The weekend is drawing closer~

Active Red is pleased to once again sponsor Mrs Singapore 2013 finalists for another introductory session of Active Kickboxing on Monday. All the ladies were excited and geared up to sweat it out with punches, kicks and a total body workout!

Non stop laughters and fun during the session!

Thank you to all the wonderful ladies who were such good sport giving all their energy into kicking and punching!

Click here for more photos!

Catch the finals of Mrs Singapore 2013 on 11th May, Orchid Country Club.

For Grand Finals ticket sales, please call 64811566.

Should you need more information about Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

And now this key city property is on the market.

CME Group is selling the building. Holly Duran Real Estate Partners based in Chicago has been representing CME Group for 30 years, and will co-broker the deal with Colliers International.

Located at 4800 Main St. on Kansas City’s Country Club Plaza, the Board of Trade building is a 165,714-square-foot Class-B+ property. The property comes with a structured parking garage.

Rod Jones, senior vice president of Colliers International in Kansas City, is representing Duran. Bryan Johnson, co-chief executive officer of Colliers International|Kansas City, will provide team support.

“Investors both in and out of Kansas City will be attracted to this property because of its investment size and the ability to acquire the asset significantly below replacement cost,” said Jones in a written statement. “There is limited quality investment product available in this size range, especially within the Country Club Plaza submarket.”

The last day of open-outcry trading on the building’s floor will be June 28.

– Dan Rafter

DESPITE office rents remaining soft in Q1 2013, Knight Frank expects the office leasing market to bottom out late this year.

“The office leasing sector is likely to bottom out in late 2013 as leasing activity picks up,” said Louise Toovey, senior manager of office leasing at Knight Frank Singapore. “Rental increases are likely to be marginal.”

In its quarterly research bulletin released yesterday, Knight Frank expects “overall islandwide rents to remain flat with a possibility of marginal increases of around 0.5 per cent towards the end of 2013″.

This is against a backdrop of an overall continued downward rental trend this quarter, with a 2.3 per cent quarter-on-quarter drop in rents for grade A+ office space in the Marina Bay and Raffles Place area.

It attributed this to the completion of Asia Square Tower 2 in the Central Business District (CBD), which is slated for Q3 2013. Prime rents should only be marginally affected, said Knight Frank, given its current estimated pre-commitment rate of 30 per cent.

Knight Frank also foresees a decline in rents in the Shenton Way/Tanjong Pagar and Robinson Road precinct due to the ongoing construction of buildings in the area, posing negative externalities such as noise inconveniences.

Such buildings include V on Shenton, Oxley Tower and SBF Center.

“However, overall leasing activity in the next six months is expected to pick up, as enquiries and interests generated this quarter materialises into new tenancies,” said Ms Toovey.

Also, suburban rents are likely to remain strong while the development of good quality new office buildings boosts overall average rents.

This is in view of the 2.12 million square feet of suburban office space expected to come on stream in 2013, with major developments such as The Metropolis at one-north and Jem at Jurong Gateway having high pre-committed rates.

Knight Frank expects the lower rents to allow Singapore to retain its competitive edge globally, this being enhanced by the entry of more certified Qualifying Foreign Law Practice firms.

This comes a few weeks after Colliers International’s Q1 report, which predicted continued sinking rents and cited Singapore’s regional hub status as something which could raise rental demand and offset price declines.

Related articles

• 44 Novena Regency units snapped up (fisheyer.com)
• Jem brings big names to Jurong Hub (fisheyer.com)

It’s a start to a new week, keep excited with a quick update on upcoming events.

Two exciting programs lined up in the heartlands!

We conduct our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes at 2 heartland locations. Click image below to find out more and where exactly!

Yes, we are happy to have expand our Active Kickboxing Fitness not only for ladies but the family!

Join in the fun with your child this upcoming June holidays with Family Fun with Active Kickboxing.

Gear up for a time of family fun as you bond over a session of fun and fitness!

Click on image below and stay tuned as more venues to be added!

For fitness enthusiasts who are interested in our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes, we conduct classes at our Active Studio too!

Experience Active Red’s Kickboxing difference in a 1-hour introductory workshop at only $35 per session per person.

When your sign up for our package, this fee will be waived off – your introductory workshop will be considered as the 1st session of your package (works out to be $22 per session for adult package).

Introductory workshops are only held every Friday at 7pm.

Our award winning Active Kickboxing Fitness package will be priced as:-

Students (as low as $92 per month)

12 sessions package @ $276.00 NETT ($23 per class)

Adults (as low as $100 per month)

12 sessions package @ $300.00 NETT ($25 per class)

Find out more about our rates here! 

New beginners’ classes in April!

Wednesdays @ 7pm 

Thursdays @ 8pm 

For those who want a fun twist to their workouts and kickboxing, Active Kickboxing Bootcamp is back in MAY 2013. Click here to find out more!

