‘Westbrook Residencies’ behind Ladies’ College, was conceptualized as a relevant solution to the ‘Special Primary Residential Zones’ regulations introduced by the Urban Development Authority (UDA) mainly in Colombo 7 and Colombo 3, the company said.
The regulations prevent sub-division of blocks of land that are less than 20 perches in extent, placing a restriction on construction of new homes on smaller, affordable extents of land within the zones. While many developers have responded by building high-rise apartment blocks, Kelsey Homes says there is an important customer segment that prefers individual homes to apartments, and the company’s answer is attached home units with their own gardens, parking and custom-designed interiors.
The first of this series of Kelsey residencies, ‘Westbrook’ comprises of three luxury homes built on 17.45 perches of prime residential land, each home comprising of 3,300 square feet of living space, and 900 square foot roof terrace.
Selling at Rs 54 million, each home unit is a three-storied individual house comprising four bedrooms with attached toilets, spacious living and dining room, well-appointed pantry, servant’s room, roof terrace, covered parking for two vehicles and a rear garden of 10-foot width. All bedrooms and the living and dining area are air conditioned and hot water is provided to all toilets and the pantry.
“Many people aspiring to live in Colombo 3 and Colombo 7 are faced with a dilemma because a 20 perch block is beyond their budget, given the high prices of land in these areas,” Kelsey Developments PLC Director and Chief Operating Officer Jude Fernando said.
“At the same time, owners wishing to sell land in these areas are also unable to sub-divide blocks that are smaller than 20 perches,” he said. “Kelsey is the first property developer to offer a solution with its new residencies model.”
Kelsey is also on the lookout for more land in the areas designated by the UDA as Special Primary Residential Zones for more projects like Westbrook, he said.
“Competent architects would develop new plans for each new site, ensuring that only two or three such homes would ever be built,” Mr. Fernando added.
Construction of Westbrook Residencies is to be completed between 12 and 15 months, and buyers would receive the customary Kelsey warranty of 10 years on the structure and a 12-month defects liability period.