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With the blessings from fellow participants at SSC Malaysia, we now present you a roundup of high-end property developments in Kuala Lumpur and environs in the current financial year of 2008-2009, and upcoming launches in 2009 and thereafter.

- Update in Progress... 27 June 2009 -

INVEST KUALA LUMPUR
KUALA LUMPUR LUXURY PROJECTS REVIEW 2008/2009

- INTRODUCTION -

Kuala Lumpur or commonly known as KL, is the capital city of the Federation of Malaysia.

The city began sometime around the late 18th century as a small mining boomtown created by the Industrial Revolution's hunger for raw materials.

Today, KL is one of Asia's most dynamic and popular city destination. The modern and cosmopolitan city, like the country Malaysia, is a melting pot of different cultures of Asia coexisting in perfect harmony.

Most visitors regard Kuala Lumpur for its quirky architecture, cheap shopping and "super-cheap" dining. It is no wonder that KL is one of Asia's most affordable city to stay and live in.

As a result, KL has seen an enormous amount of highrise residential and hospitality developments within the Golden Triangle area in the last few years. Amid the leafy surroundings, the rising highrises have again redefined KL's majestic skyline.

Photos courtesy of Razurya, Daniel Cheong, Vladimir Zakharov and Munzir Fauzi.

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- KUALA LUMPUR PROJECTS 2009 OUTLOOK -

According to most observers, the Kuala Lumpur property market is expected to experience slower growth in 2009 in line with the current property crunch and global economic slowdown.

The softer demand and the oversupply situation particularly retail and middle to high-end residential properties in selected areas could potentially reduce the number of property launches and drag prices down after reaching new highs in recent years.

In the foreseeable long run, continued urban population growth, introduction of more investor-friendly policies, an increased in high quality offerings and limited land bank in strategic areas could increase competition in the property market.

Note: A majority of projects mentioned in this publication are located within the red circle boundary plotted on the map above.

...

GOLDEN TRIANGLE / CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT

Millennium Residence

Standing elegantly next to the newly refurbished Grand Millennium Hotel (formerly The Regent) in Bukit Bintang, it will be built by Singapore tycoon Kwek Leng Beng. The project has since been deferred for launching.

Four Seasons Place KL

Consisting of the 5-star Four Seasons, this development next to the Petronas Twin Towers is about to begin. The 65-storey hotel-cum-residences tower will be built by Singapore tycoon Ong Beng Seng, partnering Tan Sri Syed Yusof Tun Syed Nasir and the Sultan of Selangor, Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah. Popular Suria KLCC mall will be expanded to the tower podium. When completed, it will be the tallest Four Seasons Hotel in the world.

The original plan before 2008 comprised of two towers.

The revised design in 2009 has excluded the shorter tower.

Carigali Tower (Lot C KLCC)

Come 2011, another 60-storey office tower will compliment the rapidly rising KLCC skyline. This development will also include another extension to the Suria KLCC shopping mall at the tower podium.

Platinum Park @ KLCC

It will be Downtown KL's single largest integrated development project. Platinum Park consists of 7 highrises, including the proposed NAZA twin towers, one of which will be a 50-storey - sharing a spire with its shorter twin; and another 50-storey that will be the new headquarters of plantation heavyweight, FELDA.

Platinum Park @ KLCC

Felda Tower and Naza Towers

other components within Platinum Park...

The Puncak Baru Development

A newly launched urban redevelopment project that will include a 60-storey iconic residential tower, a 40-storey iconic office tower and a bazaar-like retail podium integrated with the Kampung Baru LRT station. The project will bring the greatest economic spillover effect on Kampung Baru as part of its redevelopment from an urban village to a world-class cultural hub.

Option 1 (Final)

Option 2

The Capers, Sentul East

The Capers is an architecturally sophisticated development for Malaysia. It will be built by local conglomerate YTL in the renewed neighbourhood of Sentul East, home to KL's affluent performing arts centre.