Any further inquires , kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

NEW YORK, NY, April 15, 2013 – Colliers International’s Tri-State Life Science Practice and Tarvin Commercial Real Estate have been named the exclusive leasing agents for New York Science & Technology Center @BioBAT, a nine-story, 500,000-square-foot state-of-the-art life sciences campus designed to house a wide range of life sciences and R&D tenants in one of Brooklyn’s most famous landmarks

The BioBat project—a portion of the Brooklyn Army Terminal—is a joint venture of the New York City Economic Development Corp and the SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

The new BioBAT space—which resides within the Brooklyn Army Terminal’s 1.7 million-square-foot Building A—is undergoing a $50 million capital improvements program. The redevelopment—being implemented to LEED Silver standards and scheduled for completion in the second quarter—will include a renovated core and shell with an infrastructure designed to support state-of-the-art labs for R&D, up to 56,000-square-foot floor plates, new lobby entrances, new windows, 250 lbs. per-square-foot floor loads, and additional infrastructure upgrades.

The current BioBAT life sciences tenant roster includes the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative (IAVI), which occupies approximately 38,000 square feet on a long-term lease. The new BioBAT space also includes a 7,000-square-foot pre-built lab suite that will be ready for occupancy in the second quarter. Potential tenants include pharmaceutical firms, contract research organizations, medical device, and research organizations.

“More than a decade ago we envisioned what the New York Science & Technology Center @ BioBAT could be,” said BioBAT President Dr. Eva Cramer. “We are thrilled to see this vision becoming a reality. BioBAT at the Brooklyn Army Terminal provides local, national, and international companies affordable, state-of-the-art research and light manufacturing space with significant room for expansion. This site will become an important part of the technology hub developing along the East River.”

“New York City continues to emerge as one of the United States’ leading life sciences and biotechnology corridors, including renowned research facilities, and academic and medical centers, and an unparalleled source of intellectual capital,” said BioBAT Executive Director Louis Kiang. “The New York Science & Technology Center @BioBAT will be a thriving addition to this community.”

“Life Sciences companies will now have access to affordable, premiere space in one large Brooklyn campus,” said Andrew Tarvin, Senior Managing Director of Tarvin Commercial, who along with John Cunningham, Executive Managing Director, and John Cahill, Managing Director, both of Colliers International’s Tri-State Life Sciences division, lead the leasing efforts on behalf of BioBAT. “Tenants will also have access to the wealth of medical and academic centers in the area.”

“We are already speaking with several potential tenants, including growing, New York City area-based biotech firms, and diagnostic companies,” said Cahill, who noted that space users will range from emerging biotechs to mature research facilities.

Additional amenities at the BioBAT include a secure 24/7 gated facility, free on-site parking, and restaurants, as well as an on-site day care center and banking facility. The campus is also conveniently located to multiple subway and bus lines, is just a 20-minute drive to Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, and New Jersey, and is in close proximity to JFK, LaGuardia, and Newark Liberty airports.

Other leading medical and research facilities in the area include SUNY Downstate, the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, NYC & NYU Langone Medical Center, Weill Cornell Medical College, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Columbia University Medical Center & The Audubon Science Technology Center, Rockefeller University, and Mount Sinai Medical Center.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world, with over 12,300 professionals operating out of more than 520 offices in 62 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News magazines ranked Colliers International the top U.S. real estate company. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second-most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

# # #

Russ Colchamiro
Senior Account Supervisor
The Marino Organization
Tel: 212-889-0808 x126
russ@themarino.org

Happy Sunday and make the best of it before work week’s starts!

Being part of the sponsors for Mrs Singapore 2013, we are very excited that our client Jen is in the running as a finalist for Mrs Singapore 2013! 

Active Red being an overall fitness and wellness company, our personal training and kickboxing programmes we believed has helped her both physically and mentally prepared!

As the grand finals  is approaching closer, every finalist have undergone grooming, makeup classes and lots more to prep for the big day.

Cheer on for Jen as she takes parts in the finals of Mrs Singapore 2013 on 11th May, Orchid Country Club.

Show your support by clicking on the ‘LIKE’ button on her page on Mrs Singapore 2013′s Fackbook page. Pen down your well wishes and cheer on for her!

Remember contestant no.13, Jen!

To find out how our Active Red trainers and programmes can help you achieve your fitness goals , kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Courtesy of J. Robert Burgoyne

The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life has taken a sublease a few blocks away from the heart of Times Square, the Commercial Observer learned.

Publicidad Siboney Corporation, the sub-landlord, is going out of business and wanted to offload its office space at 729 Seventh Avenue through the expiration of its lease at the end of January 2016, sources close to the deal revealed. The foundation also inked a deal with Meringoff Properties, the building owner, for a deal that extends as a direct lease through 2023 for a full 10-year occupancy at the building.

