Singapore – A transformational smart city project in India has proved popular with over 780 apartments sold in just three weeks. Emprasa Smart City, located in Bangalore, will provide accommodation and work space for 5,000 people. Targeted at start-up companies and entrepreneurs, the 48-acre masterplan has been designed by Broadway Malyan based on a “work, live, play” concept. It incorporates a range of residential options, small business space and community-focused facilities. 

Ankit Kamboj, Associate at Broadway Malyan, said: “With its innovative planning and design, this project will transform business in Bangalore, delivering a modern, high-tech Smart City providing quality office space and accommodation for thousands of people.”

The workspace element has been planned based on a ‘plug and play’ philosophy. Occupants will be charged per desk to work in fully serviced offices with shared facilities, such as IT equipment and kitchens, and administration support provided. 

Suresh Rangarajan, Managing Director of Emprasa, said: “The aim of Emprasa is to encourage the growth of a community of like-minded people who are focused on building new businesses and want to work in a collaborative and vibrant environment.”

A range of accommodation options will be available from single studios to two-bed apartments with lounge, kitchen and bathroom facilities. Like the office space, this will be fully serviced by housekeeping staff. The masterplan also comprises a number of complementary uses so that residents can get everything they need onsite. This includes a business school, convention and exhibition centre, training facilities, 5-star hotel, 3-star serviced apartments, hospital, theatre and multiplex, over 100 retail units (with restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs alongside shopping), and leisure facilities including spa, salon, gymnasium, swimming pool and cricket and football pitches. The scheme incorporates a number of technologies to help developer ARCL meet its smart city aspirations. As well as the Wi-Fi connectivity throughout the site, the plans include green energy generation through solar panels, energy storage (excess energy will be stored during off-peak periods), smart metering and intelligent heating and lighting systems.