Setia Sky Residences

A prestigous development of four 40-storey luxury residences on Jalan Tun Razak will mark the debut of Malaysia's leading property developer, SP Setia Bhd into KL's buoyant property market.

The Binjai II, KLCC

After the completion of The Binjai On The Park (The Binjai I), KLCC Holdings Bhd is mulling a subsequent development of luxury residences overlooking the KLCC park and lake.

Option 1

Option 2

The Troika

The Troika is Malaysia's first globally-branded residential development. An architecture marvel by Foster + Partners, the three towers of 50, 44 and 38 storeys are interlinked by skylobby bridges at the 24th floor.

The Avare [completed]

The recently-completed Avare was designed by Hong Kong-based award-winning architects Robert N Kessler and David J Clarke. Its all-glass facade and butterfly-layout is one of its kind in Kuala Lumpur.

Oval KL [completed]

Guocoland's Oval presents two 41-storey towers of pure luxury in the heart of the most desirable location in Malaysia, the Kuala Lumpur City Centre.

OneKL [completed]

It is one of the most expensive apartment in KL to date, OneKL has 94 duplex units each with its own private swimming pool by the edge of its glass facade, majestically overlooking the Petronas Twin Towers.

Grand Hyatt Jalan Pinang, next to KL Convention Centre

A 42-storey mixed commercial block comprising a 17-storey hotel, a 4-storey serviced apartment and a 13-storey office space. As for the hotel, it will be designed by world-renowned architecture firm Wimberly, Allison Tong & Goo. The hotel lobby will not be on the ground floor but on the 40th floor of the gold-cladded building. This proposed project is different than the earlier Grand Hyatt complex which is still abandoned at the corner of Jalan Sultan Ismail and Jalan Ampang since 1997.

Impiana KLCC Hotel & Spa Phase 2

An extension of the 5-star Impiana will see a 20-storey annexe hotel building. The L-shaped building will be constructed on the rooftop of the existing carpark, starting from level six.

Glomac Tower

On what used to be KL's most popular hangout spot Rum Jungle, this prime land next to KLCC will make way for prime office space. This project is a joint venture between Glomac and Al Batha Real Estate.

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KL Sentral latest masterplan.

Upcoming developments in KL Sentral:-

1. Lot A: CIMB Investment Bank Tower
2. Lot B: Commercial development by MRCB, Kuwait Finance House and Quill
3. Lot C: St. Regis Hotel and Residences KL
4. Lot D: Tallest condos in Malaysia by MRCB, Capitaland and Quill Group

An artist impression of the proposed Lot B office tower...

St. Regis Hotel and Residences KL

The St. Regis Kuala Lumpur is scheduled to open in 2014, and will offer a prime location in KL Sentral, directly opposite the National Museum and Lake Gardens. New York-based architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP (SOM) has been appointed as the principal architect.

in perspective towering over KL at dusk...

348 Sentral

To be Malaysia's first LEED "green-rated" highrise development, the RM1 billion project will feature a 33-storey office tower and a 21-storey residential tower sitting on a 5-storey podium. Shell Malaysia will anchor the office tower.

Lot G Aseana and MRCB Joint Venture

A boutique hotel and two office towers are being planned. London-listed Aseana Properties is controlled by local developer Ireka Corporation, while MRCB is the master developer of KL Sentral.

Lot G KL Sentral Mall and Serviced Apartments

An upcoming development in KL Sentral currently known as Lot G. It will compliment the lifestyle hub of Sooka Sentral. The KL Sentral mall will have an 8-screen cineplex. The site, opposite Skybus terminal (AirAsia bus shuttle from KL Sentral to LCCT), is currently being cleared for construction.

Bank Rakyat Twin Towers

The Bank Rakyat Twin Towers, one of 32 storeys and the other 38 storeys, will be built on a 3.78-acre piece of land located at Jalan Travers, near KL Sentral Station.

Amanah Raya Corporate Tower and D'Tiara Hotel Suites

Strategically located within the KL Sentral-Brickfields locality, oil and gas firm Oilcorp Bhd is teaming up with Amanah Raya Bhd to jointly develop a 35-storey corporate office tower and a 33-storey hotel suites.

