Page 32 - Sphere No.16 (Apr 2006)

In some developments in
Mainland China, residential facilities can include
golf courses, such as Laguna Verona in Dongguan, and even
schools such as the Yew Chung International School within the
Seasons Villas compound in Shanghai. Grounds also tend to
be extensive and developments are often grouped around lakes
or rivers.
Clubhouses themselves have also developed into very elab-
orate creations, with extravagant designs that add prestige as
well as luxury to the lifestyle. In developments such as Dynasty
Garden in Shenzhen Baoan, on top of the expected gym, spa
and swimming pool, clubhouse facilities include a cigar lounge,
wine club, snooker and chess rooms, a bowling alley, private
theatre, banqueting rooms and kindergarten.
Mr Ivens believes that clubhouses don’t just
benefit the residents; they are advantageous
to the property manager too. “Having a club-
house helps attract more people to the prop-
erty on an on-going basis,” he said. “It encour-
ages members to return and to bring more
guests, which in turn generates new members
and new potential home buyers. A good club-
house also attracts more rental market, which
increases sales for investment purposes.”
There are other added benefits to both
property manager and residents. Mr Chan
thinks that clubhouse facilities help bring
the community together. “Living in a big
development can be quite impersonal if people only ever see
their neighbours in a lift, or in their car as they drive to or
from work,” he explained. “A clubhouse enables residents to
meet informally in a social situation. In this way, they build
up relationships with their neighbours, the children play to-
gether. A proper community is formed, and that encourages
neighbourliness, which in turn enhances residents’ quality of
life and sense of well-being.
That the clubhouse provides a platform
for community spirit is advantageous from
a property management point of view. “It
means we can disseminate information and
messages to residents in an informal way,”
said Mr Chan. These might concern man-
agement policy or maintenance of the prop-
erty, or even what kind of decorations should
be put up for Chinese New Year. “By doing
it informally, we can get feedback from resi-
dents and have a good idea of their views be-
fore making any big decisions or introducing
proposals on a more official basis.”
In Mainland China it tends to be yuppie
couples and newly-rich families who seek out
30 SPHERE
Clockwise from above:
Some developments in Mainland China
include golf courses, while playrooms and
swimming pools are now standard in Hong Kong.
The clubhouse
enables the
residents to
enjoy a better
standard of
living