The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life will move its operations to a 10,800-square-foot office that spans the entire ninth floor of the 164,000-square-foot, Class B building at 729 Seventh Avenue. Previously housed on the 10th floor of 6 East 39th Street, the foundation focuses on large-scale initiatives that are designed to revitalize the infrastructure of American Jewish life. Some of its largest sponsorships include the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development at New York University, the Steinhardt Social Research Institute at Brandeis University, and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, among many others.

Since its formation in 1994, the foundation has donated more than $100 million toward programs and initiatives.

The Steinhardt Foundation for Jewish Life was represented by Michael Joseph of Colliers International and Suzanne Sunshine of Sunshine & Associates. Laurence Roberts, a principal for Arch Brokerage, was on another side of the table representing Publicidad Siboney Corporation. Mr. Joseph, Ms. Sunshine, and Mr. Robert all declined to comment on the deal.

Hope this week has been an awesome one so far.

Active Red was pleased to have sponsor Mrs Singapore 2013 finalists for an introductory session of Active Kickboxing on Monday. All the ladies were excited and geared up to sweat it out with punches, kicks and a total body workout!

Lots of laughters and fun during the session!

Click here for more photos!

Stay tuned next week for a 2nd session with other Mrs Singapore finalists!

Should you need more information about Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

We are nearing the weekend, a day till TGIF!

Aside from that, we would like to introduce to you team members of Active Red and for you to get to know them a little better.

This week we have Marcus Fam.

Marcus is a senior trainer at Active Red who recently won a Bronze Medalist at the 2012 Athletic Physique Asian Championships.

Need a trainer that attains to your fitness goals yet not straight up strict about every detail?

Marcus easy yet effective approach to fitness and training would ease you into things perfectly. An exercise physiologist , you are definitely in safe hands. Exercise is key but safety is always the priority.

One fear most women have would be the weight gain during pregnancy. It’s something that gets a woman down as you see the changes in your body. Yes, exercise helps boost your self-esteem! Being specialized in pre and post natal training, Marcus will guide you through each step of the way and you just might be fitter than before!

Check out Marcus’s full profile here.

Stay tuned! We’ll be introducing more trainers every Thursday.

To join Active team, drop us an email at info@activered.sg with your resume and profile. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

To find out how Active Red can add value to your event with our Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitnes Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Here are the Twin Cities winners, with the category:

• Minneapolis, Capella Tower, Over 1 million square feet
• St. Paul, Ecolab Center, Corporate Facility
• Bloomington, Wells Fargo Plaza, Renovated Building
• Edina, Southdale Office Center, Suburban Office Park Mid-Rise (6-10 stories)
• Minneapolis, 333 South Seventh (formerly Accenture Tower), Earth

The other regional winners were:

• St. Louis, Creve Couer Center IV, 100,000-249,999 square feet
• St. Louis, Bank of America Plaza, 500,000-1 million square feet
• Milwaukee, City Center at 735, Historical Building
• St. Louis, St. Joseph Medical Office Building 1&2, Medical Office Building
• St. Louis, Delmar Gardens, Suburban Office Park Low Rise (1-5 stories)

Read full article

John Cunningham and John Cahill, both of Colliers, and Andrew Tarvin, of Tarvin CRE will lead the leasing efforts in the space that is currently home to the International AIDS Vaccine Initiative, which takes 38,000 square feet in the building. 

Brooklyn Army Terminal

“We are already speaking with several potential tenants, including growing, New York City area-based biotech firms, and diagnostic companies,” Mr. Cahill said in a prepared statement.

The BioBat facility, which is located in Building A of the 1.7-million-square-foot BAT, is in the midst of a $50 million capital improvements campaign. A new 7,000-square-foot lab suite should be ready for occupancy in the next two months.

“Life sciences companies will now have access to affordable, premier space in one large Brooklyn campus,” Mr. Tarvin said. “Tenants will also have access to the wealth of medical and academic centers in the area.”

Incoming biotech companies will join BAT tenants that run the gamut from social media firms and gourmet food purveyors and that are helping make Sunset Park a nexus of Brooklyn’s nu-manufacturing economy.

But when Bank of America downsized, leaving roughly 250,000 square feet of space vacant, a series of tours guided by its new owner, L&L Holdings, quickly blasted that stereotype away.

Condé Nast committed to 80,000 square feet at the tower in early March. WeWork, which provides collaborative workspace for tech and media companies, was next in line.

Inside WeWork offices.

“It’s an institutional-quality building,” said David Berkey of L&L. “But then you go up to these floors with these high windows, open floor plans and breathtaking views. They said, ‘Wow, people are going to love coming to work here.’”

