New city for Sihanoukville ‘has immense potential’ for province

An artist's impression of the new city. Supplied

Beleaguered Preah Sihanouk province will receive a major boost in terms of commercial development, post-COVID tourism, housing and employment following approval of the construction of a new city.

Surbana Jurong’s sustainable development master plan to develop the 834 hectare Ream City” has been approved by Canopy Sands Development, a member of Prince Holding Group. The master plan specifies a land use plan requiring a total investment of about $16 billion and will be developed on reclaimed land located within a 10-minute drive from Sihanoukville International Airport.

Canopy Sands describes it as a world‐class business and entertainment destination which will be the first of its kind in Cambodia. The new multi-cluster development will house many attractions, such as an integrated family theme park, a recreational and educational zone and a business and financial centre, along with residential villas and apartments, hospitality properties including 5-star hotels, resorts and apartments, convention and wedding halls, retail and duty-free stores and an airport expansion area.

The Ream City project is designed to transform and give impetus to the growth prospects of the entire Sihanoukville region by introducing an ecosystem of tourism, commercial and residential activity that could house up to 130,000 residents.

“Cambodia continues to attract a steady flow of foreign direct investments. With our partners, we see immense potential to drive growth in this key market through our participation in iconic infrastructure projects,” said Surbana Jurong’s Asean Chief Executive Yeo Choon Chong to The Straits Times.

He added: “The proposal prioritises the integration of nature to enhance the built environment. A major part of the plan includes an extensive beachfront that stretches over six kilometres.

Yeo said the plan also includes civic and community facilities, such as schools, parks and open spaces, sports complexes, polyclinics and neighbourhood-level amenities.

Canopy Sands says it aims to accelerate the development of key Cambodian economic sectors by initiating and driving forward economically sustainable projects that aim to fulfill important public needs and make meaningful contributions to local communities in Sihanoukville. Khmer Times