In a move that reflects Australian architecture’s global benchmarking in sustainability, leading Australian architecture firm Kann Finch has been appointed by Caspian Engineering Group to design a masterplan for its US$30 billion project in Almaty, Kazakhstan. This represents the largest development undertaking in Kazakhstan and the region.

Known as G4 City the massive project will see the development of four new satellite cities being undertaken to cater to the population expansion in Almaty with 1.5 million people now living in the city.

The cities will be developed on four separate land parcels totalling some 7,000 hectares and will effectively form a link between the existing city of Almaty and the popular holiday destination the 100 kilometre Lake Kapchagay.

G4 City will accommodate up to 300,000 people across the four separate city zones and will also provide a range of additional business, technology, industrial, education, medical and recreational facilities to Kazakhstan.

To date, Caspian Engineering Group has acquired two-thirds of the land required, with the remaining acquisitions scheduled for 2008. CB Richard Ellis is currently appraising the land value for Caspian Engineering Group.

“We have deliberately sought an international team as a project like this needs world-class attention. We see a lot of common ground between the Australian and Kazakhstan property markets – as both countries cover vast territory with small populations centred in urban locations,” Mr Yerzhan Durumbetov, Commercial Director of G4 City said.

“The urban design principles utilised in Australia will translate well into the local Kazakhstan market.”

Kann Finch is intent on ensuring sustainability underwrites the masterplanning of G4 City and is basing the planning rules on some of the world’s leading cities including Paris and Amsterdam.

“Sustainability is the core driver of our design – G4 City is committed to delivering in terms of social, economic and environmental sustainability. The Australian architectural approach to sustainability is seen as a global benchmark,” Mr Ian Armstrong, Director of Planning and Urban Design of Kann Finch said.

Completion of the entire G4 City is slated for 2025.

kannfinch.com.au/