The tropical island in Indonesia’s Riau Province is shedding its sleepy image with large-scale projects
An architectural shake-up is afoot in Batam, a laidback island, located just a 40-minute ferry ride from Singapore. Hitherto known as a “value-for-money” getaway island, it is home to several mid-range hotels as well as a few well-known chain hotel properties. Recently, one of Singapore’s leading property developers Tuan Sing announced the launch of its Opus Bay project – the first fully integrated township in Batam and within Indonesia, promising to offer a luxurious yet more affordably-priced waterfront lifestyle. To this end, Tuan Sing Holdings has enlisted a slew of top Singaporean and global architecture practices that reads like a roster of who’s who in the design industry.
Taking things up a notch, Opus Bay will boast its own dedicated international ferry terminal that is inspired by local vernacular architecture. Singapore’s Park + Associates, known for its understated yet contextual luxury projects, will give the existing terminal a contemporary overhaul while keeping its heritage details intact. While the masterplan has been designed by the renowned American firm Kohn Pedersen Fox, Singapore’s award-winning practice ONG&ONG has been tasked with designing the Opus Club House – a venue for social networking for the upwardly mobile – and a collection of luxury villas.
Sprawled across 125 hectares, Opus Bay is surrounded by lush greenery and spectacular sea views. It will feature a curated shopping galleria designed by Lead8, the development will have on offer residential units comprising studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments designed by Singapore architects RT+Q. The development will also offer a selection of private villas ranging from three to six-bedroom houses, in a separate gated community within the project.
Designed to be a work, live, play and learn destination, Opus Bay will include retail experiences, hotels, high-rise residential apartments, villas and numerous tourist attractions all within proximity of Singapore, Malaysia, and major Indonesian cities. As a free trade zone, Batam is exempt from some customs rules and taxes, paving the way for property seekers and investors as an ideal waterfront investment.
Future additions have been earmarked for Opus Bay that will include education and medical facilities such as international schools to develop the township into a popular education and medical hub. The township will also feature hotels and numerous tourist attractions, all within proximity of the ferry terminal, in the next few phases.
“We are very excited to launch Opus Bay, one of the largest integrated developments in Indonesia. We envision Opus Bay to be a smart city and an integrated community which serves as the perfect place for luxurious and affordable resort-style living for locals, expats and travellers alike.”
Mr William Liem, Chief Executive Officer of Tuan Sing Holdings
The project comes hot on the heels of the announcement of a major renewable project – the world’s largest floating solar farm by Singapore-based Sunseap – being build in Batam, just off the waters of Singapore.
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