Hong Leong's China properties spared by Sichuan earthquake

7.0-magnitude earthquake dealt no damage.

According to Mainboard-listed Hong Leong Group, the 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck Lushan in the southwestern Chinese province of Sichuan, was felt at Millennium Hotel Chengdu. The Millennium & Copthorne (M&C) hotel is located in the city’s urban district and 20 minutes away from Shuangliu International Airport, but did no damage to the building and no injury was sustained.

But everyone in the hotel was evacuated to ensure the safety of hotel guests, the company said.

“We continue to remain vigilant and are in close contact with our China counterparts,” said Mr Gerry De Silva, Head of Group Corporate Affairs for Hong Leong Group Singapore. “Our thoughts are with all those affected by this latest earthquake in Sichuan. We are committed to helping the people of Sichuan.” M&C rebuilt a school building that was destroyed in the earthquake in 2008.

The rest of Hong Leong Group’s China properties are not affected by the quake. Another project in Sichuan - the third phase of Millennium Waterfront residential project in Chengdu - was successfully launched on the same day and sold 87 out of 276 units. The project is a 1.9 million square metre mixed-use development undertaken by M&C associate company, First Sponsor Capital Limited. It will comprise more than 7,100 residential apartments, office and retail commercial space, and will house the Millennium Waterfront Hotel Chengdu with an adjoining convention centre.

M&C is the London-listed subsidiary of Singapore property giant City Developments Limited. Both M&C and CDL are members of Hong Leong Group Singapore.