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Tamansari Riverside Garden City

A group of Australian and Malaysian firms are planning to redevelop the riverside precinct of what was the former site of Pekeliling flats along Jalan Tun Razak. Estimated at RM9 billion, the urban-regeneration project is backed by Australian bank Macquarie and Australian builder Leighton Group. The project will cover 22.3 hectares and spread over 21 parcels, feature a 60-storey spectacular tower, malls, hotels, commercial and residential units.

Lot TA3 & TA4

A future development by TA Properties adjacent to its corporate headquarters, Menara TA One and the Petronas Twin Towers. The podium will house a lifestyle retail mall.

The new YTL World Headquarters and YTL Residences (proposed)

Option 1

Option 2

The Ritz-Carlton Residences KL

The new twins of Ritz-Carlton Residences at Jalan Sultan Ismail will be built beside the Concorde Hotel and opposite Renaissance Hotel. It replaces the RM700 million stalled Berjaya Central Park, which was launched in 2005.

The Regent Hotel and Residences KL

The Regent Residences will yet be another luxurious sky living in the vicinity of KLCC. It will be the second tower standing atop the Avenue K shopping mall, across the road from the Petronas Twin Towers.

The Intermark Kuala Lumpur

The 62-storey Empire Tower will be refurbished as Grade A offices known as Vista Tower. The former 11-storey City Square will be redeveloped into a high-end mall called Intermark Mall. The current 28-storey Crown Princess Hotel will be replaced with Malaysia's first Doubletree Hotel, a high-end brand by Hilton Hotels. Plaza Ampang will be demolished and to be replaced with a new 32-storey office tower called Integra Tower.

The Acadia (IMC Parkville)

The boutique condominium comprising two 48-storey towers on Jalan Tun Razak is designed by internationally-acclaimed New York-based architect, Tsao & Mckown.

DNP Towers (proposed)

Designed by French architect Jean Nouvel, the DNP Towers on Jalan Ampang will be built by DNP Holdings, the Malaysian subsidary of Wing Tai Asia. DNP Holdings is a clothing manufacturer and the franchise owner of Topshop, Topman and Dorothy Perkins retail stores in Malaysia.

6 Stonor

Tan & Tan Developments has been granted approval for this 30-storey condominium block, however, the project design and planning are still currently in progress with the earliest possible launch at the end of 2009.

CapSquare Office Tower 2

Tower 2, which is scheduled for completion by 2010, is a 41-storey Grade A office building with nett lettable area of 600,000 sqft. The tower has been sold en-bloc to Europe's leading property investment firm, Union Investment Real Estate AG.

Mulpha Tower

Designed by world-renowned New York architect Kohn Pederson Fox, Mulpha Tower is an A-graded office tower situated along Jalan Sultan Ismail with an estimated lettable area of approximately 270,000 square feet.

Eastern & Oriental Tower KL

Directly adjacent to E&O's St. Mary's development sits 1.15 acres (behind Weld) that is fully owned by the Group. Relatively a striking architecturistic tower of 35 storeys designed by Hamiltons Architects, the tower will provide KL with highly sought after Grade A office space now in limited supply; otherwise it will house E&O's first KL hotel.

Sunway Tower KL 1

In May 2007, Sunway City Group acquired a 27-storey office tower which was named after Wisma Denmark and will now be referred as Sunway Tower KL 2, and an adjacent vacant land that Sunway City intends to develop as Sunway Tower KL 1.

Chua Tower

A 35-storey development next to Ampang Park LRT station, in between Nikko Hotel and GTower Kuala Lumpur.

Redevelopment of Angkasa Raya

Sunrise Bhd acquired the 30-year old Wisma Angkasa Raya last year for redevelopment into an upmarket commercial project. The plot ratio for commercial development has been raised to 9 to 10 times compared with 3 times before the acquisition.

