Here's your chance to own that dream house!

Govt. to develop township in Lalbagh
Tines of India

Live, work and play without travelling more than 2 kilometers distance. Wouldn't it be every commute-weary Bangalorean's dream?

Your dream might just be coming true. The State Government today announced that it had entered into an agreement with Kantri Builders to develop the Lalbagh Botanical Gardens into a fully self-contained township. Making the announcement, the minister for
horticulture M. Srivinasa said that this project would reaffirm Bangalore's status as a global city.

While several other developers have announced various township projects in Whitefield, Yelahanka and Bannerghatta Road, this is the only project that will be located in the heart of the city. The project has been named Kantri Dreamland City. To be spread
over 240 acres, the largest of its kind in the country, the construction of this ambitious venture will begin in August this year and be completed by October 2008. The project is designed by renowned RPS Architects of Singapore who have also designed a leading IT Park in the city.

The township would have three components - residential, commercial and entertainment. The residential component of 100 acres comprises 12800 2,3,4-bedroom apartments and penthouses spread over 80 towers of 20 floors each. There will also be 100 independent villas. Common amenities include a clubhouse with indoor swimming pool, sauna and jacuzzi, gym, squash and badminton courts, library, discotheque, tennis, basketball courts and a large 4-acre multi-purpose playground. Another unique feature will be an international school that will have classes from nursery to standard XII.

60 acres will be reserved for the commercial enclave which will have 30-million square foot of hi-tech office space, a 3000 seat convention centre and a 400-room 7-star luxury hotel. There would also be a provision for build-to-suit campuses. Another unique feature of the project would be four helipads. The promoters of the township have entered into a tie-up with a leading aviation company to provide heli-taxi service between the Airport and the township. In addition, a link will also be provided to the proposed Metro Rail project on the West Gate side (RV Road). The promoters say that residents of the township will have little reason to visit any other place in the city as all their requirements will be met within the township itself.

60 acres of the space will be devoted to entertainment and retailing and will comprise of an amusement park, a 3 million square foot mall, 20 screen multiplex. Leading retailers of the country have already signed up for space at the mall. Unofficial sources mentioned that talks were on with the world famous Harrolds of London to open its first luxury store outside that city as the anchor store in this mall.

The Lalbagh Glass House will available for high society parties. A floating hotel will be built on the Lalbagh lake and boating services would also be launched. 20 acres of land would be utilized exclusive for a park which will have jogging tracks and a food court. An underground car park will be built to accommodate 10000 cars. Electric buses will be provide transportation within the township. Allaying the fears of citizens, the developers said that the Kempegowda Tower heritage monument would be relocated to the circle at the beginning of KH Road.

Speaking to the press, the Chairman of Kantri Builders, Mr. Imran Zarack said, "As leading property developers in the city it has always been our objective to bring a world class living and work environment to Bangalore, but at an affordable price. We will be
offering houses for sale at prices as low as Rs. 4000 per sq. ft so that even the average Bangalorean can experience this world class township. Over 95% of the land will be reserved for green spaces."

Over 50000 people are expected to be resident in this township. The existing walls of the Lalbagh would be fortified and buttressed with electrified fences and electronic sensors to provide hi-tech security to the occupants of the township.

The ownership of the land has been retained with the Government and has been let out to the developer on a long term lease of 999 years. The Government will receive an upfront payment of Rs. 650 crores and an annual lease rental of Rs. 80 crores. Two residential towers will be used to provide housing to the state's MLAs. Further, Mr. Srivinasa announced that approximately Rs. 100 crores will be used to purchase 35 Maybach cars as official conveyance for the State Cabinet.

Bookings for the residential component will open on April 8th.