SINGAPORE will soon be home to Asia's largest 'six star' columbarium, according to a Malaysian company which is investing $50 million to renovate an existing facility at Choa Chu Kang.

The facility Nirvana Memorial Singapore will have space for up to 15,000 single-urn-lots in the first phase of development, spread across six suites. The first phase of the 11,200 sq m building will be completed at the end of next month.

Upon the completion of the third and final phase in 2011, Nirvana Memorial will be able to accomodate as many as 40,000 niches spread across four suites.

'Six star' columbariums feature comfortable facilities for visitors.

The fully air-conditioned premises is designed with the elements of Fengshui in mind and the highlight includes a main praying hall adorned with three Buddha statues and a see-through sky roof.

It will also have a few VIP rooms, eight prayer rooms, spacious walkways, a customer service reception area and even a cafe. The rooms which house the niches are carpeted with ample lounge space and couches for visitors to rest.

Malaysia-listed NV Multi Corp, with over 20 years of experience in bereavement care services, acquired the building - formerly known as the Buddhist An Le Columbarium - and lease-hold land for $13.5 million last year and is spending another $35 million to refurbish it.

The land has a 30 year lease with the option to renew for another 30 years.

'The response has been very good so far... we have been getting a lot of inquiries,' said founder and chief executive of NV Multi Corp Dato Kong Hon Kong.

The group has appointed about 80 distributing agents so far to help market its business and is collaborating with about 30 casket companies in Singapore.

Read the full report in Tuesday's edition of The Straits Times.