KUCHING: The former Four Points by Sheraton Kuching Hotel or Century Kuching Hotel, located at Jalan Lapangan Terbang Baru here, will be transformed into Wisma Elica and open for business next year.
Property developer Elica Equity Sdn Bhd’s managing director Datuk Bobby Ting said the ambitious redevelopment will feature two landmark projects namely voco Kuching, Malaysia’s first voco hotel in partnership with IHG Hotels & Resorts, and Care Collective, East Malaysia’s largest senior wellness centre in collaboration with Care Concierge.
“The project will be a refurbishment of the former 430-room hotel into a mixed development, which means that 80 per cent of it will remain as a hotel with its full ballroom size and capacity with all the amenities such as a specialty restaurant, bar, gym and pool as well.
“Meanwhile, the other commercial component will have some retail space for a convenience store, pharmacy and other shops to complement both the hotel and the Care Collective side of the mixed development,” he said in a press conference on the Wisma Elica project here on Monday (Jan 6).
Ting added the Care Collective, the newest part of the building, will have 125 beds spread over 92 rooms, which will specialise in a senior wellness centre.
“This is a collaborative venture between Elica Equity and Care Concierge, and we have done extensive studies of senior care in Malaysia and it is a much-needed segment which is severely lacking at present.
“We embarked on this route as our findings show two main significant drivers for this category. Number one, life expectancy. And secondly, the sizes of families are shrinking, so there are less children looking after the seniors.
“After analysing the market Malaysia-wide, such a facility isn’t readily available in Kuching and we wish to establish this operation here,” he said.
Meanwhile, according to a press release by Elica, extensive research was conducted and the company has identified critical gaps in Kuching’s hospitality and wellness sectors, underscoring the need for the transformative developments.
“By addressing these gaps, Wisma Elica promises to enhance the city’s urban fabric while meeting the evolving needs of its residents and visitors,” it said.
Elica said the company’s decision to redevelop the dormant Four Points by Sheraton building into Wisma Elica was informed by comprehensive market studies.
“Findings revealed a significant demand for additional hotel rooms and ballroom space in Kuching, driven by the city’s growing reputation as a hub for business events and tourism.
“Additionally, a deficit in event space, particularly venues capable of hosting large-scale conferences, weddings, and exhibitions, further validated the need for a development like Wisma Elica,” it said.
With a 1,300-capacity grand ballroom and over 2,400 square meters of versatile event spaces, Elica said the project will significantly bolster Kuching’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
“As the anchor of Wisma Elica, voco Kuching will redefine hospitality in Sarawak. With 321 luxurious rooms, the hotel will feature world-class amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness center, swimming pool, and vibrant dining options.
“Event spaces, such as a grand ballroom and meeting rooms, will cater to Kuching’s growing MICE market, while eco-conscious practices like energy-efficient systems, plant-based amenities, and sustainable materials align with modern environmental priorities,” it said.
In addition, it said the Care Collective will offer features such as Independent and Assisted Living Units (ILUs and ALUs), a Rehabilitation Centre with cutting-edge therapy services, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) options, and a Senior Clubhouse for wellness programmes and social activities.
Neuman Studio, an interdisciplinary architecture and interior design firm based in Melbourne and Kuching also plays a vital role in conceptualising the design of Wisa Elica.
Later, the press conference also saw the signing ceremony for the official establishment of Care Collective Sdn Bhd.
Elica was presented by Ting, and Care Concierge Care Centre Sdn Bhd were represented by My Care Concierge Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Martin Yap and its chief operating officer Justin Yap.
Among those present were Kuching South City Council (MBKS) mayor Datuk Wee Hong Seng, Elica Equity Sdn Bhd assistant managing director Pauleni Tsai, My Care Concierge Sdn Bhd senior marketing executive Rachel Chua, and Neuman Studio managing director Neuman Chow.
