Embassy Group Strengthens Partnership with Hilton Signs Management Agreement for one of the Largest Dual-Branded Hotels in India

Bangalore, India – October 12, 2016: Following on from the success of Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks, the Embassy Group, India’s leading real estate developer, today announced the signing of a management agreement with Hilton for its second hospitality project – A 586-room dual-branded hotel within the Embassy Manyata Business Park that features a Hilton Hotels & Resorts and a Hilton Garden Inn brand hotel. This will be one of the largest dual-branded hotels in India.  It will be developed and owned by the Embassy Group and managed by Hilton. 

The hotel’s plan and design are in an advance stage of finalisation, targeted to start construction by 2017 and to be completed by 2020. The hotel will be part of a mixed-use development which will also house a Food and Beverage hub and two commercial towers. The entire complex will sport an iconic design by the Singapore based Andy Fisher Workshop.  The dual-branded hotel will comprise 586 rooms in total, with 250 rooms at the Hilton and 336 rooms at the Hilton Garden Inn. It will also feature 46,000 sq. ft. of flexible Meetings and Events space that accommodates up to 1500 people.

Located at the entrance of the business park, the hotel will offer two price points in order to serve the needs of global organizations housed in and around the Embassy Manyata Business Park.  Talking about the signing, Jitu Virwani, Chairman & Managing Director, Embassy Group, said, “We are delighted to expand and strengthen our partnership with Hilton. Our first hospitality project with Hilton at Embassy GolfLinks has been a great success and we are looking forward to extending our partnership to newer heights.”

Commenting on the development, Sartaj Singh, President, Embassy Hospitality, said “Partnering with Hilton in the development of two more hotels is part of an ongoing, consistent business strategy around the hospitality business. Hilton is a global leader in the hospitality sector and it is reputed for its remarkable service and attention to detail. We also plan to replicate a similar scale project at the 100-acre Embassy TechVillage coming up in East Bangalore.”

Adding at the occasion, Mike Holland, CEO, Embassy Office Parks, said, “Hilton has been our partner for over two years and having a Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand hotel at Embassy GolfLinks has been a great experience. We are committed to enhancing the value of our office park and being strong enablers to our occupiers’ businesses at Embassy Manyata Business Park. This partnership will help in providing a great synergy with our international corporate occupier clientele of 175 international corporates across our commercial parks.”

On signing the agreement, Guy Phillips, Senior Vice President, Development – Asia and Australasia, Hilton, said, “We are very pleased to extend our strong partnership with the Embassy Group and bolster the success of the Hilton Bangalore Embassy GolfLinks through the management agreement for a 586-room dual-branded hotel project featuring two brands – our flagship Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand and popular upscale Hilton Garden Inn brand. We continue to see increasing brand awareness across our brand portfolio in India and this agreement underscores our long-term commitment to this country as a strategically important market where we now operate 15 hotels across 11 cities covering most major markets in the country”.

Kaushik Vardharajan, Vice President, Development – India, Hilton, added, “We are delighted to sign this agreement with the Embassy Group for one of the largest dual-branded hotels in the country. The hospitality industry in India offers exponential potential. We continue to pursue a multi-brand and multiple-partners strategy to drive sustainable growth.  Currently, our pipeline in India includes 16 hotels with 2,700 rooms.” 

The dual-branded hotel at Embassy Manyata Business Park will offer an exceptional location, spacious and distinctive accommodation and the complete range of business and recreational facilities and services.  This will be complemented by the assurance of quality that Hilton offers. The hotel will be an iconic destination for people working within the 58 international corporate occupiers housed in the Business Park, for people living in the high growth North Bangalore micro-market, and for business travellers who live and work in the city for extended periods of time.

6.7 Million Hectares of Land in Investors’ Hands

Rome, 11 October 2016. 11 October 2016. Around the world, 26.7 million hectares of agricultural land have been transferred into the hands of foreign investors since the year 2000. This means that these investors possess approximately 2 per cent of the arable land worldwide, or roughly the equivalent to the total area covered by United Kingdom and Slovenia together. This finding comes from a new report entitledLand Matrix Analytical Report II: International Land Deals for Agriculture, to be released today.

