Macksons Tower: the latest mixed development project in Colombo

Macksons Tower by Macksons Developers was recently launched in the city of Colombo signifying the first mixed development project by Macksons Holdings. Situated at 12, Alfred House Gardens, Colombo 3, the property offers retail and office space with ample parking, thereby providing all required facilities at a convenient location. The soft opening was held in the presence of Milfer Makeen, chairman, Macksons Holdings, Mizver Makeen, Managing Director, Macksons Holdings and Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers.

Macksons Tower consists of of 19 levels, which is a total area of 100,000 square feet; from this area 70,000 square feet is rentable space. As a mixed developed project, the property has three levels of car park, retail space and nine floors of office space with a restaurant on the rooftop, which has two levels with beautiful panoramic views. Designed by renowned Sri Lanka architect, Priyantha Prematilake, the building design focuses on a green concept with in-built energy saving mechanisms. Solar powered renewable energy is used to power the building, together with the use of ‘Low E’, energy efficient glass, which reduces the heat thereby increasing the efficiency of the air conditioning. The interiors are spacious and beautiful with all required facilities provided for the smooth functioning of an office. Furthermore, due to its green concept there is also the provision to work within the office spaces without air conditioning. The construction was done by Tudawe Brothers, which is a C1 contractor. As a 100 percent Sri Lankan owned company, Sri Lankan building materials were used as much as possible.

As Ranga Goonawardena, Director/CEO, Macksons Developers explains, “There are so many advantages; we provide many facilities within the building itself and we are located in Central Colombo.” Due to its convenient location people can travel to Macksons Tower in their own transport or public transport. Though parking is a main issue in Colombo, the building provides ample parking space, many free spaces are available for parking in the vicinity as well. For those traveling by public transport, Galle Road and Duplication Road as well as the Bambalapitiya and Colpetty railway stations are within walking distance.

Macksons Developers did not presell the office spaces as they wanted the customer to see the property and make their decision. Furthermore, flexibility on the terms and conditions are provided as well. “We understand this is a challenging period and that the market too is competitive, therefore, we are open to negotiate and provide the best package that will fulfil the tenant’s requirements,” explained Ranga Goonawardena. Macksons Developers will also provide a reasonable grace period and a reasonable rate if the tenant is signing a long-term contract, where step-up leasing rental would be an option. “Even, if you are coming for a short-term contract we can be flexible on terms,” he further stated. Macksons Towers will offer co-working spaces in two floors. The emphasis is to provide support to businesses so that they are not burdened by rentals, thus both parties will be able to benefit through the process.

“We have an advantage because we completed the project, while new constructions projects have not been initiated in the past year. Therefore, we have a small lead. As a Group we are very positive about the market and we will continue to make investments in property development,” stated Ranga Goonawardena.

Macksons Tower is BOI registered project. Macksons Developers is a BOI approved company and is a member of Macksons Holdings. As a diversified group of 14 companies, other member companies include Multilac, Macktiles, Mans Lanka and Mandarina.