Some long-stalled high-rise projects in Cambodia’s Preah Sihanouk province have recently restarted, marking a new phase of urban renewal. A building boom in Sihanoukville over the past five years left many projects unfinished because of funding breakdowns, an online gambling crackdown and the pandemic. Residents described them as zombie buildings in a forest of steel, affecting the city’s image and economy.
To promote renewal, the government established a task force to coordinate investors, improve policy conditions and provide support, helping some idle buildings resume work. Projects would become commercial complexes, residences and multifunctional service centres, bringing new economic and social activity. Official figures cited in the report say 392 projects received incentives from 2024 to September 2025, with total investment of US$7.801 billion and 50,670 jobs expected, including 186 projects restarting unfinished buildings.
Industry experts said restarting construction improved the cityscape and supported local economic growth and employment. The report described a broad recovery in property and construction as policies were implemented and confidence returned.
Compiled by this station