WeWork already has offices in Soho, Midtown and the Meatpacking District, but its decision to create an outpost at 222 Broadway, where it inked more than 120,000 square feet in mid-March, is reflective of a shift that’s making Downtown a feasible or even attractive alternative to Midtown South for creative companies.

For Mr. Berkey, the shift is nothing new; he recognized the trend at another L&L building, 195 Broadway—where HarperCollins inked a 185,000-square-foot lease in the first quarter—about two and a half years ago.

“Before that, I was seeing financial firms, I was seeing law firms and insurance,” he said. “That’s over.”

Now, bolstered by first-quarter office leasing data, many claim that the invisible—yet mentally substantial—wall on Canal Street that once separated Midtown South’s young, hip upstarts from Downtown’s financial office base has eroded.

“The wall that used to exist along Canal Street is gone,” said Ken McCarthy, chief economist at Cushman & Wakefield.

For Downtown, it couldn’t have been more unlikely, following a year characterized by rising office vacancies and capped off with the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, but the area bounced back with a vengeance.

“Everyone was writing Downtown off—but it is continuing to exceed everyone’s expectations,” Mr. McCarthy said.

Downtown experienced what industry experts are calling a standout first quarter, with five of the city’s top 10 new leases being signed there and total leasing activity in the area hitting 1.7 million square feet, the highest since 2004, according to C&W.

The Downtown market outperformed Midtown and Midtown South for the first time in several quarters, as the availability of prime space at a significant discount gave it a competitive advantage and vacancy rates declined to 8 percent from 9.2 percent one year ago, the C&W data shows.

Midtown South and Downtown have historically been distinct in terms of their types of users, but now something of a melting pot is brewing, as tech tenants traditionally geared toward Midtown South (the nation’s tightest submarket) look Downtown, which is cheaper and often closer to the work force of creative tenants.

“The younger people involved in new media and tech can’t afford to live in Manhattan anymore,” Mr. Berkey said.

It’s working in both directions, too. Financial firms are a growing presence in Midtown South that was absent a decade ago. They now occupy 6.4 percent of the office space in Midtown South, which is up from zero a decade ago, according to C&W data.

The development at the World Trade Center site, along with the repositioned Brookfield Place, gives the area newfound legitimacy among tech clientele, especially with the transportation hub that will link Fulton Street to the new office space. Condé Nast’s decision to be the anchor tenant at 1 World Trade Center was the icing on the cake.

“It’s there, it’s developed, it’s beautiful,” said Colliers International President Joe Harbert. “The development down there has kept people alert to the fact that there’s a future Downtown. You couldn’t even find a place to eat there 15 years ago.”

Larry Silverstein told The Commercial Observer last month that 4 World Trade Center, scheduled to open this year, is about 50 percent leased, and that he is negotiating deals that will be sufficient to trigger financing for the completion of towers 2 and 3 under an agreement with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

“It’s not a stalled situation anymore, where people are wondering what’s going to happen,” said C&W’s Gene Spiegelman. “Things are happening.”

But Midtown South’s availability and vacancy rates are still low enough to put substantial upward pressure on average asking rents, which reached $50.51 per square foot in the first quarter, up 18.7 percent from $42.55 per square foot a year ago, according to data from Colliers.

It’s “speculative pricing,” Mr. Harbert said, adding that despite data from other firms showing significant upticks in Midtown South vacancy rates, it’s still far from a tenant’s market.

Where the C&W data shows a year-over-year vacancy rate increase from 5.9 to 6.9 percent, for example, Colliers recorded a tick-down from 4.6 to 4.5 percent, which Mr. Harbert said has kept competition fierce.

“There’s heavy competition for space, and what you have is a change in landlord behavior,” Mr. Harbert said. “There’s a psychology to the market in Midtown South that it’s the destination that everyone wants to be in, that it’s really cool—and the owners are saying, ‘Ah, there is a heaven.’”

Google, which paid $1.8 billion for the 2.9-million-square-foot 111 Eighth Avenue in 2010, subleased 83,000 square feet at Chelsea Market in the first quarter, a testament to the continued interest in Midtown South among tech giants.

But no one is denying the revival of Downtown, where the record-setting leasing activity in the first quarter was bolstered by 280,000 square feet of positive absorption and availability dropped to 13.9 percent from 14.2 percent a year earlier, data from CBRE shows.

“I think you have a truly strong market when all three prime indicators, leasing activity, absorption and availability rate, are trending positively at the same time,” said Peter Turchin, executive vice president at CBRE, at a research breakfast this month.

Key deals in the first quarter included HarperCollins’s 185,000-square-foot lease at L&L’s 195 Broadway, which was the largest new lease completed in Manhattan, and the Condé Nast and WeWork deals at 222 Broadway. GfK Market Research also decided to move into the area south of Canal Street, where by some estimates roughly 20 percent of leasing in the first quarter was by technology and media firms.