The report provides detailed information on who is buying up farmland in which regions of the world and how this land is being used. It also highlights the economic, social, and political impacts of land grabs.

“We are observing not only that more and more agricultural lands have changed hands, but also that they are increasingly being actively cultivated and used – for example, to grow grain, oil palms, and sugar cane,” said GIGA research fellow Dr. Kerstin Nolte, one of the report’s authors. “The impacts for local communities will likely further intensify in the coming years.”

“The report is very relevant considering the recent decision by the International Criminal Court to hold company executives, politicians and other individuals criminally responsible for environmental destruction and land grabbing,” said Wytske Chamberlain, University of Pretoria researcher and co-author of the report.

Hijaba Ykhanbai, director of JASIL, a Mongolian land organisation that partners with the Land Matrix, praised the publication of the new report: “in our region many countries are newly independent states: state policies as well as decision making processes on land use are not clear and not participatory,” he said.

Additional findings from the report:

• Around the world, 1,004 signed agreements on agricultural land (so-called “land deals”) exist.
• For approximately 70 per cent of these deals (710), agricultural activities have been initiated.
• Africa is the continent most impacted by land grabs, with 422 deals covering a total area of 10 million hectares. Other heavily impacted regions are Eastern Europe and Southeast Asia.
• The agreements primarily target areas previously used for agriculture. This creates increased competition for land and the potential for conflicts with the local population. Markus Giger, Head of Global Change Impacts on Sustainable Development at the University of Bern said: ”A lack of transparency and the marginalisation of local stakeholders weaken the bargaining position of smallholder farmers and pastoralists, including indigenous peoples”
• Most of the investors are from Malaysia, the United States, Great Britain, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia. Western European investors are involved in 315 land deals covering an area of 7.3 million hectares which makes Western Europe the largest investor region.

The Land Matrix Analytical Report II is available for download here.

Tulip Infratech started hand over of its one of the biggest housing projects “Tulip Violet”

Tulip Infratech – one of the leading Real estate development organizations in NCR Gurgaon under the aegis of its CMD Mr Parveen Jain has again come up successfully with its brand new Group Housing project- Tulip Violet which is ready to hand over its 1st phase of 660 ‘Ready to Move in’ 4BHK & 3BHK apartments in eleven fifteen storied towers.

Situated at Sohna Road in sector-69 Gurgaon, Tulip Violet is one of the biggest housing projects & has two types of towers – A and B type presently. These towers are fifteen storied. The A-type towers have 4BHK units and the B-type has 3BHK units. The super area of a typical 4BHK apartment is 2010 sqft and for a typical 3BHK is 1578 sqft. A few towers have penthouses.

Mr Parveen Jain, CMD, Tulip Infratech says that ‘Tulip Violet is at an ideal location adjacent to Sohna Road in sector-69 Gurgaon and it is a ‘Green Building’ in the making. Countryside pollution free green environment away from tensions of hectic life and easy accessibility to all important destinations, equipped with all the amenities, exquisite landscaping, sports facilities, Club, swimming pool, Golf course and what not has made Tulip Violet as one of the most sought after group housing projects and the ideal choice of buyers and investors’.

 Tulip Violet is the Group Housing Residential project which is one of the most prestigious proffers by Tulip. These multistoried apartments have been designed in consonance with the high-end contemporary lifestyle. The main emphasis of this project is to provide a pollution free natural green environment to its residents so that they can experience and enjoy a peaceful countryside living away from the hustle and bustle of the big city life of today’s world. Tulip Violet is a Green Building in the making and has been pre-certified as Gold rated Green Building by IGBC (Indian Green Building Council).

