Page 16 - Sphere No.5 (Feb 2002)

“But we realised the location, next to the government
offices and cultural centre, was one of the best in Shenzhen,”
says HWP Managing Director Raymond Chow. “We could see
it was going to be at the heart of the new city centre.”
Market demand is also critical. “There was not much of
an expatriate market,” recalls, HWP Deputy Managing
Director Tony Tsui, “but we sensed affluence was growing in
Shenzhen. So, for the first time, we targeted the local Chinese
market. We adapted what we had learned in Hong Kong”.
With around 3,200 flats, duplexes and “skyhouses” as
well as schools, a clubhouse and shopping facilities,
enhanced by a unique European-themed landscape design,
Le Parc is the largest-ever luxury property development
in Shenzhen.
SPHERE
14
C O V E R S T O R Y
SMART- LIVING PLUS
F OR EXPATRIATE BUSINESSMEN ON SHORT- AND
long-term contracts to Hong Kong, the biggest challenge
of all can be settling into temporary accommodation.
Besides the relatively high rents, an obligatory two-month
deposit must usually be paid to the landlord, not to mention
the cost of signing up for electricity, water and furniture.
Factor in cleaning and laundry, and the bills mount higher.
An Internet service (preferably broadband) is also crucial.
Plus a TV and music.Then there’s the fee for joining a fitness
club. And will there be a place for our hard-working busi-
nessman (or woman) to relax beside a swimming pool on
sweltering days off? The entire process can amount to a
logistical and financial headache.
Demand for apartments at Le Parc in Shenzhen (above ), has outstripped supply.
This is where Harbour Plaza Hotel’s innovative accommo-
dation concept comes in.
Smart-Living Plus has become an extraordinary success
story. Prices start at just HK$6,000 per month (about
US$769), rising to HK$20,000 all-in for stylishly furnished ser-
viced suites in a modern development, complete with sitting
and sleeping areas, bathroom, pantry with refrigerator and
microwave, and with easy access to superb recreational facili-
ties plus convenient commuting links.
But that’s only the start of the value-added package. This
arm of HutchisonWhampoa Property is literally “re-defining”
the way Hong Kong lives, not only by including everyday
necessities and facilities in the fixed price, but even defying
MARK CALDWELL (3) Left to right: The sleeping area of a typical suite; reception lobby; and rooftop pool at Harbour Plaza Resort City.