Meanwhile, financial services firms are showing more resiliency than many would have foreseen months ago, when the doom and gloom of the European debt crises projected uncertainty. While Mr. McCarthy—and others, perhaps justifiably—noted that the financial sector is “lagging,” he conceded that the decline was 25 years in the making.

The latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics—which came out just as the quarter ended—shows that employment at financial services firms is down just 3 percent over the last decade. From the bottom of the market in January 2010, when there were 424,000 finance jobs in the city, that number has risen by roughly 11,000 (as of February), the data shows. While still below where it was at the peak of the market, financial services continued to provide about 25 percent of the total leasing volume Downtown in the first quarter, according to Colliers. By comparison, law firm activity was just 2.1 percent of the total.

The resurgence of Downtown and the consistency of Midtown South helped the Manhattan office sector record a solid first quarter, though there were signs of slowing momentum, as the overall availability and vacancy rates increased slightly and average asking rents saw minor declines, according to Colliers.

The Manhattan availability rate rose to 12 percent, up a tick from 11.9 percent in the fourth quarter of 2012, while the overall vacancy rate reached 6.1 percent, up from 5.8 percent in the fourth quarter, the firm said.

But it was Midtown, where the large financial services and other big corporate users generally follow the pulse of global economic trends, that provided the dead weight. While many of these firms have maintained resilience, they have been cautious, experts said.

Midtown’s availability rate is higher than it is elsewhere in the city, having gone up for six straight quarters, and pricing there declined during the last three.

But it’s a mixed bag. For example, Park Avenue availability hit 8.6 percent in the first quarter among Class A properties, while Lexington Avenue’s availability was 26.6 percent, data from Colliers shows.

Meanwhile, Midtown South will stay hot until its rents surpass Midtown—where the numbers can exceed $70 foot—which would perhaps spark a correction of the market, Mr. Harbert said. But he dispelled the notion that Midtown South is on the decline and called into question the idea of Downtown and Midtown South merging.

“I suspect there’s a blurring of the boundary lines there,” he said, referring to Canal Street. “But there’s a distinction between something blurring and merging. I don’t think tenants look at Midtown South and Downtown as equivalent markets … Downtown is not cool.”

NEW private home sales surged to an all-time high last month, boosted by discounts dangled by developers and first-timers entering the market.

A total of 2,793 units were sold last month, nearly four times February’s number, as a string of new launches debuted strongly.

This is the highest monthly new sales volume since the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) began publishing monthly data in 2007. It narrowly beats the previous record of 2,772 in July 2009.

But analysts said the momentum may not continue into this month as the effects of a seventh round of cooling measures, which took effect in January, continue to filter through the market.

DWG senior manager Lee Sze Teck said the strong sales last month suggested strong demand from first-time buyers given that the cooling measures had curbed some investment demand.

Including executive condominiums, a hybrid of public and private housing, the number of private homes sold last month was 3,072. This is the second-highest on record, close behind the 3,142 units sold in February last year.

The 3,489 units launched for sale last month was also a record. A whopping 17 new residential projects launched last month.

Almost three-quarters of March’s new sales were from new launches that month. Nearly 65 per cent were in suburban areas.

Buyers purchased units at projects near MRT stations such as D’Nest, Bartley Ridge, Urban Vista and Sennett Residence, the URA data showed. The top-seller was 912-unit D’Nest in Pasir Ris, with 699 units sold at a median price of $963 per sq ft out of 800 units launched. Property agent Regine Ang said her clients who bought units at D’Nest last month cited its attractive price and proximity to the MRT station.

Overall, 5,533 units were sold from January to March, which was about 20 per cent higher than in the fourth quarter of last year. There were 5,564 units launched.

The strong March numbers made up for February’s muted sales volume of 712 new sales owing to the Chinese New Year lull.

“By keeping new supply off the market in February, developers have benefited from a strong demand rebound in March as well as the resultant positive impact on the market,” said Jones Lang LaSalle research director Ong Teck Hui. “Notwithstanding the latest measures, underlying demand remains healthy.”

Still, analysts said this month was unlikely to see a similar surge in new sales. Most pent-up demand would have been “satisfied by the bumper crop of new launches in March”, said Colliers International research and advisory director Chia Siew Chuin.

Related articles

• Developers’ sales jump to 2,793 units in March: URA (fisheyer.com)
• Few new condo launches see 100% sales (fisheyer.com)
• Executive condominiums drawing more buyers (fisheyer.com)
• First time buyers prop up non-central prices (fisheyer.com)
• 300 units sold over the weekend to boost March home sales (fisheyer.com)
• Condo sales taper off but interest still strong (fisheyer.com)
• Real Estate Report – March 2013 (fisheyer.com)
• Twin Fountain EC launch at Woodlands (fisheyer.com)

It’s a start to a new week, keep excited with a quick update on upcoming events.