[No picture yet]

Redevelopment of Lai Meng Elementary School, Jalan Ampang

Magna Prima Bhd plans to build RM1.3 billion worth of properties on this recently acquired land. The existing school will be relocated out of KL city centre, most probably relocated to Bukit Jalil.

[No picture yet]

Solaris Towers KL

Sunrise Bhd, one of Malaysia's most reputable developer had recently proposed two or three Grade-A office towers adjacent to Renaissance Hotel on Jalan Sultan Ismail.

YNH Tower

This is a planned iconic development on Jalan Sultan Ismail which has been delayed a couple of times over many years. It was reported last year that Kuwait Finance House will buy 50% of this 45-storey tower for RM920 million. It is currently being redesigned by world-renowned architecture firm, Foster + Partners.

Fraser Place KL [completing soon]

Opening in Q3 2009, this is the first serviced apartments to be managed by the hospitality arm of Singapore's Fraser & Neave in Kuala Lumpur.

VERVE Suites KLCC @ Jalan Tun Razak

Al Batha Bukit Kiara Holdings will soon have a presence in the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. VERVE Suites KLCC is designed as a luxury serviced apartment project with fewer than 200 units of fully furnished designer suites in two sleek towers.

[No picture yet]

GTower [completing soon]

Located at the crossroads of Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Ampang, GTower comprised of 120,000 sqft of open office space, a 180-room five-star boutique hotel called "G Kuala Lumpur", 112 duplex office suites, stylish club and recreational facilities.

Public Mutual Tower (proposed)

A 35-storey office building for Public Bank's subsidiary, Public Mutual on Jalan Raja Chulan.

Wakaf Tower

An ongoing 34-storey office tower development for Lembaga Tabung Haji on Jalan Perak.

Pavilion Residences [completed]

Two towers of premium condominium form part of the overall commercial development of Pavilion KL. Imagine living right next to Louis Vuitton and double-storey flagship stores like Gucci, Prada, Hermes, Versace, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo, Ermenegildo Zegna, Club Monaco, Burberry, Chopard, Coach, Juicy Couture, Ralph Lauren, etc!!!

The Raffles Hotel Kuala Lumpur

The prestigious Raffles Hotels & Resorts is expected to be the most expensive hotel in Kuala Lumpur when it opens atop Pavilion Kuala Lumpur in 2011. It will offer the most spacious hotel rooms in the city.

Nova Square Bukit Bintang

Strategically located at the junction of Jalan Bukit Bintang and Jalan Imbi, this development, also previously known as Trinity Square or Idaman Bintang, will encompass 3 towers of modern contemporary luxury serviced residences with a lifestyle inspired retail podium.

Option 1

Option 2

Idaman Residence [completed]

Walks away to philharmonic and high fashion, the prestige of inner city living can't be better than the 34-storey Idaman.

Holiday Villa Hotel & Suites KLCC

[No picture yet]

Lavender Night (proposed)

The project has been made known for a couple of years. Initially it was a joint venture between Singapore's Capitaland, it's Malaysian affiliate UM Land Bhd and Bolton Bhd. This twin tower project on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng will have a futuristic facade which may attract international investors.

Option 1

Option 2

Panorama

General Corp Bhd and Singapore's UOL Group will jointly develop two 33-storey towers with a total of 223 high-end residential units on Persiaran Hampshire.

Hampshire Place

Taking shape on a 1.6-acre freehold plot just off Persiaran Hampshire, along Jalan Ampang, this endeavour by Tan & Tan Developments will feature a 30-storey tower with 186 condos and a 30-storey corporate tower.

Verticas Residensi

Wing Tai Asia is offering luxury condominiums in three towers of 43 storeys each at Bukit Ceylon. Registration now opens.

The new ICON KL on Jalan YKS

Along the same road as the Australian High Commission and a stone's throw from the Twin Towers, this 40-storey condominium will tap on the growing market for young urban professionals choosing to live and work within the city centre.

