ALTAIR, the internationally acclaimed architectural icon, is on the cusp of completion. This breathtaking edifice which has transformed the perception of Colombo from being a dreamy South Asian back water to a pulsating cosmopolitan metropolis is the brainchild of the living legend Moshe Safdie, creator of Marina Bay Sands and the Jewel in Singapore, Tel Aviv’s Holocast Museum, Montreal’s Habitat 67, Kauffman Centre Kansas, amongst others.
The soft opening of the common areas of ALTAIR was held last week under the auspicious of Hon. Dr. Nalaka Godahewa, State Minister of Urban Development, Coast Conservation, Waste Disposal and Community Cleanliness, Her Worship the Mayor Mrs Rosie Senanayake and Dr. Rakesh Panday, Head of Economic and Commercial Affairs Indian High Commission.
Also present were Mr. Sirinimal Perera, Secretary to the Ministry of Urban Development & Housing and Special Authorised Officer ALTAIR, Mr. Shamahil Mofhideen Advisor to Altair, Mr. Sanjaya Mohottala Chairman BOI , Mr. Malik Fernando, Chairman, Altair Owners Association, Mr. Pradeep Moraes Director Indocean Developers (Pvt) Ltd, Dr. Nirmal De Silva, Representative of Southcity Group, Kolkata, Mr. Manmohan Bagree, Vice President Southcity Projects, and Mr. Malliarjuna Country Manager Shapoorji Pallonji International along with senior officials of UDA, and the syndicate banks, and senior representatives of the contractors, sub contractors and consultants.
There was a symbolic handover of five apartments to owners selected from those who had completed their full payments at the earliest date, and also to two owners who had been first to book the property. The final completion of ALTAIR albeit delayed is eagerly anticipated and handover of apartments would commence in the next few months.
ALTAIR, a picture postcard representation of Sri Lanka, comprises 404 luxurious apartments with ventilation, light, privacy and the optimally laid out living spaces as its design guidance. The Project is on two acres of land leased from the UDA for 99 years which converts to freehold status upon completion of apartments and the execution of Deeds of Transfer .
A one of a kind architectural and engineering challenge, the construction and finishing of ALTAIR posed many complexities which affected construction schedules and a protracted shareholder dispute further delayed activities. There is now a settlement between shareholders which augurs well for the speedy completion and expeditious handover of this epitome of architectural excellance.
Approximately, 70% od the condominiums have been sold and the developers are confident that on completion, a high percentage of the many expressions of interest that are in the pipeline will convert to sales.