Hayball takes on ambitious Malaysian architectural commission

The Malaysian developer Mammoth Empire Holdings has sought out Hayball for a $1.2 billion project in Malaysia, due for 2016 completion.

MEH, which is active in Melbourne, recognised the city architect’s success from both an urban and development point of view.

They were sought for Empire City, with 12 towers along with medium-rise accommodation.

Empire City will cater to Kuala Lumpur’s market need for mixed residential types, from studio apartments to luxury residences.

Premium tenants including 5-star hotel chains, Marriott and Ritz Carlton, have signed lease agreements within Empire City which will also be a retail destination given 200,000 square metres dedicated to mid to high-end fashion brands.

Its lifestyle facilities include an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, 4D cinemas, swimming pool, gymnasium and hospitality venues.

Hayball’s relationship with Mammoth Empire began in 2009 with multi-residential towers MY80 (2014) and Empire (under construction) in Melbourne’s CBD.

Empire City is their first international venture.

Hayball managing director Tom Jordan said Damansara-based, Empire City was the flagship project of the Malaysian developer, with construction of the greenfield site valued at over A$1.2 billion.

"Mammoth’s vision for developing the vibrant and cosmopolitan precinct, the size of which is equivalent to Victoria Harbour in Melbourne’s Docklands, relied on Hayball’s understanding of place making and its importance in creating liveable, dynamic and sustainable places," he said.