Star Auto Cambodia claims it has constructed one of the first largest green buildings in Cambodia for a lush $10 million.

In his opening speech at the topping-out ceremony earlier this week, Star Auto Cambodia CEO James Zemke said the project represented a massive investment by its Hong Kong-based parent company, Lei Shing Hong Limited.

“It’s almost $10 million; that’s one of the largest investments for Star Auto Cambodia,” Zemke said.

“The building for the Mercedes-Benz showroom is one of the most eco-friendly buildings. About one-third of electricity will be supplied by our own solar system on the roof of the building.”

According to Zemke, the interior of the building is equipped with high-end technology lamp lights which use “little energy”.

“We believe that we’ll be winning awards for this green building construction in the Kingdom,” he said.

After the official ceremony, Zemke offered guests a tour of the entire building, which is more than 50 per cent complete.

He explained that “the capacity of the Star Auto Cambodia building is complex with a large showroom, technician garage, office space, training centre, and other functioning rooms. The building measures about 5,100 square metres along Samdech Techo Hun Sen Boulevard.”

Khun Chantha, marketing director at Star Auto Cambodia, said construction had been ongoing since the end of 2015.

“After finishing construction, this large building will separate into three showrooms, which can display more than 12 cars,” Chantha said.

“At the other side is the huge workshop which can fix over 20 cars at the same time.”

Van Chanthorn, managing director of Town City Real Estate, said “we’re happy to see the Mercedes showroom in the newest area of the Hun Sen Boulevard.”

“This well-known brand name is dotting their flag on the right location.

“I’m very sure that with this large and modern showroom, as well as the neighbouring [International School of Phnom Penh], there will be more high-value brand names going to that location soon,” Chanthorn said.

He also believes that the land prices in the area could rise in the near future.

“Along Hun Sen Boulevard is the new emerging prime location for business, while downtown is seemingly almost full,” Chanthorn added.