Tulip Violet is spread across over an extensive land area of around thirty nine acres at Sohna Road Badshahpur in sector-69 Gurgaon. Although Violet is cocooned inside the tranquil green natural habitat away from the noise, pollution and congestion of the metro city, yet it enjoys all the location advantages which are easy accessibility to all the amenities and advantages provided by the metro city. Violet is located on the 60 meter wide proposed sector approach road. Also Violet is at a distance of only about half a kilometer from the proposed metro and southern peripheral road. National Highway NH-8, International and domestic airports are also easily approachable from here. It is equipped with the state of the art facilities like 24×7 three tier security, fully fenced boundaries, dedicated car parking facilities, earthquake resistant RCC framed structures, fire safety compliant, modular kitchens, high speed elevators, swimming pool, club, community centre, shopping arcade, kids play area, golf range with putting greens, lawn tennis and badminton courts, jogging track, tree lined roads and walkways, exotic landscaped green lawns with beautiful bollards and lighting poles, ergonomic street furniture and other desired paraphernalia. Vast green Golf course has been delineated in the site where people can enjoy playing golf in sunny winters.

Karnataka HC admits Namma Bengaluru Foundation’s PIL challenging the Steel Flyover; gives State Government 6 weeks to respond Flyover; gives State Government 6 weeks to respond

Bangalore, October 08, 2016: Based on the submissions made on the proposed steel flyover by our Legal Counsel Mr. Raghavan, Senior Advocate, the Hon’ble High Court of Karnataka directed the State to file their responses within a period of 6 weeks. Although the Court did not stay the project, it has specifically recorded that the Project would be subject to the result of the Writ Petition filed by the Namma Bengaluru Foundation(NBF).

It might be recalled that NBF had filed a Writ Petition in the High Court of Karnataka challenging the actions the Respondents in proposing the construction of six lane elevated road from Basaveshwara Circle to Hebbal flyover (to be constructed in Steel) via Le- Meridian and Mekhri Circle, in the city of Bengaluru, by Bangalore Development Authority at an estimated cost of over Rs. 1800 Crores as per public domain information.

The writ petition had named 1. State of Karnataka, Represented by the Chief Secretary to Government, 2. The Principal Secretary to Government, GOK, UDD. 3.The Commissioner, BDA, 4. BBMP, Represented by its Commissioner, 5. Engineer-in-Chief, BBMP & 6. Comptroller and Auditor General of India, New Delhi as Respondents.

B.Arch Student of Manipal University wins National Award for Excellence in Architectural Thesis

Mumbai  3^rd October 2016: Shivangini Singh, a ninth semester B. Arch student of Faculty of Architecture, Manipal University bagged the National Award for Excellence in Architectural Thesis-2016 and JK AYA best architecture student of the year award. The competition, organized by the Council of Architecture (COA) and conducted by the National Institute for Advanced Studies in Architecture (NIASA) is for students from across all architecture colleges in the country. It is an annual event held to identify the best thesis projects in India.

The aim of holding the competition every year is to showcase student designs to create a better appreciation of architectural designs and to create public awareness and promote architecture as a subject. The award carries a prize money of Rs 75,000/. Three undergraduate students are awarded every year. The two others for this year were from Sathyabama University Chennai and Kamala Raheja Vidyanidhi Institute of Architecture, Mumbai

Shivangini’s thesis was on the Children’s Home for Girls, Rae Bareli, UP. The thesis was first presented at the zonal level to public in exhibition halls. Ten of the entries were then selected by the zonal jury for the next round after the author made an audio-visual presentation to the jury, general public and students in a public hall. The competition narrowed down to two entries for the final round. Once again the author made a presentation to the jurors of the final round and also present were students and architects. The three winners are announced later the same day.

“I was thrilled when I heard my name and that of FOA, Manipal University being announced as the winner!” “This achievement has established the credentials of the Institute as Center of Academic Excellence for architectural education in India,” said Shivangini. “The teachers and peer students at FOA are the best one can have for learning architecture. Encouragement to explore and expand your horizon, to step into realms of the extraordinary, is what FOA ensures, she added”.

“It is a great achievement and a well-deserved one for Shivangini. Her efforts have always been praiseworthy and we are sure she will scale many more heights in her career,” said Director of FOA, Prof Nishant H Manapure. “It is a great moment that our student has been recognized as the best at the highest level of academics in the whole country, he said.” “We are happy for her”.