Two exciting programs lined up in the heartlands!

We conduct our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes at 2 heartland locations. Click image below to find out more and where exactly!

Yes, we are happy to have expand our Active Kickboxing Fitness not only for ladies but the family!

Join in the fun with your child this upcoming June holidays with Family Fun with Active Kickboxing.

Gear up for a time of family fun as you bond over a session of fun and fitness!

Click on image below and stay tuned as more venues to be added!

For fitness enthusiasts who are interested in our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes, we conduct classes at our Active Studio too!

Experience Active Red’s Kickboxing difference in a 1-hour introductory workshop at only $35 per session per person.

When your sign up for our package, this fee will be waived off – your introductory workshop will be considered as the 1st session of your package (works out to be $22 per session for adult package).

Introductory workshops are only held every Friday at 7pm.

Our award winning Active Kickboxing Fitness package will be priced as:-

Students (as low as $92 per month)

12 sessions package @ $276.00 NETT ($23 per class)

Adults (as low as $100 per month)

12 sessions package @ $300.00 NETT ($25 per class)

Find out more about our rates here! 

New beginners’ classes in April!

Wednesdays @ 7pm 

Thursdays @ 8pm 

For those who want a fun twist to their workouts and kickboxing, Active Kickboxing Bootcamp is back in MAY 2013. Click here to find out more!

It’s going to be an exciting month of April~

Any further inquires , kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Hope everyone had an awesome weekend and yes because a new week is going to start~

Let’s talk about breakfast!

The word breakfast, the start of a new morning and most of us walking up and yes we need to feed our stomachs with food.

Think bagels, toast with jam and maybe cereal?

Yes eggs included! Who doesn’t love them?

Do you know why eggs are so good for you, your body?

1. Get your vitamins

 One little egg is packed with several vitamins essential to your health:

• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), which helps your body to break down food into energy
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin), vital for producing red blood cells
• Vitamin A (retinol), which is great for your eyesight
• Vitamin E (tocopherol), which fights off the free radicals that can cause tissue and cellular damage, which may lead to cancer

Vitamins A and B2 are also important for growth—so make sure your kids are eating eggs regularly, too.

2. Boost weight loss

Eggs are high in protein and they keep you full for longer rather than toast or cereals! That means you’ll tend to snack less or reach for something ‘less healthy’ as a last minute resort because you’re hungry.

3. Eggs are rather inexpensive

Compared to other high protein foods such as red meat, even free range eggs are more budget friendly.

4. Eggs help with brain development and memory

Choline, an essential nutrient found in eggs, stimulates brain development and function. It has also been linked with increasing memory retention and recall as well as improving alertness.

5. Your abs eat them up!

A certain sequence of amino acids that makes egg protein easy for your body to absorb. So hard-boiled grade-A is an ideal muscle-repair food after a butt-busting workout.

Should you need more information about Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Overall, property investment sales slumped 27.5 percent to S$7.11 billion in Q1 2013, following a milder 14.4 percent quarter-on-quarter decline in Q4 last year to S$9.8 billion.

The sharp drop in property investment volume was mainly due to a slowdown in private sector sales, which fell 31.4 percent to S$4.38 billion in Q1 2013 from S$6.38 billion in the previous quarter.

On the other hand, property investment volume in the public sector fell by 20.2 percent to S$2.73 billion from S$3.42 billion previously.

“Notwithstanding the fall in sales value, the S$2.73 billion garnered by the public sector in Q1 2013 is still considered healthy given that a larger number of sites sold in the quarter were designated for lower value uses or have shorter tenure compared to the preceding quarter,” noted the report.

“Specifically, of the 14 land parcels awarded in the January to March quarter, six carry short land tenure of 30 years or less and two were designated for lower-value ancillary uses (i.e. petrol station and church). In contrast, none of the 16 land parcels awarded in the preceding quarter were for ancillary uses and only four carry with them short land tenure of 30 years or less.”

- Nikki De Guzman, Junior Reporter at PropertyGuru, wrote this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@allproperty.com.sg

Happy Thursday, nice cool weather to ease into the weekend.

Have you made an constant effort to stay active so far?

We are into the month of April now and some of you may have feel you’ve gone off the wagon.

Engage a trainer to help you achieve your fitness goals!

Valencia is a junior trainer at Active Red and her enthusiasm for fitness is always encouraging. Having gone through her personal weight loss journey during October to December 2011, she has gone on to further her career in the fitness industry. She is passionate about helping others with their personal weight loss and fitness challenges they may have.

