New ‘home away from home’ concept from Aitken Spence

Friday, 20 December 2013 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A US$ 30 million investment in ‘Heritage Grove’ Aitken Spence, the blue chip conglomerate which has a strong presence in Sri Lanka’s commercial sector as well as the region, just announced the launch of its up market luxury complex ‘Heritage Grove,’ aimed at providing the ideal lifestyle for those wanting to spend the autumn of their lives in ultimate comfort. Heritage Grove, an entirely novel concept to Sri Lanka, will be located on a 30-acre coconut grove annexed to the coastal town of Negombo. The project is aimed at providing the diaspora and foreign nationals with ties to the country, an opportunity to invest in a well-planned and luxurious home in one of the most peaceful spots in the world today. It would be the perfect home away from home, where likeminded people will be able to live amongst a community of their peers.

Opportunity to own a piece of home “There is a rapidly growing population across the world who are approaching the golden years of their lives, including Sri Lankans who went overseas in the ’70s and became successful as well as foreign nationals who may have lived and worked in our country and have a special affinity towards it. However, the cost of a similar facility as what we are offering, in countries such as the US is extremely high and in recent times we have seen countries such as Thailand, India, Malaysia and even the Philippines, promoted as high-end retirement destinations. “Considering Sri Lanka’s cultural diversity, our beautiful countryside, fair weather patterns and above all the fact that we are now one of most peaceful nations in the world, we thought this is the ideal time to position our country as a top destination for those who are reaching the autumn of their lives to invest in a second home; and at the same time give the diaspora the opportunity to own a piece of home,” said Dr. Rohan M Fernando, Director and Head of Business Development & Plantations of Aitken Spence PLC. US$ 30 million investment Aitken Spence has partnered with two respected US investors of Sri Lankan origin for this project; Mohan Chandramohan, former Chairman and Managing Director of American Reprographics, the only Sri Lankan company listed on the New York Stock Exchange and Tissa Attapattu who is involved in the export business and has a good knowledge of the retirement market. A US$ 30 million investment, Heritage Grove will consist of 140 luxury villas equipped with the best of facilities for independent living. Amenities including swimming pools, tennis court, gym, spa pavilion, library and an expansive clubhouse, clustered amidst planned lush gardens and manicured lawns creates the perfect dwelling place that encourages an active yet indulgent lifestyle for those who have moved away from the hectic 9 to 5. The complex also offers services such as 24-hour healthcare with doctors on call, 24 hour security with CCTV cameras, golf cart transportation within the community, shuttles to and from Colombo twice a day, along with villa options to choose from including those that come with their own private plunge pools. “This is Sri Lanka’s first luxury complex of its kind and we are confident that Heritage Grove is merely the first step we are taking in this direction. Sri Lanka has the potential to become a top retirement destination and we believe that our expertise in the hospitality industry both locally and overseas will help us in making this project a success,” said Dr. Fernando. Desirable location On their selection of Negombo as the location for this project, Tissa Atapattu, Chairman of Aitken Spence C&T Investments, the promoters of Heritage Grove said that the area has a blend of old and new. “It has various plus points. On the one hand, Negombo is known for its huge and historic fishing industry and pristine beaches. On the other, it offers a modern lifestyle with a range of luxury hotels, fine restaurants and a vibrant nightlife. On top of that, its climate is healthy and tropical. All these plus points make Negombo an extremely desirable location. “Another plus factor is the Colombo-Katunayake highway, which makes it just a 15 minute drive to and from Colombo. Many major financial corporations and other key institutions have their branches there, along with department stores, super markets, and a number of exotic boutiques downtown. Therefore, for a person who has experienced a comfortable lifestyle in Europe, America or Australia, Negombo offers the perfect mix,” he said. Apart from these facilities and its proximity to Colombo through the expressway, Negombo also offers the best in medical facilities, with both private and public institutions capable of handling any emergency being located in the town. As much as the focus ‘Heritage Grove’ has on reaping the peace dividend, it is also supported by the fact that Sri Lanka holds a unique position in South Asia as one of the first developing nations to provide universal health. The Health Ministry, Provincial Health Services and private medical institutions provide a wide range of preventive, curative and rehabilitative health care and the country has an extensive network of health care institutions.