SHAH ALAM: Ardence Labs - the larger scale of commercial retail container spaces within the 533-acre freehold development of Eco Ardence, has welcomed its first 18 tenants.
Among the tenants include Jaya Grocer; a pet hotel - Cocomomo Pets Hotel; a football academy - Eco Ardence and Plant Cartridge as well as food and beverages (F&B) outlets such as Tealive, Croissant Taiyaki, Bamboo Biryani, Ottimo Dessert and Chaiwalla & Co.
Eco World divisional general manager Liew Tian Xiong said the Ardence Labs spans about 27-acre in the eco-township of Eco Ardence with a gross development value of RM8.58 billion.
"We have been working for this container concept for almost two years. We are very excited that we are able to unveil with the initial of 18 tenants," he said at a press conference in a launching ceremony in Shah Alam, today.
Liew said the concept of Ardence Labs is a unique combination of modern lifestyle not just for the upcoming community in the development area but also for surrounding neighbourhood in Shah Alam.
"For any township to work, it is all about the people and content that goes into the development.
"With tenants that come in even before the homes are handed over to the residents, this commercial platform allows community to integrate within the township," he added.
Liew pointed out this commercial concept would bring value to the culture and lifestyle of the residents, inspired by modern tropical design elements for whole development as a suburban city of art, culture and commerce.
"The concept of Ardence Labs is exciting as we are revolutinising the idea of space and utilising refurbished containers.
"This enabled us to offer customisable spaces for growing retail and (F&B) brands or co-working spaces for startups to realise their blueprints and business plans," he said adding that business owners can enjoy flexibility of customisation as each lab can be tailored to suit specific demographic.
Liew said the tenants can start their business operations in the first quarter next year, with a total of 25 lots of retail containers availability.
"It is a flexible container concept. By doing so, we can break it up into more or less retail spaces, depending on the tenants occupancies," he said.
Liew said the rental rate is ranging from RM4.50 to RM6.50 per sq ft - given the frontage and prime location as well as the exposure of the development project.
"As developers, we are passionate about place making and create unique experience for the interactions among society," he said.
Liew said it expects the remaining seven retail spaces, can be filled up once the Ardence Labs starts its operation as early as January next year.
"We make sure it is a fruitful environment for everyone to operate their retails. It is an interesting concept.
"Although the container concept is not new in Malaysia, but no one else has done in greater scale," he said.
The developer is looking to have 25 retail lots with built-ups ranging between 290 sq ft and 2,000 sq ft.
Ardence Labs is also strategically located at the heart of Eco Ardence and fronts a lake, comprising the new and upcoming Eco Ardence Sales Gallery, F&B and retail outlets, working and even spaces as well as two football fields with ample parking spaces.
Liew said the Ardence Labs would act as a catalyst to activate EcoWorld's commercial centres, giving it a unique position in terms of branding the development and enhancing the value of its commercial component.