Plaza Shell stands in the centre of the Kota Kinabalu CBD.

HAP SENG Consolidated Berhad (HSCB) is a no stranger to Fiabci Malaysia Property Awards.

Its wholly owned subsidiary company Hap Seng Realty (KK I) Sdn Bhd developed and built Plaza Shell office tower on a piece of land which was previously operated by Poring Cinema.

Rising majestically over the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District (CBD), it had been declared the Fiabci Malaysia Property Awards 2017 Winner in the Office Category.

HSCB was first established in Tawau, Sabah, prior to expanding to Peninsular Malaysia.

Hap Seng Realty (KK I) Sdn Bhd Chief Operating Officer, John Tan Duo Zer commented that construction of Plaza Shell is to bring together Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad’s diversified businesses such as quarries, plantations, automobiles, properties, tiles and so forth under one roof in Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, subsequently showcasing the corporate identity of Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad.

Strategic location in the CBD Area

According to Tan, the site of Plaza Shell used to house a renowned cinema. The company previously formed a view that the prime location of this piece of land which faces the busiest roundabout in the Kota Kinabalu CBD, is the strategic site to build Mercedes-Benz Autohaus Sales Gallery, as well as the headquarters of Hap Seng’s various business areas in Sabah.

The development of Plaza Shell will share the burden of attracting multinational corporations (MNC) and subsequently reinvigorate the economic activities in the state.

With a land size of 2.16 acres located right beside the busy roundabout, other developers will not think twice about seizing this opportunity to build twin buildings should this piece of land be located in Peninsular Malaysia.

However, Hap Seng has opted to build only a 62m-tall office tower in this vast area, as a low density planning can create a spacious working environment, said Tan. Tan further commented that Plaza Shell has three entrances strategically designed and orientated. With an elevated main atrium which is about three times higher than usual, the lobby of Plaza Shell is visually a lot more spacious than others.

In terms of architectural design, Plaza Shell uses double glazed unit glass for heat and noise insulation. The spaciousness and comfort of each level are no doubt the top priority, as indicated by its 4m-wide walkway as well as air-conditioned lifts.

Plaza Shell has successfully attracted several high profile tenants over the past two years, says Tan.

Tan added that the total softscape area of 21,000sq ft in Levels 2 and 3 as well as the breathtaking sea view of Sky Terrace at Level 13 are specially designed as a recreational area for the office tenants. Moreover, there are meeting halls available for rent just beside the Sky Terrace.

The construction of Plaza Shell, which began in 2013, took two years and 10 months to be completed.

It comprises 14 floors with 18,000sq ft on each one apart from four levels of basement carpark housing a total of 567 parking bays.

As a pioneer in Kota Kinabalu’s commercial property sector, Plaza Shell is a first Grade A office tower which is built with only the finest and green materials.

With commercial interest in mind, the plaza is named after its anchor tenant – international conglomerate, Shell which Hap Seng Consolidated Berhad is delighted to be associated and aligned with, said Tan.

Making immediate profit is not the original intention

According to Tan, whilst the construction of Plaza Shell is a substantial investment, they are confident that in the long run, high profile clienteles including MNCs would be attracted to Grade A green building Plaza Shell, compatible to their corporate image, eventually paying a handsome rental yield.

In Sabah, the conventional trend is locating offices at the upper levels of shoplots. Comparatively, Plaza Shell focuses on office and retail tenants instead.

Tan indicated that over the past two years, Plaza Shell has successfully attracted quite a few high profile tenants, even with the lacklustre economic condition in Malaysia.

Apart from the anchor tenant Shell, Mercedes-Benz, Honda, financial institutions and insurance companies have set up their offices at Plaza Shell.

Tan stressed that the retailers at Plaza Shell are non-identical to other malls, in the sense that they are the only outlets in Sabah.

The classy main lobby of the plaza.

The hesitance of inviting franchise outlets into Plaza Shell is to set them apart from other shopping malls and demonstrate the plaza’s uniqueness.

In Tan’s opinion, the arrival of Plaza Shell will definitely bring in a fresh wave to the commercial activities of Kota Kinabalu.

Besides boosting the local economy, it is said to become a new benchmark for office towers in Kota Kinabalu.

“I believe our success towards attracting tenants have to do with our Grade A building design, facilities and ample car parks,” added Tan.