E&O's site on Jalan Conlay

In the immediate neighbourhood of KLCC's Twin Towers, Jalan Conlay is a tree-lined residential avenue that has long been linked to Malaysia's royalty and prominent families. The 1.44 acre site was formerly the grounds of a palace, and in tribute to its lineage, a super luxury condominium will rise to complement the exclusivity of this address.

Lum Chang's Lorong Binjai

Well-diversified Singapore-listed Lum Chang Group will soon launch a 40-storey serviced apartment in the Jalan Binjai vicinity, near KLCC.

OSK's Condominium on Jalan YKS

OSK Property is looking to launch a 108-unit high-end condominium project in Jalan Yap Kwan Seng in October, targeted for completion in 2012.

Plaza OSK Annexe

OSK plans to build a new office tower in the heart of Kuala Lumpur to capture rising demand for office space in the city centre. The 40-storey building, which will cost RM150 million, will sit on 0.6ha of prime land, located between Plaza OSK and Ampang Park mall at Jalan Ampang.

12 Kia Peng

A 30-storey development by Cathay Organisation (famous for its Cathay cineplexes in Singapore and Malaysia) behind Traders Hotel KLCC with 54 exclusive units only!

[No picture yet]

St. Mary's KL

This is the former site of St. Mary's, a school established since the early 20th century. It has since been relocated to Selayang to make way for this upcoming joint venture between E&O and the Lion Group, that will see 3 highrises with a street-fronting retail component at the central podium.

6 CapSquare

Following the success of The CapSquare Residences, BRDB is offering yet another luxurious living within KL's CapSquare. The project is now open for registration.

The Pearl @ KLCC

The Pearl at Jalan Stonor is a 41-storey high-end condominium, offering 175 units ranging from 3,000 sq ft and two 20,000 sqft penthouses.

The Peak @ KLCC

I-Berhad, the developer of a 41-storey luxury serviced residence The Peak, is in talks with several parties for a possible en bloc sale for this upcoming property on Jalan Kia Peng.

[No picture yet]

Hong Leong Group's Changkat Kia Peng

[No picture yet]

Suasana Simfoni Jalan Conlay (proposed)

Singapore's UOL Group upcoming project on Jalan Conlay comes after the launch of Panorama, the company's first foray into the KL property scene. Plans are underway to obtain approval to develop this site near Pavilion KL into 500 luxury homes.

Option 1

Option 2

Fraser Residence KL

Fraser Residence will comprise two towers with one and two-bedroom serviced apartments. This 446-unit serviced residence is the second venture by Fraser Hospitality in Kuala Lumpur.

Vision City KL Phase II (Bandar Wawasan)

Quill Group is planning to revive the abandoned Phase II of Bandar Wawasan, situated right in the heart of KL business district. The revival scheme includes the completion of a 7-level lifestyle mall, the contruction of a 35-storey office tower and a 45-storey serviced apartment.

Cecil Chao Centre (Parkview 2-11 Luxury Suites)

Following the completion of Parkview Serviced Suites, Hong Kong-based developer Cheuk Nang will construct a second phase which will include two 50-storey towers and a retail podium.

Sari Pacifica Palace Suites, Hotel & Spa Resorts

The Sari Pacifica on Jalan Amapang includes a twin 45-storey towers consisting of 478 apartment units, a skybar and a shopping mall.

D'Rapport @ Ampang

A high-end condominium project consisting of 11 towers, divided into two phases, to be built right in the heart of Malaysia's "Korea Town" located next to the Korean Embassy and opposite the Great Eastern Mall in Jalan Ampang. Apparently, Malaysia was the 2nd most popular destination for Koreans investing in real estate abroad, just behind the US.

D'Rapport Phase 1 codenamed "Festa" which is worth RM1.6 billion is now open for sale.

The Icon Jalan Tun Razak

The Icon is an upscale commercial development by Mah Sing Group, slated to be a 20-storey Grade A office building near KLCC.

Swiss-Garden Residences

The residences will consist of two apartment towers of 37 and 33 storeys, connected to the Swiss-Garden International Hotel.