Valencia is also trained in kickboxing and teaches all female class! Yes, ladies~ Besides that, she conducts fitness bootcamps where you get motivated to give your all during the workout yet having fun too!

Having a smile on her face, her positivity would catch on to you and makes you want to feel excited about fitness!

Check out Valencia’s full profile here.

Stay tuned for next Thursday’s post as we introduce more trainers!

To join Active team, drop us an email at info@activered.sg with your resume and profile. We’ll get back to you as soon as we can!

To find out how Active Red trainers can help you kickstart a healthy active lifestyle, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitnes Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Mid week Wednesday and here’s something exciting to share.

Climb to greater heights this year and let the flight begin!

What’s that you say?

Active Red is honored to have been appointed as the Official Kickboxing and Fitness Sponsor for National Vertical Marathon 2013.

National Vertical Marathon (NVM) is an alternative sporting event to flat road marathons, as well as a fitting sport that takes advantage of the many skyscrapers in Singapore.

Yes, 40 stories high of stairs climbing! It will be an awesome time to challenge yourself in this exciting event.

The event details are as follows:

Date: 9th June 2013

Day: Sunday

Venue: Asia Square

Sign up now!

National Vertical Marathon has just opened additional 200 slots due to overwhelming responses!

To find out how Active Red can add value to your event with our Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Some of you must be thinking of the weekend already~

The first edition of WGP Kickboxing of the year that happened at march 23 2013 in Gymnasium Milton Feijao, in Sao Caetano do Sul, Sao Paulo, was a very interesting event, since it’s production up to the fights.

Organized by Panamerican Kickboxing Confederation, an official member of WAKO had an successful event where very powerful fighters gathered and had 4 knockouts in the night to demonstrate that.

Miodrag Olar showed a great technical level and experience, but Thiago Michel showed the Sao Paulo, reason why he is undefeated. Good combinations and precise blows, good management of distance and great kicks made this fight what it’s title really about.

With no doubt, the winner was the brazilian Thiago Michel.

Should you need more information about Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Chase those Monday blues away as we bring you this week’s updates.

Exciting news is Active Red with our esteemed partnership with insurance leader, Great Eastern ‘LIVE GREAT’ program has a new deal for all Great Eastern ‘LIVE GREAT’ members.

Enjoy a Personal Training Session for only $50.00! (U.P $150.00)

Our very popular flagship award winning Active Kickboxing Fitness is  available to all Great Eastern Live Great Cardholders at a very exclusive rate. Click here to read more about it and grab this deal!

As for our existing customers, do remember you can utilize the offers when you come for kickboxing class.

Just a recap, we conduct our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes at 2 heartland locations. Click image below to find out more and where exactly!

As for fitness enthusiasts who are interested in our Active Kickboxing Fitness classes, we conduct classes at our Active Studio too!

Experience Active Red’s Kickboxing difference in a 1-hour introductory workshop at only $35 per session per person.

When your sign up for our package, this fee will be waived off – your introductory workshop will be considered as the 1st session of your package (works out to be $22 per session for adult package).

Introductory workshops are only held every Friday at 7pm.

From April 2013, our award winning Active Kickboxing Fitness package will be priced as:-

Students (as low as $92 per month)

12 sessions package @ $276.00 NETT ($23 per class)

Adults (as low as $100 per month)

12 sessions package @ $300.00 NETT ($25 per class)

Find out more about our rates here! 

We are also opening up new beginners’ classes starting April!

Wednesdays @ 7pm 

Thursdays @ 8pm 

For those who want a fun twist to their workouts and kickboxing, Active Kickboxing Bootcamp is back in MAY 2013. Click here to find out more!

It’s going to be an exciting month of April~

Any further inquires , kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

March school holidays was just over not too long ago but June would be just coming up soon!

Planning for a getaway with your family or an activity that can get everyone involved in?

Active Red is proud to present a day of Family Fun with Active Kickboxing!

Yes, calling out to all parents!

Come have fun with your child!

Take this time to bond with one another in a fun filled session where you get to experience a total body workout.

The details are:

Venue: Tampines West Community Club

Date: 29-June-13, Saturday

Time:  10.00am – 1.00pm

Hurry on now before all slots have been filled~

To register, log on to ONE PA. Go to ‘Search” and type in Family Fun with Active Kickboxing! It will bring you to the registration page!

Should you need more information about Active Kickboxing Fitness Sessions, kindly contact:

Name: Jason Lim

Phone: +65-90921358

Email: info@activered.sg

Website: www.activered.sg

To find out more about Active Red, read about us here.

To choose an Active Kickboxing Programme, read about our different Kickboxing Programmes here.

Book your introductory workshop at Active Schedules.

To be a Certified Active Kickboxing Fitness Trainer, click on WAKO logo below:

Remember to follow us on facebook at:

“Like” Active Red Facebook Page

“Join” Active Red Facebook Group

For more info on WAKO, read about WAKO here.

