sqft site will then be dedicated to landscaped areas. Simon Morrison, director of ICN Design, says that the idea is to create a living heritage – a woodland complete with flora and fauna.
Green living spaces for residents
GuocoLand’s original intention was to have lush gardens. With Martin Modern’s slanting geography, entertainment spaces are completely possible. Expect nooks for a party lawn, a fully chilled reception area, an Olympic sized pool and other water features. The piece-de-resistance is another garden, a place where residents can take advantage of panoramic views and rooftop greenery.
Exclusivity has also been at the top of the designer’s minds. The arrival area consists of an eight-meter wall. Together with dense greenery and foliage, residents will find complete privacy from the curious eyes of commuters.
Space and Ambience
The exteriors and interiors are always on equal footing when it comes to projects by GuocoLand. All units are functional and residents will enjoy both the interiors and outside views from any unit, says Cheng.
150 units are two-BR apartments at 764 sqft.
90 units (20%), two BR with study at 850 – 883 sqft.
Another 90 units are 3 BR units at 1,012 – 1,087 sqft.
Available for them moment – 60 units of 3BR premium types at 1,324 – 1,421 sqft plus another 60 units of 4BR at 1,701 – 1,798 sqft.
When it comes to entertaining at home, the developers see the residents as cosmopolitan, affluent and exacting. Interior and exterior designs are seamless. Balconies are made of mosaic marble tiles while the units’ dining and living areas feature marble flooring. Owners of 3BR and 4BR units will have access to two balconies
All units will have a picturesque panorama of the Singapore River, the gardens within the compound, and the skyline.
Perfect Investment for the perfect lifestyle
Because of the premium location in Martin Place and the superior value of the development. GuocoLand sees strong demand from both investors and future lessees.
The desirability of a project will always outweigh the land’s tenure, as per Huttons Asia. An example is the OUE Twin Peaks. Here, units from the 21st floor and higher were sold for $2,755 – $3,311 per square foot. At Cairnhill Nine, the units were sold from $2,616 – $2,769 psf (in May and June) for the last two months.
Meanwhile, UP @ Robertson units have been sold at prices ranging from $1,904 – $2,908 per square foot since the project was introduced in 2012.