Township of convenience takes hold

“The concept of ‘township’ has been adopted in the overall design of our latest projects on a 115-rai plot in Krungthep Kreetha, Bangkok and a 200-rai site at Bang Kra Dee district, Pathumthani provice,” said SC Asset Corporation Plc’s chief executive officer Nuttaphong Kunakornwong at an interview with The Nation. 
A survey among residents in the vicinities of the new projects was carried out by the Research and Design Service Centre (Redek) of King Mongkut’s University of Technology Thonburi on behalf of the company, seeking information on facilities needed in the projects, in addition to unit design, space functions and the ecosystem around the developments. 
The survey covered 400 respondents living close to each sites, with half of them expressing interest in the concept while others preferred that of our competitors. 
Conducted between March and April, it found that most homebuyers expected a wider range of facilities in a residential project, such as coffee shops, retail outlets, and car-care centre among others. 
In view of the findings, we will leave open a six-rai space in front of both projects for commercial premises as well as serving as a common area for residents and others staying in the vicinities. 
“This marks the first time we have carried out a survey before the design stage of a project, in search of a new business model through Big Data amid changes in customer behaviours. The approach falls in line with our motto of being a “Living Solution Provider,” Nuttaphong said. 

Chomchada Kuldiloke, head of corporate communications of SC Asset Corporation Plc, said the Bang Kra Dee community project will house 7,000 occupants in 1,700 units, based on the calculation of four members per family staying in a resident. As such, the project must be fully equipped to serve the large number of residents. 
“A company research found that homebuyers were most concerned about security, while transportation between home and workplace also figures large in their decision-making process. Proper arrangement will have to be made in collaboration with companies in the transport sector,” she said. 
“The projects will be launched in the market in the next two quarters after the design stage, including the common areas out front,” Chomchada said. 
Singha Estate Plc also plans to develop a township project on a 240 rai site at Krung Thep Kree Tha, worth over Bt13 billion, the company ‘s chief executive officer Naris Cheyklin said recently.
The project will combine single-detached houses, townhouses, offices, retail outlets, and a hotel, he said. 
Meanwhile, Sansiri Plc has developed a 50-rai “township” on Sukumvit 77. The T77 project covers six condominiums and townhouses totalling 5,000 units at an investment cost of Bt10.5 billion. 
Given the large population, the company incorporated a Habito Community Mall, and Bangkok International Preparatory and Secondary School in its landscape design. “We have created a community with a wide range of facilities to meet the lifestyle of our customers,” said Sansiri Plc’s president Srettha Thavisin. 
Situated in the same location is the Bt1.3-billion Park Court Grand Apartment, developed by MK Real Estate Plc. 
Lumpini Township Klong 1 Rang Sit, a 10-rai community project with 10,074 residential units and seven commercial premises, has been developed by LPN Development Plc. 
“It is a integrated project of residential units, commercial premises and other facilities such as a clinic and a fitness centre, among others. It also comes with an efficient transportation network, “ said Opas Sripayak, the company’s chief executive officer and managing director. “We met the demands of our customers related to security, facilities and mobility, “ he added. 
“Despite the presence of Future Park Rang Sit Shopping Center in the area, there is a community mall in the project as residents still prefer to shop at the closest outlet,” he said. 
In line with customers’ demand for more facilities in a right environment, the company has accommodated branches of 7-11 convenience store at all of its residential projects. In addition, more services such as laundry, cleaning and maintenance will be available through collaborations. 

“With more than 40 years of experience in the property business, we are convinced that a project designed under the community and township concept will please homebuyers in a new era,” Opas concluded.