This is the third big achievement for FOA this year. In June, Vinod Anthony Thomas and Vishnupriya Viswanathan brought laurels. Vinod had clinched the second prize in an all India competition organized by the Railways to design toilets and Vishnu had clinched the first prize in the 18^th Annual Berkeley Prize Essay Competition under the “International Undergraduate Prize for Architectural Design Excellence” endorsed by Department of Architecture, University of California, Berkeley, USA.

Assetz Property Group Organized Carnival Run 2016 in association with Sportzify

Little over 300 people participated in the run

October 04, 2016, Bangalore: Assetz Property Group, a prominent real estate developer in Bangalore had organized ‘Carnival Run 2016’ in association with Sportzify on October 2, 2016. The run was divided in three categories of 3Km, 5Km and 10Km for participants of all age groups. It was flagged off from Decathlon, Sarjapur and ended at Asset 63° East (for 5km and 10km only).

The marathon received an enthralling response, making the event a huge success. The event recorded 300 runners and fitness enthusiasts who participated in this half marathon. The event kick started at 6am with a Zumba session, thereby prepping up all the participants for the run. Sharan (boys), Samridhi (girls); Virendra Yadav (male), Ananya Dheep (female); Borappam (male), Lucy Howell (female) had been the top winners of 3km; 5km and 10km categories respectively All the participants of the ‘Carnival Run 2016’, were also rewarded with participation certificates and medals.

Speaking on the occasion, Rohit Cariappa, Head of sales, Assetz Lifestyle, commented: “We are extremely pleased to have organized this Carnival Run 2016 in association with Sportzify. The run is a manifestation of excitement and passion for fitness and a sporting spirit regardless win or loss which we also emphasize through the amenities in our project, 63°East. What makes it more gratifying to see the massive response we had received from participants from all walks of lives. At Assetz we firmly believe in reviving the extra-curricular aspects of our lives. The ‘Carnival Run 2016’ is a small step towards this initiative and will continue to support such initiative in future as well.

Carnival Run 2016 is one of the most exciting short marathons of the year for runners and fitness enthusiasts.

 

Vaishnavi Group Honoured with Developer of the Year Award 2016 at Real Estate Leadership Awards by CMO Asia

Bangalore, October 4, 2016: Vaishnavi Group has secured top honours with the Developer of the Year Award 2016 at the Real Estate Leadership Awards organized by CMO Asia. Mr. S N Harish, Director Operations, was awarded the ‘Most Enterprising CEO of the Year Award’ as well, making it a double win for Vaishnavi Group. These awards were among those given away across various industries at a glittering award ceremony held in the city recently.

Speaking on Vaishnavi Group securing this recognition and its leadership stand in the builder community Mr. C.N. Govindaraju, Managing Director Vaishnavi Group said, “Being recognized on such a platform is a reiteration of the responsibility we have as leaders in the real estate field. We are proud of our achievements and these awards are the pat on the back that each member of our organization deserves for the hard work put in”.

Speaking on receiving the Most Enterprising CEO of the Year Award, S N Harish, Director Operations, Vaishnavi Group said, “I am genuinely pleased to receive this award and am honoured by the recognition. For an individual to reach a high level in their personal career growth, one needs the support of an organization that gives you the room to grow.  Vaishnavi Group have always been leaders and will continue to reign high in the field”.

Receiving the award on behalf of Vaishnavi Group, Darshan Govindaraju, Director Vaishnavi Group said, “It is an honour to represent the organization and receive this award on its behalf. Being recognized on such a scale and among peers in the industry is an honour and just the motivation we need to set bigger and higher goals for ourselves”.

The CMO Real Estate Awards were divided into Individual categories and Organizational Categories. These covered achievements in the field by individuals as well as organizations. Popular Choice awards were also a part of the recognition. All submissions were evaluated to arrive at a shortlist and the winners were chosen by a closed door jury.