Crest Jalan Sultan Ismail

A development of 44 floors of luxury residences and 26 floors of modern office suites behind Renaissance Hotel KL.

Regalia @ Sultan Ismail

A three-block 38-storey luxury serviced apartment located off Jalan Kuching, behind KL's The Mall, near Putra World Trade Centre.

Raja Chulan Residence

Still under proposal stage, if approved it will stand next to KL's stock exchange building.

Suasana Bukit Ceylon

Since the Bukit Antarabangsa mudslide tragedy, this 34-storey project by UM Land at the slope of Ceylon Hill has been freezed by KL City Council.

Lidcol Residences

A 33-storey apartment project by Zelan Bhd on Jalan Yap Kwan Seng, next to Hampshire Residences.

[myHabitat I and II]

myHabitat is AP Land's latest high-end project, consisting of twin blocks of 38 storeys of serviced residences. This ongoing project is right next to The Intermark, a new multi-billion international landmark for KL.

UDA's Jalan Sultan Ismail Condo

[No picture yet]

Menara HSBC Annexe

HSBC Bank is constructing a 24-storey annexe building next to its current headquarters in Leboh Ampang as part of its expansion in Malaysia.

Worldwide Tower

A commercial development by Worldwide Holdings, now an outfit of PKNS Selangor.

The Royale Chulan Hotel [completed]

Five-star Royale Chulan features Malaysian heritage architecture and will become the city’s hotel of choice when it opens in March 2009.

Taragon Puteri KL

Formerly the abandoned Menara Li-Fung, the new Taragon Puteri has been revived to include service residences, retail space and an upcoming 4-star Rendezvous Hotel.

Persada Putra

A 30-storey building will be constructed for Bumiputera enterprises at the site of the old Mara building on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman.

PJD Tower [completed]

Formerly the abandoned Golden Avenue project on Jalan Tun Razak, PJ Developments have progessively revived this 28-storey office tower into its future corporate headquarters.

Mayang Residences (proposed)

A deluxe future residential project behind Avenue K and next to The Meritz, situated along Jalan Mayang, off Jalan Yap Kwan Seng.

Casa Residency

Located near Hang Tuah monorail station, the project is within reach of KL's shopping precinct, Bukit Bintang.

Bolton Court Redevelopment (proposed)

The exisitng Bolton Court midrises on Jalan Ceylon will be redeveloped into high-end apartments.

HR United's Jalan YKS (proposed)

Ampersand @ Kia Peng

Low-rise and low density residences - Ampersand by IJM Group - in the highly sought after address of Jalan Kia Peng, amid highrise developments in KLCC.

(from left) Katana II ; Gallery @ U-Thant ; Amarin 8 Wickham

(from top-left) Residensi Mutiara ; Hilir 233 Ampang ; Axis Crown Ampang ; Embassyview Ampang ; Pertama Residency ; Somerset Ampang ; Vida Soho @ Ceylon Hill ; One Jelatek ; The Verandas Ampang ; Setapak Lake City

...

KUALA LUMPUR FRINGE

Rivercity Jalan Ipoh (Final Phase)

Situated along Batu 3 Jalan Ipoh, Rivercity is a 5-in-1 integrated commercial project by Low Yat Group.

Southgate Commercial Centre, KL South

Inspired by Xintiandi in Shanghai, Southgate is an integrated centre with a fusion of creative work spaces and lifestyle retail. Mah Sing Group believes that Southgate will be a business address that resonates distinction.

Sunway VeloCity, KL South

An integrated development comprising residential, commercial and retail components means that it will be a boon for any business. Located on the southern gateway of Jalan Cheras and 15 minutes away from KLCC, Sunway VeloCity will be a perfect for those seeking the appeals of urban life.

Magna City, KL North

With the current global crisis, developer Magna Prima Bhd has downsized and revised its 5-in-1 integrated development on Jalan Kuching. Construction is expected to start by middle of 2009.

