Fashion
Singapore-headquartered Keppel Corp has paid VND 845.9 billion (S$53.5 million) to boost its stake in Ho Chi Minh City’s Saigon Centre beyond 50 per cent.
Saigon Centre, a mixed-use development incorporating a shopping centre anchored by Takashimaya department store, apartments and office space, is a joint venture between Keppel and local company Watco. The first stage, a small shopping mall beneath an 11-story tower, opened in 1996. Last year the expanded 55,000 sqm mall opened, and construction continues on a second tower of approximately 40 stories above it.
The mall is trading well, 100 per cent leased, with several Japanese retailers, including Owndays, making their debut in the market. Chanel is constructing what is expected to be a make-up studio on the ground level in a prime space previously used for events and pop-ups.
Keppel now owns 53.5 per cent of the Keppel Land Watco I, II and II companies and 76.2 per cent of Keppel Land Watco IV and V.
“Keppel Land is committed to grow its commercial portfolio in key Asian cities. Vietnam, one of our key growth markets, continues to attract foreign direct investments which will drive positive demand in the property market from homes to offices and mixed-use developments,” said Keppel Land CEO Ang Wee Gee in a statement.