To be updated on WAKO Singapore activities, join WAKO Kickboxing Singapore at:

“Like” WAKO Kickboxing Singapore Facebook Page

Orchard Road rents dipped 1.3%.

According to Colliers International, as of the end of March 2013, the monthly prime ground floor gross rents in Orchard Road fell by 1.3 per cent from the previous quarter to S$36.75 per sq ft.

In the Regional Centres, the average monthly gross rent of prime space fell by 0.1 per cent from 4Q 2012 to S$33.88 per sq ft.

Given that the Regional Centres have established a firm presence among its residential catchment population, coupled with increased competition among Orchard Road malls, the rental premium that prime retail space in Orchard Road commands over similar space in the Regional Centres narrowed further from 11.5 per cent as of end-2012 to 10.1 per cent in 1Q 2013.

Here’s more from Colliers International:

Mr Calvin Yeo, Deputy Managing Director, Client Services, says, “Despite the cautious consumer sentiments, the leasing market continued to enjoy a consistent momentum of new openings and entrants of both shop and food and beverage (F&B) outlets in 1Q 2013.

Overall vacancy rates remained low with many of the popular Orchard Road and sub-urban malls being able to replace outgoing tenants. It was observed that although trading conditions are challenging, various retailers are still keen to attempt new concepts, as well as to embark on expansion plans in locations where they do not have a presence.”

For instance, in 1Q 2013, the luxury watch house, Philip Stein, as well as the American furniture and household chain, Crate & Barrel, opened their first Singapore outlets in ION Orchard.

Over in the sub-urban malls, French label, Agnes b., opened its first outlet store at IMM. F&B outlets also made their debut at retail malls, such as the Hong Kong dim sum chain, Tim Ho Wan, which opened its first overseas outpost in the new atrium wing of Plaza Singapura.

Mr Yeo continues, “Going forward, we expect heightened competition among shopping malls for tenants, as well as among retailers for preferred vibrant locations to compete for the consumer dollar.

Such competition would result in older malls facing pressure to re-invent, so as to stay relevant and prevent increasing vacancies and falling rents.”

For instance, Shaw Centre located in Orchard Road will undergo its largest transformation in almost 30 years, repositioning itself as a contemporary shopping mall, while Eastpoint Mall, the main sub-urban shopping centre of Simei house estate for the past 16 years, has commenced a major makeover.

- Singapore Business Review

 

PARSIPPANY, NJ, April 5, 2013 – Colliers International has arranged a 13,000-square-foot transaction at 3000 Eastpark Boulevard in Cranbury, NJ with Quantex Laboratories, subleasing a portion of Ligand Pharmaceuticals’ space in the building.

Quantex Laboratories — which took occupancy of its new space at 3000 Eastpark Boulevard in February, having relocated from Edison, NJ — acts as an extension of analytical, discovery, R&D, manufacturing, and quality teams, serving pharmaceutical, biotechnology, medical device, personal care products, and cosmetics companies.

“Quantex was in search of an existing laboratory space to accommodate its growth needs,” said Dick Hecker, a Managing Director in the New Jersey office of Colliers International, who represented the subtenant in the transaction. “The Ligand sublease opportunity features a specialized R&D infrastructure that creates great value and savings for life sciences companies.”

John Cunningham, an Executive Managing Director with Colliers International, represented the sublandlord, Ligand Pharmaceuticals, in the transaction.

Ligand Pharmaceuticals is a La Jolla, California based biotech company that specializes in drug discovery and development. Ligand leases the entire 65,000-square-foot 3000 Eastpark Boulevard building, as well as an additional 27,000 square feet in the adjacent 1000 Eastpark Boulevard.

Located on Route 130 in Cranbury, 3000 Eastpark Boulevard is in close proximity to Exit 8A of the New Jersey Turnpike and is 10 minutes from Princeton.

About Colliers International
Colliers International is the third-largest commercial real estate services company in the world, with over 12,300 professionals operating out of more than 520 offices in 62 countries. A subsidiary of FirstService Corporation (NASDAQ: FSRV; TSX: FSV and FSV.PR.U), it focuses on accelerating success for its clients by seamlessly providing a full range of services to real estate users, owners and investors worldwide, including global corporate solutions, brokerage, property and asset management, hotel investment sales and consulting, valuation, consulting and appraisal services, mortgage banking and research. Commercial Property Executive and Multi-Housing News magazines ranked Colliers International the top U.S. real estate company. The latest annual survey by the Lipsey Company ranked Colliers International as the second-most recognized commercial real estate firm in the world.

Contacts: Russ Colchamiro, Laureen Toiba
The Marino Organization
212-889-0808
Russ@themarino.org, Laureen@themarino.org