Amber Synergy Sdn Bhd which bought Falim House together with its 26 acres site in 2012 is all set to allay fears and public concern on the preservation and restoration of this iconic site with their launch of their Transformation Request for Proposal (RFP) from interested parties and consultants. Ideas and suggestions are being sought from the general public as well.
Thus begins the process whereby one of the heritage landmarks in Ipoh will be restored to its former glory as well as stand as a benchmark for other restoration and enhancement projects in the future.
Amber Synergy Well positioned
Amber Synergy is well positioned to do this with its track record in development which includes Meru Desa Park, The Racing Circle, Meru Dragon Ridge, Taman Pertama and The Majestic Ipoh which has set benchmark pricing in the Ipoh market as well as in the region. Apart from core property development business, the Group has always been passionate about redevelopment and preservation projects which add value and character to the city scape. Some of the key projects which a director of the Group has undertaken is the Royal Perak Golf Club and the Meru Golf and Country Club.
The aspiration of transforming the Falim House into a historical landmark stems from a spirit of giving back to Ipohites and Perakeans a part of their history. Amber Synergy’s CEO Dato Poo Tak Kiau, the driving force behind the group, is advocating for heritage to be preserved, documented and enjoyed for future generations.
Falim House
The centerpiece of the RFP, the Falim House, was the vision of Mr Foo Nyit Tse one of the most successful tin miners in the State in the 1930s. The property where Falim House sits, was acquired from his mentor and compatriot Mr Foo Choo Choon who originally built a modest 2 storey home (who was the richest Chinaman in the world according to the Ballarat Courier in 1907) as an exchange to settle debts. Falim which means “beautiful forests” was transferred to the late Mr Foo Nyit Tse who expanded it into a 20-room mansion which later became famous for lavish parties and dinners.
Falim House has an excellent architectural treatment with Neo-Classical touches and strong Chinese elements in its finishing which can be noticed via its specific detailing throughout the building from the selection of tiles, ironmongery, door knobs, balustrades and also the fountain adjacent to the balcony at the ground floor.
The very complexity of its architectural and design features require an invigoration of new ideas to accentuate its beauty and the intent is to integrate the building in a preservation exercise which will add to the city scape’s interesting features. It will also enable residents of Ipoh to have a strong sense of belonging and pride to make the Falim House a reference landmark.
Intent, Vision and Strategy for Transformation
In order to ensure that Falim House itself will be a landmark with a sustainable concept in mind whilst not undermining the importance of history, the Group decided that the Intent, Vision and Strategy for Transformation shall be identified in advance.
The Falim House is one of the components of the new mixed development known as Tin City by Amber Synergy Sdn Bhd. The aim is for it to be a chic new hub featuring an integrated mixed development located between Ipoh town centre and Menglembu. It is created to cater to the business or entertainment needs of the surrounding community with the main development mix comprising Tin Tower, sited on a 3.27 acres land, two blocks apartment consist of 22-storey apartments totalling 616 units; a Hypermarket/Shopping Complex, sited on a 6.64 acres land and envisioned to be a community mall with the emphasis on convenience; 61 units of three (3) and four (4) Storey Commercial Shops area ready for occupation sited on 5.00 acres land, envisaged to be the 1st development in Ipoh to be fitted with a lift for a 4-storey commercial shop lot and a Future Private Medical Hub sited on 2.17 acres of land of which 16 of the 21 units have been sold.
Aspirations Defined
In a nutshell, the transformation is aimed at realizing the following dreams into a reality:
- Aspiring to create a 4 to 5 star Boutique Hotel address in Ipoh and its surroundings with heritage as its dominant theme.
- This dream aspires to fill the gap in quality hospitality suites available in Ipoh and its surrounding vicinity with heritage as its backbone.
- Aspire to create a year round happening address for entertainment, business and leisure.
- The heritage factor is expected to generate excitement for all occasions with co-supporting development components which works in favour of the Falim House.
- Aspire to be an exemplary redevelopment and restoration project which adheres to sustainable principles in terms of execution and design.
Aspire to be the Icon of Ipoh.
Benchmarks
Benchmarking for the Falim House development will include notable developments like the Strand Hotel, Yangon, Myanmar; Macalister Mansion, Penang; 23 Love Lane, Penang and Hotel Penaga, Penang.
The Group believes that expensive is not necessarily good and cheap is not necessarily bad. The execution of the redevelopment and restoration is to be cost effective yet sustainable.
The Group plans to add a silver lining to all the effort by aiming to obtain the following niche awards like the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia Award for Conservation or Adaptive Re-Use; Malaysia Property Award for Heritage (Restoration/Conservation); FIABCI Prix d’ Excellence for Heritage (Restoration/Conservation)and Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Award to name a few.
Intent for RFP
- The underlying intent for the RFP are:
- To provide clarity on development concept on transformation programme.
- To provide clarity on product positioning.
- Long term sustainability between Property Development & Property Investment.
- Realizing the development of a successful boutique hotel development.
Participation Fees
In addition to welcoming feedback, ideas and comments from the public, the Group undertakes to pay each accepted Participating Establishment a One-Off Participation Fee of RM20,000 (Ringgit Malaysia: Twenty Thousand Only) for participating in this exercise. This offer is inclusive of cost / reimbursement incurred for the purpose of this competition. No additional fees or monies will be paid. The remuneration shall be inclusive of 6% GST.
It is anticipated that Participation Fee would be absorbed and included in the successful Participant’s Overall Fees for the ongoing design, documentation and delivery of the above development.
All queries throughout the RFP must be in writing (official or email) and directed to: Mr Rameson Nallusamy at +(60) 17 782 6747
Email: rameson.n@gmail.com
