University Place (Plaza Ivory)

University Place (Plaza Ivory) is a freehold apartment in Gelugor, Penang. Primarily targeted at staff and students of nearby Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), it features two 29-storey residential towers above a retail podium named Plaza Ivory. The towers house 272 residential units with student-forward layouts ranging from 800 sq ft – 1,076 sq ft. The developer behind this project is Ivory Properties Group Berhad, a Penang-based developer established in 1999.

Designed for convenient urban living, the development features a retail podium below with affordable food and lifestyle options just steps away. Combined with modern airy interiors and a full suite of facilities, it is highly sought after by USM staff and students.

This development lies directly along Jalan Bukit Gambir, a less congested route linking George Town to Bayan Lepas. It is approximately 5 km to the Penang Bridge, 10 km to the Second Penang Bridge (Sultan Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah Bridge), and 10 km to Penang International Airport.

For public transport users, Rapid Penang Bus 302 stops at USM (Jalan Bukit Gambir) station, which is just a 190-metre walk from the building.

University Place – named as such for its proximity to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) – is a mixed development close to Sunway Bukit Gambier in Gelugor. It comprises two 29-storey residential towers above a 4-storey carpark, facilities, and retail podium named Plaza Ivory. There are approximately 272 residential units in total, comprising 260 standard units and 12 penthouse units.

Standard units typically come with 3 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, and 1 parking bay. Built-ups range from 800 sq ft – 1,076 sq ft, with most layouts sized around 900 sq ft – 1,000 sq ft. In addition to the retail units just below, residents enjoy a full suite of facilities including a swimming pool, children’s play pool, playground, gymnasium, and more.

Situated adjacent to Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM)’s sprawling campus, this project is walking distance from the main student housing quarters, and just 400 metres from the university’s Jalan Bukit Gambir guardhouse station.

For primary and secondary students, schools nearby include SMK Bukit Jambul (2 km), SMJK(C) Phor Tay (2.4 km), SRJK(C) Keong Hoe (2.8 km), and Fairview International School (4.8 km).

The closest hospitals are Pantai Hospital Penang in Bayan Baru and Lam Wah Ee Hospital in Jelutong – both well-equipped hospitals a mere 5 km drive away. Numerous clinics and community health clinics can be found in the area as well.

Residents can easily get their grocery shopping done at Lotus’s Sungai Dua (1.3 km) or Super Tanker Wet Market (2 km). For daily essentials and everyday conveniences, there’s Bukit Jambul Complex just 3.4 km away, while Queensbay Mall (4.5 km) is one of Penang's premier shopping destinations anchored by AEON and Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC).

Plaza Ivory and its adjacent commercial shops are home to a decent selection of F&B options primarily catering to residents and students. These include Savor Bagel House and Cafe, YS Malatang, Mr.Shawerma, and many more. For more options, residents can head out to commercial hubs such as Desa Universiti, Queens Waterfront, Super Tanker Hawker Centre, and more in Bayan Baru.

Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the proximity to hiking trails such as Bukit Jambul and Bukit Dumbar, while Penang Golf Club is just 3.3 km from here.

The surrounding area benefits from a strong employment base thanks to its proximity to the Bayan Lepas Free Trade Zone (FTZ), a key hub for multinational manufacturers and technology companies. Meanwhile, nearby Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) generates consistent demand for housing from students and university personnel.

Established in 1999, Ivory Properties Group Berhad is a Penang-based developer recognised for its design-driven residential and mixed-use developments, with a portfolio spanning iconic projects such as Penang Times Square and Moonlight Bay.

Other upcoming projects by this developer include The Wave and The Central in George Town, City Residence in Tanjung Tokong, The Gardens in Batu Feringghi, and Crown Penang in Seri Tanjung Pinang.

This development was completed in 2004.

This mixed development sits right next to the distinct towers of Arte S, while other nearby residences include I-Regency Condominium, Gambier Heights, and U Garden Resort Condominium. Directly behind the property lies the landed enclave of Sunway Bukit Gambier, framed by the area's lush rolling hills.

University Place features modern, comfortable layouts with a balcony in each unit. Coupled alongside windows aplenty, residents enjoy a bright and airy living atmosphere ideal for families and student renters alike. The kitchen is situated indoors and connected to a yard for additional ventilation.

Estimated maintenance fees may range from approximately RM0.10 – RM0.15 psf. Prospective buyers are advised to verify the latest rates with their respective property agent.

Based on iProperty listings at the time of writing, current rental rates range from RM750 – RM2,200, depending on the unit.

The estimated launch price for this project starts from RM220,000. Based on iProperty listings at the time of writing, current selling prices range from RM440,000 – RM550,000. Please contact your property agent for the most up-to-date pricing information.