Central Embassy, a new shopping complex with 6-star hotel in Bangkok

Amanda Levete Architects have unveiled Central Embassy, a 30-storey retail and hotel project in Bangkok, Thailand.

The tower will be built in the former gardens of the British Embassy in the city.

Amanda Levete Architects was formed after Levete and former partner Jan Kaplicky, who had previously worked together as Future Systems architects, we separate nt their ways.

From Bangkok Post (09/02/2011) :

Central Retail Corporation is taking the lead in developing the retail business in the Phloen Chit area with the unveiling of its 13-billion-baht Embassy project.

The long-awaited plan for Central Embassy, which occupies land that Central acquired from the British Embassy, was officially announced yesterday with work to start imminently and is scheduled to be completed in the last quarter of 2013.

Thai silk-like texture

Apart from Central Embassy, about 100 billion baht worth of investments will be poured into related developments of high-end luxury residences, premium hotels, office buildings and serviced apartments around the intersection of Wireless and Phloen Chit roads. They include Park Ventures by the TCC Land group of liquor tycoon Charoen Sirivadhanabhakdi, and Okura, a top-end hotel and resort chain from Japan.

"The Central Embassy project will become Bangkok's first iconic retail building," said Tos Chirathivat, chief executive of CRC.

Futuristic interior design

Central Embassy, located on a nine-rai site, is a 37-floor complex comprising an eight-story retail and lifestyle podium and a 30-floor luxury hotel tower with 222 rooms, to be managed by the Park Tower chain, its first Thai management contract. The complex has a total area of 144,000 square metres with 70,000 sq m for retail. The company expects to break even within 10 years. 

The project will lead to a 400-metre combined facade for Central Embassy and Central Chidlom, with a skybridge connecting the two. Central Chidlom will be renovated to achieve a consistent look and feel.

"We're not worried about local political and economic uncertainties," added Mr Tos. "Everybody has a role to play to boost the confidence of the country."

Video teaser of this project:

Project development updates from Skyscraper city: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=960978&page=2