SHAH ALAM: Eco World Development Group Bhd ’s RM8.58bil Eco Ardence project has unveiled 18 tenants that would be taking up the commercial portion of the 533-acre freehold integrated township.

The mix of tenants comprising food and beverage outlets, a football academy and an education and enrichment centre, are expected to start operations at Ardence Labs in the first quarter of next year.

Eco World executive director Liew Tian Xiong said it was important to create a lifestyle that was unique for the community.

“That uniqueness would be displayed with our container concept retail space, which is slated for completion by January 2018,” noted Liew.

“Work on Ardence Labs has begun and we are targeting for retailers to start operations perhaps by January or February 2018.

“By doing so, we will allow buyers of Eco Ardence to get the physical presence of the retail portion before the first phase of the property development is completed by end-2019,” Liew told a press conference to introduce the 18 tenants here yesterday.

The retailers include Jaya Grocer, Cocomomo Pets Hotel, Ardence Arena – an education and enrichment centre, and F&B outlets such as Chaiwalla & Co, U-Mai, Tealive and Bamboo Biryani.

Liew said while the initial target was to have 25 tenants, the developer would be flexible. “Rental-wise, given the location and exposure, we have estimated it to range between RM450 and RM650 per sq ft a month.”

Meanwhile, Eco World president and chief executive officer Datuk Chang Khim Wah said Ardence Labs was a unique creation and collection of minds of entrepreneurs.

He added that while the Lab series would act as a catalyst to activate Eco World’s commercial centres, he assured that retailers would be backed by the developer in terms of infrastructure.