CAIRO: HNS Group announced the completion of the construction works of 85 percent of Sun City phase one, Cairo's new lifestyle and entertainment complex, which is scheduled to open in September, 2010, the company said in a press conference last week. With an estimated value of LE 2 billion and approximately 200,000 square meters over seven levels, Sun City phase one will feature a hypermarket Carrefour covering 6,000 square meters, while the 16-cinema complex, operated by Renaissance Cinemas, will occupy around 11,000 square meters. "We're very pleased with our progress in Sun City, 50 percent of the mall retail area has already been committed; and we aim to finalize around 85 percent of the total retail leasing around the soft opening in August or September , said Salah El-Din Soufraki, managing director of HNS Group and the project's architect. "We have great partners on board including Carrefour [and] Al-Arabia Cinema for Production and Distribution who will be managing the cinemas under 'Renaissance'. In addition to Colliers Middle East who will be responsible for the daily management of Sun City to ensure the highest levels of operation for our tenants and visitors alike, added Soufraki. HNS says it is in advanced design stages for Sun City phase two with a projected value of approximately LE 1 billion. Spanning over 100,000 square meters, the new phase will offer 30,000 square meters of modern office space and serviced apartments; a 300-room five star hotel, 10,000 square-meter conference center, all surrounded by 10,000 square meters of landscape. Construction works will start towards the end of 2010, and are expected for completion by late 2012, early 2013. "There is an increasing demand for modern high end office space in Heliopolis and the neighboring areas. When Sun City phase two is finalized, altogether, the office complex, the conference center and the hotel will provide an integrated business destination hub , commented Soufraki. "The hotel will also be an ideal choice for businessmen and tourists alike, where they could find diverse entertainment and shopping options at Sun City , concluded Soufraki. Sun City phase one will offer five levels of approximately 200 retail outlets, Carrefour hypermarket, 16-cinema complex including VIP screens, 28-room boutique hotel, two level circular restaurant and a nightclub. In addition to an exclusive amusement area, casual and formal dining, food court and approximately 2,200 parking spaces on two levels. Sun City phase 1 will provide over 1,000 new jobs to the local community in various administrative and operational positions. This will have a positive impact on the local economy; and an indirect impact over 20,000 people working in various sectors; while Sun City phase 2 will bring additional employment opportunities to the local community. In addition to Sun City, HNS Group s investment portfolio in Egypt includes multiple high-end residential projects in Heliopolis, Korba, Dokki and El-Mohandessin. -Daily News Egypt
