CITIC Pacific's "Kadooria": Where legacies converge

CITIC Pacific is not only making history, the corporation is converging its legacy with a Hong Kong lifestyle legacy in the announcement of ‘KADOORIA’, a property development that is a rare masterpiece that continues the art of fine living. Hong Kong Business recently interviewed Ms. Cindy Kwan, Director of CITIC Pacific Property Agents Limited, after their 11 November 2015 project naming ceremony press conference.

CITIC Pacific is a wholly owned subsidiary of CITIC Ltd. (SEHK:267), China’s largest conglomerate with a legacy of successful growth and excellence in financial services, resources and energy, manufacturing, engineering contracting and real estate in China and overseas.

Last December 11, the company has been awarded at CAPITAL Magazine’s Outstanding Developer Awards 2015 in the Rare Low Density Luxury Apartment category.

What does the name ‘KADOORIA’ symbolize?
‘KADOORIA’ is a convergence of ‘Kadoorie’ and ‘Aria’. Kadoorie Hill has long been the secluded luxury residential area to those who have contributed to the historic growth of Hong Kong, leaders of companies such as CLP, GEC, Jardine Matheson, Gilman, Deacon’s, PanAm, BOAC, HAECO, and HK & Whampoa Dock Co. Since the 1980’s the area has also been home to some of Hong Kong’s leading industrialists, media celebrities and creatives. Much as an aria in classical opera marks the climax of a dramatic composition, KADOORIA marks the crescendo of an exclusive luxury lifestyle in the heart of Kowloon.

Wasn’t Kadoorie Hill a barren hillside in the 1930’s?
Yes, we have researched the history of development of Kadoorie Hill. It began in 1931 when Hong Kong Engineering& Construction Co., purchased the bare hillside.
Kadoorie Hill is named after the family that controlled the purchasing company. Saplings of eucalyptus, cinnamon trees, flame-of-the-forest, seeds of horse-tail, and other pines were subsequently planted on the slopes of the hills and on both sides of the roads running through the area creating what is today one of Hong Kong’s most unique living environments, featured with lush green and mature trees.

KADOORIA boasts a tranquil sanctuary-like location that can only be found in this urban oasis in the heart of Kowloon.

Can you tell us more about KADOORIA?
Located at No. 111 to 133 Kadoorie Avenue, the project is an exclusive collection of 77 two to four bedroom apartments set in the tranquil surroundings of Kadoorie Hill.

Each unit is designed to offer the privacy in urban living with spacious interiors that traditionally characterizes the legacy of Kadoorie Hill’s magnificent mansions and secluded natural environment.

Kadoorie Hill is one of the four cherished traditional luxury residential districts in Hong Kong, joining the Peak, Jardine’s Lookout and Shek O on Hong Kong Island. The development is scheduled for completion in the third quarter of 2016.

Does KADOORIA exemplify CITIC’s motto of “Strive for Quality and Excellence”?
Yes, it definitely does! Property development has been one of CITIC Pacific’s businesses since 1992 when it inherited a number of industrial and commercial properties with the acquisition of Dah Chong Hong Holdings.

Throughout the years, a diversified property portfolio has been developed with extensive interests in residential, commercial and industrial developments, including Festival Walk, Discovery Bay, CITIC Tower, CITIC Telecom Tower, The Paragon, and Hang King Garden to name only a few.

Our property team comprises experienced and accomplished professionals from a wide range of disciplines which include architecture, construction, engineering, surveying, property management and asset management.

With the end-users’ requirements in mind, the CITIC Pacific team has been an outstanding developer capable of managing high quality developments of different scales. KADOORIA will be a rare gem at Kadoorie Hill.

Property development is a continuous process, what’s in CITIC Pacific’s pipeline?
Going forward, CITIC Pacific will follow the Group’s strategy and continue to take a prudent and strategic approach in developing its real estate business in Hong Kong. The Company acquired a residential site with scenic sea and mountain views in Ma On Shan through Government land tender in May 2015 and we expect completion of the development in 2019.

No details are available as yet, but we are placing great emphasis on minimising our environmental impacts and ensuring the well-being of the local communities.

Would you say that CITIC Pacific’s CSR platform is reflected in every facet of its projects?
Yes, definitely. Following the Group, our goals are to be leaders in the businesses in which we operate; to be leaders in corporate governance; and to make CITIC a place where employees want to work and to create value for our shareholders.

We aim to achieve these through innovation, reform and openness. At CITIC, we emphasise our values of integrity, creativity, cohesion, harmony, dedication and excellence.