Transforming Sihanoukville

 


The masterplan for Ream City in Cambodia's Sihanoukville province, set to transform the region into an exciting destination, was recently unveiled. With a beachfront that stretches for more than 6 kilometres, this large-scale development will include a sustainable ecosystem of tourism, commercial, and residential activity, with the capacity to house up to 130,000 people.

The 834-ha project is being developed by Canopy Sands Development, a member of the Cambodian conglomerate Prince Holding Group, and will include family attractions, condominiums, landed and beachfront homes and affordable housing estates, shopping malls, business hubs, beach resorts, hotels, condotels, yacht and marina club.

The completion of the masterplan, which was undertaken by Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Group, is a significant step toward making Ream City a reality.

“We are currently preparing for downstream developments, including utilities and road infrastructure as well as secondary developments. This will require sourcing the right consultants to assist us in conceptualising and designing what will be an iconic development. We will make announcements at a later stage,” said Khong Weng Fook, managing director of Canopy Sands Development.


According to Mr Khong, Ream City will be built in three phases over a period of more than 20 years.

The first phase, or start-up phase, of a 50-ha project is expected to be completed in 2025. “It will comprise the main components of our Integrated Resort complex, including MICE facilities and hotels. Residential developments are also planned to cater to the expected demand.”

Phase 2 is a 357-ha project that will be completed in 2035, while Phase 3 is a 427-ha project that will be completed in 2045.

Sustainable development that ‘benefits local community’

Mr Khong further explained that Ream City will take into account the principles of sustainable design, such as environmental protection and resource recycling. “For example, there will be areas set up to capture rainwater among other green infrastructure efforts, ecological restoration and urban infill, and a transit-oriented development (TOD).

“This approach will lead to the creation of sustainable, healthy and economically vibrant neighbourhoods in order to deliver a high quality of life to residents and benefit the environment, the economy and the local community.”

“In our pre-qualification process for design consultants, we’ve placed an emphasis on their experience on designing green initiatives amongst other design-related aspects,” said Mr Khong.

“Building orientation would take into consideration not only views offered by the sea and golf course but the sun as well. The most appropriate material for the developments would then be proposed for eventual use during construction.”

Mr Khong added that amenities would be built within “comfortable walking or cycling distances for each phase of development. To encourage residents to adopt non-motorised forms of transport, appropriately designed tracks or footpaths are planned. The usage and promotion of environment-friendly vehicles will also be considered.”

In the long term, the development of Ream City is expected to benefit the local community a great deal. “Our organisation’s mission is to develop sustainable and enduring real estate projects that effectively and holistically serve the needs of local communities. Sihanoukville is one of the best examples where we can abide by our mission,” said Mr Khong.

“Apart from the infrastructure improvements, as one of the most important gateways into Cambodia, lined with pristine beaches and the heritage of Sihanoukville, Ream City has the potential to be a major tourist attraction not just for locals but also regional visitors or new residents from overseas.

“The ripple effect on the community will be positive. As an illustration, more training centres could be established for the hospitality sector – especially given the close distance to the airport – providing the community with good jobs and opportunities.”


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