Ground has officially been broken on Citadines Langit Kuching, a major new high-rise development located within Kuching’s central business district.
Several details of the project were elaborated on in a press conference that included the project’s architect, David Ong; developer Hock Seng Lee Bhd (HSL) Director Yu Ji; Ascott International Management Country General Manager Mondi Mecja; and Kuching South Mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng.
The project, a collaboration between local developer HSL and Singapore’s The Ascott Limited, will deliver a 28-storey twin tower complex with several green features.
Strategically located along Jalan Tabuan, a key thoroughfare close to major business, tourism, and shopping destinations, the development aims to set a new benchmark for design and urban living in East Malaysia.
Once completed, the twin towers will include 64 luxury condominiums in Tower A and 220 next-generation Citadines serviced apartments in Tower B.
Shared facilities include two elevated clubhouse floors and a dramatic, publicly accessible three-storey plaza designed to serve as a vibrant communal space.
The project has been lauded for its architectural innovation and environmental commitment. With plans to attain Green Building Index (GBI) certification, the development will incorporate energy-efficient features such as sun-shading facade screens inspired by Dayak motifs, double-glazed windows, and advanced building management systems.
The project also includes a grand public staircase, which will anchor the lower floors and serve as a privately owned public space for community events, art installations, and leisure activities.
The genesis of the project can be traced back to 2021, when HSL launched Sarawak’s first nationwide architectural competition to source the best ideas for a landmark high-rise. The competition attracted 112 global entries, with the winning design setting the tone for the project’s innovative and civic-minded approach.
The hotel’s interior design is led by The Ascott Limited’s in-house team, a notable feat given that the upcoming high-rise is one of only two projects globally selected for the group’s full design involvement in the year.
Mondi emphasised the project’s significance for the Citadines brand, stating, “We are very proud to say that it will be our flagship property for the Citadines brand”.
He also highlighted the project’s local economic impact: “We have employed at least 100 new associates to work with us for this hotel, which means we’ll have the opportunity to hire more locals to be part of this project.”
The property is positioned as a four-star-plus offering, with room rates expected to start around RM400. “In terms of pricing strategy, we are confident in Kuching’s potential,” said Mondi.
Looking ahead, HSL aims to launch condo sales by the end of next year, with the hotel opening in stages. Construction of the superstructure is expected to be completed within 24 months after the substructure is finished.
Despite rising costs, the development team remains committed to maintaining the project’s signature elements and high standards. As Yu concluded, “The building must have the signature elements to stand the test. Even if the cost goes up a lot, we will still find a way to do it.”
Sales of the condominiums are expected to begin in late 2026, with prices estimated at RM1,000 per sq ft. At this time, total costs and gross domestic value of the project are under deliberation, but the partnership is confirmed to last 15 years, with both parties hoping to be longer than that.
