One of the most famous UK brand, Harrods has unveils plans to open by 2016 its first deluxe hotel and residence property in Kuala Lumpur. A premiere for the retail group.
KUALA LUMPUR- They are already Versace and Armani Hotels showing that the fashion world can also become a hotel brand. Then why not a department store? This is what Qatar Holding executives –the group owns since 2010 the luxury department stores chain- have in mind. Yesterday, the Qatari managing company- -a commercial unit of the Qatar Investment Authority- signed an agreement with local Malaysian developer and retail company Tradewinds – which already owns the franchise for Harrods products in Malaysia- for the construction of the first Harrods Hotel in the world.
Located in the commercial district of Bukit Bintang in the heart of the capital, the hotel will stand on 2.2 hectares of land and will replace two famous structures in existing for at least 30 years in this area: Chulan Square Restaurant in Jalan Raja Chulan and a favourite among tourists visiting the capital, Seri Melayu Restaurant in Jalan Conlay. The Seri Melayu outlet sits on land leased from Lembaga Kraftangan Malaysia (Malaysian Handicraft Trust) which stands under the Information, Communications and Culture Ministry and acts as the custodian for the Federal Lands Commissioner. With the land sold, Seri Melayu Restaurant will now have to make way to the new development.
Kuala Lumpur will be the first property of Harrods in Asia. Qatar Holding is also looking at opening other hotels in London, New York, Paris and on Sardinia’s Costa Smeralda. The Qatari investment group wants to turn Harrod’s into a “global enterprise that defines the luxury retailer and leisure sectors”.
If anything goes according to plans, construction in Kuala Lumpur will start next year for an expected completion in 2016. It is expected to represent a total investment of RM two billion (US$ 625 million).The property will have between 250 and 300 rooms and will also integrate a residential complex as well as a retail area, most probably including also a Harrod’s store!
Luc Citrinot a French national is a freelance journalist and consultant in tourism and air transport with over 20 years experience. Based in Paris and Bangkok, he works for various travel and air transport trade publications in Europe and Asia.
