Source: The Ascott Limited

CapitaLand's wholly-owned serviced residence business unit, The Ascott Limited (Ascott), has secured a contract to manage its first Somerset-branded serviced residence in Gurgaon. Slated to open by 2019, the 174-unit Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon is Ascott's second serviced residence in the city, after Ascott Ireo City Gurgaon which is scheduled to open in 2017.

The management contract for Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon was awarded by Puri Constructions Private Limited, a company focusing on real estate development in northern India.

Mr Tony Soh, Ascott's Chief Corporate Officer who oversees the company's business in India, said: "We see strong growth potential for Ascott in India. By bringing our Somerset brand to Gurgaon through our partnership with Puri Constructions, Ascott's footprint in India will increase to over 1,400 apartment units in eight serviced residences across five cities. Our strategy for India is to expand in high-growth cities where there is significant demand for international-class serviced residences from expatriates, project teams and business travellers. Gurgaon is a fast-developing city where a large number of manufacturing, IT and construction companies are based. We are confident that our Somerset brand will do well in Gurgaon."

Mr Soh added: "To further expand Ascott's network in India, we will continue to seek opportunities for investments, management contracts, leases or franchise agreements. Besides Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Gurgaon where we have presence, we are also seeking opportunities in key business cities including Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune."

Mr Arjun Puri, Director of Puri Constructions, said: "Puri Constructions is delighted to have The Ascott Limited manage our first serviced residence at Diplomatic Greens. Ascott's service excellence is world renowned. Hence, it is undoubtedly the perfect match for Puri Constructions, which has built its reputation on providing uncompromising quality. Located within a 30-minute drive from the international airport at New Delhi, Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon shall be the closest serviced residence from the airport."

About Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon

Strategically located next to Dwarka Expressway, Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon is nestled in the middle of about seven acres of expansive green landscaping, right in the heart of Gurgaon. The serviced residence will be located next to the retail zone and entertainment hub within the Diplomatic Greens development. Diplomatic Greens is a 20-acre residential area within an 82-acre integrated development that includes retail and commercial spaces.
Residents will be welcomed by an impressive water feature and a lobby with a double-height ceiling at the serviced residence. Designed to provide business executives and their families with the comfort of a home, Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon offers a range of stylish studios, one- and two-bedroom apartments. Each apartment features a fully-equipped kitchen and separate living and dining areas. The property's extensive facilities include a private gymnasium, yoga centre, swimming pool, all-day dining restaurant and bar.

In India, Ascott currently operates Somerset Greenways Chennai and Citadines Richmond Bangalore. Besides Somerset Diplomatic Greens Gurgaon, five more serviced residences are scheduled to open progressively in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Gurgaon by 2017.

About The Ascott Limited

Since pioneering Asia Pacific's first international-class serviced residence with the opening of The Ascott Singapore in 1984, Ascott has grown to be a trusted hospitality company with more than 940 properties globally. Headquartered in Singapore, Ascott's presence extends across more than 220 cities in over 40 countries in Asia Pacific, Central Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the USA.

Ascott's diversified accommodation offerings span serviced residences, co-living properties, hotels and independent senior living apartments, as well as student accommodation and rental housing. Its award-winning hospitality brands include Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Quest, Somerset, The Crest Collection, The Unlimited Collection, Preference, Fox, Harris, POP!, Vertu and Yello; and it has a brand partnership with Domitys. Through Ascott Star Rewards (ASR), Ascott's loyalty programme, members enjoy exclusive privileges and offers at participating properties.

A wholly owned business unit of CapitaLand Investment Limited, Ascott is a leading vertically-integrated lodging operator. Harnessing its extensive network of third-party owners and in-market expertise, Ascott grows fee-related earnings through its hospitality management and investment management capabilities. Ascott also expands its funds under management by growing its sponsored CapitaLand Ascott Trust and private funds.

For more information on Ascott's industry record of 40 years and its sustainability programme, please visit www.discoverasr.com/the-ascott-limited. Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

About CapitaLand Investment Limited

Headquartered and listed in Singapore, CapitaLand Investment Limited (CLI) is a leading global real estate investment manager (REIM) with a strong Asia foothold. As at 30 September 2023, CLI had S$133 billion of real estate assets under management, and S$90 billion of real estate funds under management (FUM) held via six listed real estate investment trusts and business trusts, and more than 30 private vehicles across Asia Pacific, Europe and USA. Its diversified real estate asset classes cover retail, office, lodging, business parks, industrial, logistics and data centres.

CLI aims to scale its FUM and fee-related earnings through fund management, lodging management and its full stack of operating capabilities, and maintain effective capital management. As the investment management arm of CapitaLand Group, CLI has access to the development capabilities of and pipeline investment opportunities from CapitaLand's development arm.

As a responsible company, CLI places sustainability at the core of what it does and has committed to achieve Net Zero carbon emissions for scope 1 and 2 by 2050. CLI contributes to the environmental and social well-being of the communities where it operates, as it delivers long-term economic value to its stakeholders.

Visit http://www.capitalandinvest.com/ for more information.