Special Feature

Imbued with Rich Heritage: Verticus’ Freehold Charm

By Verticus

/ Brought to you by Soilbuild Group |

January 24, 2020 10:36 AM SGT

Verticus is poised to benefit from HealthCity Novena (Image: Artist’s Impression)

Nestled within the planning area of Novena in Singapore’s Central Region, Verticus is set to transform the city skyline once it is completed in 2024. Developed by esteemed real estate player Soilbuild Group, the development will offer 162 freehold units across 28 storeys that add to the cultural cityscape of Balestier, which reminisces the idyllic vibes from the 1980s.

The single tower is envisaged as a modern sanctuary, boasting a facade of art deco motives: boxed frames are set to dress the edges of a cantilevered sky terrace, dividing greenery into smaller pockets that blend with the streetscape. To offer residents a more picturesque view of Balestier’s heritage-rich neighbourhood, Soilbuild has set the residential units to be lifted five floors above ground.

Unparalleled location and convenience

Along 3 Jalan Kemaman, Verticus is poised to benefit from HealthCity Novena - a 17ha modern integrated healthcare complex slated to shape the future of healthcare in Singapore by 2030 - which is a mere four-minute drive away. The government has envisioned the sprawling development to anchor the Regional Health System, extending beyond healthcare to envelope a holistic ecosystem that comprises health services, research and education, leisure, commercial and public spaces.

Even prior to its completion, HealthCity Novena is already expected to employ around 30,000 healthcare professionals by 2020. There is also the anticipation that 30,000 people would pass through the medical complex daily.

Its proximity to HealthCity Novena aside, Balestier is also a food haven, lending added convenience to the future residents of Verticus. Located a four minute walk away from the upcoming condo, one of Balestier’s popular food haunts is Wheeler’s Yard, a bicycle-themed cafe at 28 Lorong Ampas with an industrial chic design. Among other popular food joints, there is also Boon Tong Kee’s famous franchise, offering chicken cooked in a variety of styles.

“We have an affinity for Balestier as it is in a strategic city-fringe location, offering a rich heritage, is close to good food, and has easy accessibility to the CBD,” remarks Lim Han Qin, director of Soilbuild Group.

To that end, those working in the CBD would find commute a breeze. The CBD is an 11-minute drive away, while those working in the Marina Bay Financial Centre and Shenton Way areas would be able to reach their offices within 12 minutes by car.

Investor appeal

Banking on its city-fringe location and freehold tenure, Verticus is designed to appeal to both investors and owner-occupiers. Unit sizes range from oneto three-bedroom units and penthouses, with sizes from 441 to 2,045 sq ft.

A unit at Verticus will draw in strong rental demand, reaping the advantages of being in a strategic location: close to work, food, and medical options. Potential tenants in the Balestier area will include healthcare workers, doctors, specialists and other medical professionals working in the Health City Novena, says Christine Sun, head of research & consultancy at OrangeTee & Tie, which “should have a positive impact on rental rates in the Balestier area over the long term”.

Besides that, the neighbourhood is also likely to attract affluent foreigners seeking long-term medical treatment at the Health City Novena, adds Sun.

Adding to Verticus’ exceptional value is the fact that it is freehold, giving the certainty of a home that could be passed on to future generations. In fact, “in District 12, there haven’t been many new freehold launches over the past year,” says Sun.

In recent years, international tertiary education institutions such as Curtin Singapore and East Asia Institute of Management have opened in the Balestier Novena area, leading to an influx of international students. In turn, Ismail Gafoor, CEO of PropNex, has observed a strong rental demand from the students, who opt to stay within the neighbourhood.

Focus on wellness

Inspired by its proximity to HealthCity Novena, facilities in Verticus are designed with the wellness of its residents in mind. The site of 43,820 sq ft is utilised to include a tennis court right next to the residential tower. The bulk of its amenities, however, lies on the fifth storey. Catering to different audiences, these include a 17m leisure pool and a 30m lap pool. Those looking to exercise without breaking a sweat can choose to flex some muscles at the aqua gym. Aside from that, there are a number of alcoves, surrounded by foliage, where residents can cosy up with a book. Young ones can also amble through the fern garden, or run around in the children’s play yard.

Catering to different audiences, pool facilities at Verticus include a 17m leisure pool and a 30m lap pool (Image: Artist’s Impression)

Two other levels house wellness amenities. Level 14 is where the sky gym and yoga deck are located. Residents can also hold intimate parties at the sky gourmet bay and lounge, with sweeping views of the Thomson and Novena enclave. Meanwhile, homeowners can bask in breathtaking views of the city skyline from the communal garden on the topmost floor of the edifice, on the 28th storey.

Residents can hold intimate al-fresco parties, with sweeping views across the Thomson and Novena enclave (Image: Artist’s Impression)

Luxury interiors

Following the theme, wellness also pervades the meticulous planning of Verticus’ interiors. Unit layouts are designed to be functional, with no odd corners and wasted corridors.

Only quality finishings are installed in the homes, which are designed to be functional, with no odd corners and wasted corridors (Photo: ALBERT CHUA/THE EDGE SINGAPORE)

Only quality finishings are installed in the homes. All bedrooms are decked in timber flooring, while the bathroom countertops of all master bedrooms are fitted out in marble. Aside from that, quality fittings in the bathroom include brands such as Geberit, Grohe and Hansgrohe. Kitchen appliances answer to the global brand De Dietrich, which boasts a legacy since the 19th century.

Wellness pervades the meticulous planning of Verticus’ interiors (Photo: ALBERT CHUA/THE EDGE SINGAPORE)

Successful track record

Without doubt, the thoughtful provisions at Verticus are a result of Soilbuild’s 43 years of experience in constructing, developing and managing an award winning portfolio of residential and business space properties. Verticus, the latest addition to the Balestier neighbourhood, would be a landmark to cherish and call home for generations to come.