Habitat launches Habitat Eden Heights – a luxury residential apartment project at Hoodi Circle, Whitefield

Bangalore, October 01, 2016: Habitat presents its latest luxury residential project in Whitefield – Habitat Eden Heights. Designed to provide a high quality living experience, the project is located off Hoodi circle, Whitefield, being one of the major IT hubs of Bangalore. Eden heights is located at a mere 2 kms from EPIP Zone / ITP-B and a stone’s throw from  the proposed Doddenakundi metro station, connectivity is only going to get better. Though the project is located right on the main road, it has been designed  away from the Main Road that insulates it from the hustle and bustle of the main road.

The project offers a homes of area from 1398 sqft to 2021sqft and offers 2.5BHK, 3BHK and 3.5 BHK configurations. The biggest USP of the project is its location advantage.  It is in close proximity to the established IT parks, and leading schools, hospitals, malls and upcoming metro line. The property promises a truly luxurious experience with un compromised living and comfort.

Spread over 4.5 acres the project features world class amenities with world class homes. The project features  swanky 15,000 sqft ‘Sky Clubhouse’ on the top floor.

Other floodlit outdoor amenities at the project include:

• A basketball court
• A tennis court
• Golf putting green
• Two badminton courts
• An amphitheater
• Children’s play area
• Walking & Cycling trails
• Swimming pool with toddler’s pool.

Commenting on the launch of the project, Mr. Shivaram Kumar Malakala, Co-Founder and Joint Managing Director, Habitat said “Habitat Eden Heights has been conceptualized and designed keeping in perspective the current aspirations of home buyers in Whitefield, the premium tech-hub, who are global travelled and current with their lifestyle aspirations. .”.

Speaking about the project design, Mr. Bhaskar T Nagendrappa, Co- Founder and Joint Managing Director, Habitatsaid “The Project is designed to ensure optimum usable space, adequate natural light and as per Vaastu. The project uses Tata Steel, ‘Porotherm’ bricks and other high quality materials to ensure a state of the art home, which is also sustainable.”

Shopping on Amazon could win you a Brigade Home

Bangalore, September 30^th 2016: Leading real estate developer Brigade Group has entered into a partnership with Amazon India that will excite every home aspirant in the country. Brigade is offering a 2BHK home at Brigade Orchards to one lucky winner as the bumper prize for a lucky draw at the Amazon Great Indian Festival Sale that is scheduled to take place between October 1^st and October 5^th 2016.

Speaking on this partnership, Mr. M R Jaishankar, Chairman & Managing Director, Brigade Group said, “The festive season is a time when a number of people look at investing in the home of their dreams. The Amazon Great Indian Festival is a much anticipated online shopping festival and we believe the incentive of being able to win a quality home from  Brigade Group will be an added bonus. We are pleased to be associated with the pioneering event of Amazon, in this first time offer on an e-commerce platform. We believe it takes little incentive to shop for a good deal, but with this offering, the Indian shopper couldn’t ask for something better”.

“This year we recognize and celebrate the big heartedness that underlies festivities and have themed the Great Indian Festival as Tyohar Bade Dilwala. These marathon 120 hours of the event mark our continuing commitment to work closely with marquee partners like Brigade to delight customers across India and fulfill one lucky customer’s dream of owning a home this Diwali. We have blockbuster product deals for our customers during the sale and we are very excited to give customers an experience of a lifetime as they shop on Amazon.in this Diwali” said Mr. Manish Tiwary, Vice President, Category Management, Amazon India.

The 2BHK home offered is at Brigade Orchards, Bangalore’s 1^st smart township in Devanahalli. This integrated township is strategically located close to the airport, spread over 130 acres and built on sustainability principles. Amenities include a club resort, a sprawling sports arena, an Arts village, school, hospital, offices and over 100 features making it an ideal home and investment.

The offer is as simple as it gets and is a first for e-commerce shoppers in the country. Shop for Rs 500 and above on the Amazon App during the offer days and be eligible to be part of the draw.

For more information on Brigade Group visit www.brigadegroup.com or visit www.brigadeorchards.com for details on Brigade Orchards.