Home to the affluent, elite and powerful, Takhmao City will see its first high-rise condominium development. Last week, a Cambodian-Malaysian joint venture announced the construction launch of Center City Takhmao, a luxury condominium located 11 kilometers south of Phnom Penh. While the planned building would mark the first high-rise within what would be Phnom Penh’s suburbs, the development could spark the beginning of additional buildings on the capital’s outskirts.

Tang Kong, the Cambodian joint venture partner of Center City Takhmao, said that while project was first announced in early 2015, the construction plan and architectural design is now complete.

Tang added that the foundation would be finished later this week, and that the project would be open for sales soon.

“We will officially launch the construction and sales on March 20. [Everyone] will have seen with their own eyes the progress that our company has made,” he said.

Along the grassy banks of the Tonle Bassac River, the 118-metre twin building will feature 400 units of which 90 per cent will have a waterfront view. The top floor will have “sky villas” in the style of ancient Khmer temple architecture, while the main building will be surrounded with shop houses, shopping malls, restaurants, offices, banks, and entertainment facilities, said Kong.

Despite the development being located officially outside of Phnom Penh, Kim Heang, president of CVEA, voiced optimism towards the success of the development.

“It’s a good sign that the construction sector is developing and growing in Takhmao City—the closest province to the city,” he said.

Surveying the purchasing power of those who reside in Phnom Penh’s south, Heang acknowledged that Takhmao City is home to many “high-ranking government officials and elite families.”

“A country with a strong construction sector will expand into every direction, and that shows the real strength of the sector,” he said.

Century 21 Cambodia Director Chrek Soknim said that in order for Takhmao City to further develop, infrastructure must follow. Located along National Road 2 and only five to six kilometers away from Monivong Bridge, Soknim believes Takhmao City, along with the planned future ING City, could span the growth of a large economic zone.

“If you look at the road belt along the southern part of the capital, Takhmao City’s infrastructure is ready for development, with the bridge crossing the Tonle Bassac River and heading towards the Chbar Ampov district.”