Koh Pich: diamond in the rough slowly comes together

Since being designated for development by the municipal government in 2006, Koh Pich has been abuzz with activity. Now covered in the widest, least-congested roads in central Phnom Penh, this island is filling up quickly with residential, retail and hospitality projects aimed at affluent locals and visitors.

Koh Pich, which in Khmer means “Diamond Island”, sits at the mouth of where the Tonle Bassac river’s journey begins towards Vietnam. The island, which was formed by alluvial silt deposits, didn’t even exist until about half a century ago. Local legend has it that a boat sank where the island is today, steadily accumulating silt and sand until the island was formed. …

Funded by OCIC subsidiary Canadia Bank, Diamond Island Riviera will feature two 28-storey buildings and three 38-storey buildings. The three taller buildings will be connected at the top by a 200-metre-long swimming pool, à la Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands resort.

The project will feature apartments, condominiums, offices, a supermarket and even an amusement park. Early last year the average price for condominiums was announced at $1,800 per square metre. …

Chris Horton
http://www.phnompenhpost.com/real-estate/koh-pich-diamond-rough-slowly-comes-together