Hi guys,
You first heard it here!
Mark my words: the city of
Hyderabad, the 6-million people strong IT powerhouse located in the state of Andhra Pradesh in Southern India,
will very soon crash into the ranks of major skyscraper cities in a big way. "
Cyberabad"
(as its popularly called, owing to its IT industry) has emerged as the most pro-densification, pro-verticalization metro in the Indian Subcontinent -- even more so than Mumbai, and that says a lot.
Aiming to become the most investor-friendly city amongst the competing the southern Indian IT/tech cities of Bengaluru (Bangalore) and Chennai (Madras),
the city has embarked on a massive modernization emulating the E Asian tiger Tier 1 cities --
namely, building Central Business Districts catering to banking, trade, research, tech and other knowlege industries. Adopting the trend toward 'walk to work' concepts, these CBS would have ample residential towers as well. Not only has the city and state governments been sold on 'skyscraperization' on a big way, but also the voting public.Outside Mumbai, its the only city in the Subcontinent to really, comprehensively embrace the ethos of vertical urbanity.
As such, a high-rise and supertall laden CBD with all the infrastructure bells and whistles will literally rise from the paddy fields over the next 5 years in a vast area bordering the 'old' city known as the "skysrcaper zone." These zones would have unlimited FSI, translating into virtually no hight restrictions, provided private developers would fund the infrastructure projects that would sustain them. Unlike other Indian cities, for these projects the red tape is slashed considerably and projects are fast-tracked toward approval.
To give you some examples of the earnestness of this drive toward the sky, among the many projects in the sky scraper zone,
the Manchirevula CBD, will soon boast a 100-storey supertall, and thirty towers with a minimum height of 30-storeys. For the Manchirevula CBD project, construction companies are currently being shortlisted (down to an Indian and an Israeli consortium) and is expected to commence in a couple months with project completion by 2010. Also announced several other towers in the other zones (Financial District Nanakramguda, Kokapet Golden Mile, etc) in the 30-60 storey range. And all these are just pre-first phase known developments of only a fraction of the entire Skyscraper Zone.
....
Buuuuut since we don't have any renderings for any of these yet (due to competative secrecy between the various companies and agencies involved in these projects), this thread will focus on the
'other' major project bordering the skyscraper zone: the Lanco Hills SEZ.
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Here are two articles that give a good overview of the Lanco Hills SEZ. Mind you, this first article is a year old, so some details have changed -- for the bigger:
A mega techno-residential township
Quote:
Tuesday, June 13, 2006
The Lanco Group has sewn up plans for a mega techno-residential township of 18 million sq ft that would come up in a 100-acre site near here with an investment outlay of about Rs 3,600 crore.
The company is planning a 90-storey building, which could potentially be the tallest such structure in the country. Since this comes in a special zone, clearances would be formality, the company said....... Apart from developing 16 residential towers each of about 30 levels, this project will host a mega mall complex and two hotels - a five-star and a four-star one.
The Lanco group Chairman, Mr L. Madhusudhan Rao, told that the magnitude of the project was such that this will effectively create a larger capacity than the existing Hitec City area near here, where a majority of the IT companies have set up shop. The project, to be taken up through a strategic partner, would be completed within three years.
"We plan to unveil the project in August, and a leading Mumbai-based designer has been roped in for its design. The company expects to tap into other metros following up on their capability to handle infrastructure projects," Mr Rao said. Giving an overview of the mega office-cum-township project named Lanco Hills, Mr Rao said that this would be a mixed development project that will have a built-up space of about 18 million sq ft, featuring top-notch office space, residential facilities and large recreation zones.
With regards to the office space, the company is planning 12 towers each of up to 20 levels that would be custom designed for IT and IT-enabled services (ITES) companies and this would form part of the Knowledge Corridor that the State Government is in the process of developing, he said. Apart from developing 16 residential towers each of about 30 levels, this project will host a mega mall complex and two hotels - a five-star and a four-star one. The mall will have a built up space of about two million sq ft, with multi-level parking space.
In all, the township will have 7.5-million sq ft. of office space and 8 million sq ft of housing facility in addition to the mall and hotel complexes.
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Lanco Hills Park notified as SEZ
Quote:
Tuesday, Apr 17, 2007
Special Correspondent
The company is poised to be one of the largest `mixed-use' developers in the world, worth over US $ 1 billion.
HYDERABAD: The city-based Lanco Hills Technology Park Private Limited of the Lanco Group has been notified as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) by the Union Ministry of Commerce with effect from April 10, 2007.
A sector-specific Special Economic Zone for Information Technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITES) will be set up over 25-acres in Manikonda village, Rajendranagar Mandal of Ranga Reddy district.
The company is planned to be positioned as one of the largest `mixed-use' developers in the world worth over US $ 1 billion.
It constitutes realty sectors like IT/ITES space, mall, ultra modern living spaces, extraordinary entertainment, luxury hotels and service apartments, to name a few. It will be a truly international standard integrated IT park, he said.
Chairman L. Madhusudhan Rao said "The sanction is recognition of our credentials and unique track record in creating global-scale landmarks." He said it would be a trendsetter in destination-building and etch Hyderabad as a signature to India as an emerging global destination.
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In short, this megaproject would be topped with a 90-floor "Signature Tower" (it's yet unclear if this is the actual name or just a description) that has won clearance and is approved to be built at that height.
