The Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation has received 11 bids for its Tai Wai Maintenance Centre property development project, which will offer 4,300 flats when completed in phases by 2010.

KCRC Property Director Daniel Lam said the corporation is pleased to have received the tenders, particularly when some are from a consortium involving small and medium-sized developers.

The bidders are Cheung Kong (Holdings), Hang Lung Properties, Henderson Land Development and a consortium formed by Sino Land, Chen's Holdings, China Overseas Land & Investment and Chinese Estates Holdings. Mr Lam said the bids will be studied and the tender will be awarded this month for construction later this year.

Occupying about 7.06 hectares, the project has an approximate gross floor area of 339,845 square metres, with 92.4% for residential use. The current development proposal comprises 12 residential towers of 43 to 50 floors in height, two schools and one community facility. The average flat size is 73 square metres.

The premium of the development will be paid in two phases. The corporation has reached a consensus with the Lands Department regarding the premium of the first phase. Negotiation on the second phase will be conducted later.