Eight partners with Grosvenor to brand eco-building in Tokyo’s central Ginza district
Eight Partnership has been assigned the job of launching Grosvenor Asia Pacific’s new development on a newly-acquired site in Tokyo’s central Ginza district. The hybrid 13-storey retail and commercial building in the heart of the country’s most valuable commercial district is due to be completed by end 2022. Designed by Doone Silver Kerr in London, the building will be symbolic of Grosvenor’s “Living Cities” philosophy, which aims to deliver a positive impact on the communities in which they work, and in this case demonstrate a net-zero carbon commitment.
The name of the new 6,600 sqm building is Cura, developed by Eight’s global specialists supported by the firm’s Tokyo-based team to reflect the character of the project as a retail and office space that caters to companies and brands committed to exceptional craft and first-rate quality. The word means a trove where precious items are stored, and also speaks to ‘curation’ in that it selectively caters to the best and most committed brands and tenants.
Cura will be one of Japan’s first net-zero ready, commercial high-rise buildings, and will be Grosvenor’s first project of its kind in Asia. It combines leading-edge technologies and materials in its design and construction – such as being the first building in Japan to use low-CO2 concrete – to demonstrate Grosvenor’s commitment to supporting sustainable cities.
About Grosvenor Asia Pacific
Grosvenor Group is one of the largest privately-owned international property companies. With a track record spanning over 340 years, we develop, manage, and invest in property with the purpose of improving properties and places to deliver lasting commercial and social benefit.
To deliver our purpose successfully, we combine a far-sighted, international perspective, with an intimate local knowledge of markets and communities. We aim to have a positive impact on today’s communities, whilst being alive and responsive to the needs of future generations.
Grosvenor Asia Pacific is a developer and investor and has been active in the Asia region for over 25 years. In China we are active in the Yangtze River Delta and the Greater Bay Area regions, including Hong Kong. In Japan we are active in Tokyo. We invest in the residential, office and retail sectors and, where strategic visions align, work with best-in-class partners through joint-ventures. We also have a vested interest in strategic adjacencies, prop-tech and digital, and are deploying capital in these thriving sectors. During our time in Asia we have grown into a full-scale operation with USD $1.4bn in assets under management[1].
Sustainability and delivering lasting commercial and social benefit is embedded throughout our business. Our investment strategy focuses on two main areas: 1) achieving a net-zero carbon footprint across our international portfolio by 2030 and 2) strategic partnerships to grow social value and community wellbeing. We demonstrate our commitment to increasing social value through various initiatives and innovative projects to give back to the communities where we operate. Neighbourhood Kitchen, our flagship community engagement project in collaboration with Caritas in Hong Kong, supports underprivileged families living in subdivided units and aims to elevate their living standards and improve their health and well-being.
Grosvenor in Tokyo
Grosvenor opened its office in Tokyo, Japan, in 2001, and in recent years the Japan branch has stepped up its investment activity in the city, acquiring a number of residential assets either wholly owned or in partnership. In 2017, Grosvenor acquired its first retail asset in Japan in the prime shopping district, Ginza, signaling the expansion of its investment portfolio in Tokyo and deepening its presence in the market, while maintaining the Japan branch’s strength and capability in the residential sector. Through Grosvenor’s deep local presence, the Japan branch is able to work with key business leaders in the country to both undertake new projects and address important social issues. Grosvenor’s Tokyo portfolio includes Grosvenor Place Kamizono-cho, Namikikan Ginzaand The Belgravia Azabu.
Further details can be found on the Grosvenor Group website.