Satellite city projects unveiled

Khmer Times
Sok Chan

Chen Chanratana, project manager for the planned satellite cities. KT/Sok Chan

Plans to build two massive satellite cities in Kandal province were unveiled yesterday.

A representative of 7NG, the projects’ developer, said both will be located side by side on an area consisting of 777 hectares in Kandal’s Lavea Em district.

Named ‘Intelligence and Innovation City’ and ‘Nagarapuri City,’ they are now in the early stages of development, with 7NG still working on the feasibility studies and examining legal requirements.

“We are figuring out the regulation involved, studying the terrain, and working on the master plans,” said Chen Chanratana, the project manager, adding that projects of such magnitude could very well take anywhere from 10 to 20 years to complete, and require the government’s full cooperation.

“They are big projects and we will require the full cooperation of all relevant governmental agencies,” he said.

The Intelligence and Innovation City will feature condominium buildings and five-star hotels, as well as exhibition centres, museums, golf courses, sports facilities, parks, movie theatres and supermarkets, Mr Chanratana said.

The Nagarapuri City project, meanwhile, will combine the architectural styles of seven distinct historical periods, he said. It will include resorts, a science park, a cultural park, an art school and a Buddhist community, among other facilities.

“They will be built and design by local experts in architecture, design and engineering,” he said.

Heng Sokbil, secretary of the Asean Academy of Engineering and Technology (Cambodia Chapter), said the projects will help raise standards in the local construction industry, as they will be implemented by both local and foreign experts.

“The Nagarapuri project will show the progression of architecture since ancient times, and that is a very exciting thing,” he said.

“Both city projects will attract tenants from all walks of life, both low and high income, as well as international investors. They will be up to international standards,” Mr Sokbil said.

Mr Chanratana of 7NG failed to disclose the overall investment planned by the company as well as any specific dates regarding the projects’ groundbreakings.