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A couple days ago, the company finally released some initial renderings of the project on their website. While obviously it is still in the design change, I sure as hell like where this is going. The pics were smaller, but I've blown them up for clarity (if not beauty)
Captions are mine, and quotes are from the website:
^ 90 storey Signature residential tower. The design of the tower has changed consderably from initial renderings released a year ago. As it will be built in the second phase of this project, it's entirely possible that it may well change in height or design again.
Quote:
LANCO Hills, a 100 acres of sustained knowledge ecosystem in Hyderabad that will rank among the best townships in the world. Designed to create a city of the future, LANCO Hills integrates all the functions and facilities required for modern day living.
LANCO Hills is a unique project being developed by LANCO Group. It is one of the largest mixed developments in India at over 30 million sq ft. With an investment of Rs 5,500 crore, LANCO Hills integrates international standard work spheres, ultra modern living spaces, extraordinary entertainment and commercial and retail districts with every conceivable amenity for a great life.
LANCO Hills will become a landmark in India, with its high rise residential towers, office towers, service apartments, hotels, and a mall, one of the largest entertainment zones. So get ready to witness a fresh idea for an all-new world.
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^ What seems to be 2 actual renderings of the project. On the left 2/3s, how how the residential/hotel/mall cluster around the 90-storey tower will look. On the right 1/3, some of the IT towers
Quote:
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Fifteen majestic residential towers rise in elegant straight lines and redefine the skyline. Each tower provides living spaces that are the ultimate word in luxury, comfort and convenience. Ample parking area for residents and visitors, imposing glass facades and aesthetic exteriors add to overall beauty and elegance. Meticulously planned interiors achieve a fusion of form and functionality. Imposing foyers and high speed elevators give a feeling of refined comfort. Wide glass windows offer the views of awe-inspiring landscaping around the towers.
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^ Club house
Quote:
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Club House, one of the best in the world, is a place to indulge. Four Gold Class Home Theatres, a world class spa and gym, multi-cuisine restaurants, well-appointed suites for guests, card rooms, children’s library, play areas, an Olympic size swimming pool, outdoor games area and much more makes every moment in the club a new experience.
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^ At 2.5 million sq feet what's claimed to be the largest mall in India, though other malls of roughly the same size and bigger are planned
Quote:
India’s largest shopping mall of 2.5 million sq feet is designed to give you the most fulfilling shopping experience. The spacious parking area can accommodate more than 8,000 cars at a time, the largest for any mall. Other specialities include international brands, signature stores, multi-brand super stores and more than 300 retail outlets to explore the varied nuances of shopping.
The recreation zone, one of the largest in the world, has a 12 lane bowling alley, an ice-skating rink, go-karting, rodeo drives and theme restaurants. An exclusive exhibition and a grand convention centre for premium events make Broadway a thing of the past. Well-lit interiors and eye-catching landscaping bring about a fantasy land ambience.
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^ On left the clubhouse, on right the mall and hotel towers
^ The various hotel towers connected to the mall
Quote:
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A premier 5 Star Hotel with 400 guest rooms and suites, international banqueting facilities and globally acknowledged service brings you the finest and best hospitality experiences in the world. Similarly a deluxe business class hotel with a spacious convention and exhibition centre and well appointed serviced apartments with modern amenities provides an exhilarating experience. A plethora of speciality restaurants offering exquisite dining experience is another offer on a platter.
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^ The mall and hotels again
^ Multiplex
Quote:
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A 16 screen multiplex is fit for a Hollywood premier. This recreation zone brings to life the magic of movies in the most magnificent setting. Awe-inspiring facades, world class acoustics and perfectly planned amenities give the multiplex an international touch. The multiplex includes four Gold Glass theatres and even a premier theatre to host celebrity shows.
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^ On the right, a view of the 90 storey Signature tower and mall itself, and on the right a collage of renderings of various residential towers. According to reports, it seems each of these towers were designed by a different architect.
^ A collage of renderings of the various IT buildings
Quote:
An IT Space along with non-IT office space - all put together with a space to accommodate 75,000 professionals makes this one of the largest single commercial spaces in India. The office space is equipped with rejuvenating facilities, unwinding areas and its own retail spaces, making it a very pleasant space to work.
All this is encapsulated in 12 towers with pleasing architectural facades of different themes, making it a visual treat for the beholder. The entire development takes 30 per cent of the space and the remaining area is landscaped with bright green foliage of various themes and varieties, brilliantly conceived by one of the world’s best landscape architects.
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Unfortunately, we still do not know who the architects, landscapers, etc are, nor do we have a finalized building designs, views of the landscaping, a master plan or any such final renderings.
However, since this project is approved and site prep has already started in a big way, not only is construction assured, but we will likely get better renderings when they start actively selling apartments.
Three vignettes from SSC India locals:
- grading work for the site (including levelling hillocks) is going on round-the-clock
- an unceasing stream of recruitment ads is appearing in local newspapers for architects, engineers and construction workers with the requirement "experience in skyscraper design is must"
- and finally, international real estate heavyweight Cushman & Wakefield
has been granted exclusive rights to market the first phase of construction so we can expect to see some some snazzy PR and high-quality renderings soon!
I'll keep everyone posted as news develops or better quality renderings come out!
Cheers,
Jai
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