KSL Holdings Bhd will be launching three new mixed property development projects in Johor at the end of the year, executive director Ku Hwa Seng said.

He said the first to be launched would be Taman Bestari Indah in Ulu Tiram followed by Taman Nusa Bestari Emas in Kempas and Taman Nusa Bestari of Bandar Nusajaya.

He said the three projects, together with the ongoing works in its flagship project, Taman Nusa Bestari II in Bandar Nusajaya, would keep the company busy for the next four to five years.

''We feel that the time is appropriate for new launches following the government's economic package,'' Ku said in an interview with StarBiz.

He said the take-up rate for the company’s flagship project Taman Nusa Bestari II was good and he expressed confidence it would be likewise for its three new projects.

Ku said the flagship project received good response despite having to compete with eight ongoing schemes within the area, with 2,300 residential and commercial properties worth RM350mil sold within two years.

The 160-acre Taman Nusa Bestari II would have 3,500 units of mixed properties on completion. It is part of Bandar Nusajaya – which is slated to be the state's new administrative centre.

On the upcoming Taman Nusa Bestari, Ku said the company had acquired 227.75 acres from Ho Hup for RM97mil and could start work anytime as approval was given to Ho Hup when the land was still under the company.

The scheme would have some 1,081 units of mixed properties worth RM330mil in sales turnover.

He said the company decided to include the word ''Bestari'' for its two new projects Taman Bestari Indah in Ulu Tiram and Taman Nusa Bestari Emas in Kempas, so that buyers could associate the projects with the Segamat-based developer.

''Branding is important even for housing developers as we believe that strong brand would help to sell products better as consumers have more confidence,'' said Ku.

The housing schemes in Ulu Tiram (714.143 acres) and Kempas (237.845 acres) would have a total of 14,000 residential units and 1,800 commercial properties.

Ku said the Ulu Tiram area would see influx of housing developers in the coming years as several new projects had been approved, including those by KLSE-listed companies.

Source : The Star  24/7/2003