Riana Green East, KL North-East

Exclusively designed and fashionably functional to complement your contemporary lifestyle, Riana Green East entails a 36-storey tower, 2 low-medium rise blocks and 1 plaza block with a conservatory within. Nestled on a hill in Wangsa Maju, it is a sister-development of Riana Green in Tropicana Petaling Jaya.

KL Galaxy Towers, Ampang (status: n/a)

Palace Residence Suites, Mines Seri Kembangan

The Palace Residence Suites is proud to represent Malaysia in the global network of the world's finest and luxury vacation properties. Developed by Mines Resort Bhd, it will be an upcoming extension of Asia's most extraordinary hotel, the Palace of The Golden Horses Hotel.

...

KL MIDTOWN & NEIGHBOURHOODS

Kenny Hills

Kenny Heights by DutaLand

A new mega-development covering 88 acres of freehold land in the Beverly Hills-like neighbourhood of Kenny Hills and Damansara Heights. It will be developed over 15 years, includes an array of commercial and residential space designed by the largest grouping of global architects such as Foster + Partners, Adjaye Associates, Benoy, Sir Terence Conran and Partners, John Van Hage, Kengo Kuma, Patrick Blanc and Zaha Hadid Architects. Kenny Heights Central will have a piazza area and at least three 50-storey twisting-shaped plazas while Kenny Heights Sanctuary will have garden condos and villas.

Kenny Heights Central...

Kenny Heights' "international zone" in perspective decades from now...

Pantai

Tenaga Nasional Headquarters

This will be South-east Asia's largest power producer new corporate headquarters. Designed by prominent Malaysian architect Hijjaz Kasturi, the iconic structure incorporating Malaysian elements will be situated next to its current offices in Jalan Bangsar, and adjacent to KL's 2nd tallest office building, the TM Tower.

EcoCity Midvalley

Formerly a slump area known as Kampung Abdullah Hukum, the urban redevelopment will include luxurious high-rise residential and commercial complexes, as well as a new retail podium to compliment Midvalley Megamall and The Gardens. An earlier plan showed residential blocks that look like pistols and a 70-storey high-rise.

Option 1

Option 2

Option 3

Mid Valley City Phase 3

Plans are underway to develop the final component of IGB Corporation's Mid Valley City. A twin iconic 50-storey residential skyscrapers are currently proposed for this site.

[No picture yet]

Zehn Bukit Pantai

Success has an ultimate address, that is Zehn at Bukit Pantai.

Damansara Heights

Damansara City

Situated in the heart of Pusat Bandar Damansara, Damansara City is envisaged to be an integrated commercial development encompassing a boutique retail mall, office towers, lifestyle luxury condominiums, and a 5-star boutique hotel reflecting the theme ‘A City to Live, Work, Rest and Play’. Malaysia's Guocoland Group (part of the Hong Leong Group) is the principal developer.

TWINS at Damansara Heights

Four developers teamed up together for this project are Malaysia's Lion Group, AIG Real Estate, Singapore's Koh Maju and Heeton Group. These two identical 36-storey towers will define luxury living in suburban KL.

Bangsar

Bangsar City

A proposed integrated development situated at the former Unilever factory site, adjacent to Dataran Maybank and Bangsar LRT station.

Bangsar South

Developed by UOA Group, Bangsar South is a 60-acre mixed development with a projected gross development value of RM3.5 billion, consisting of The Village; The Horizon (37 blocks of 10-storey offices); The Vertical (10 blocks of 20-storey offices); The Sphere (shopping mall); and The Park Residences (8 blocks of high-end condos).

Menara UOA Bangsar

Right next to Bangsar LRT station and Dataran Maybank is a 39-storey oasis of corporate excellence.

Etiqa Bangsar Tower (proposed)

A proposed 28-storey commercial development sandwiched between Menara UOA Bangsar and Dataran Maybank. The site was formerly a carpark.

One Menerung

From the quiet colonnade of trees at the entryway, to the tattoo gardens that soothe the lines of the buildings – every aspect of One Menerung is enhanced by exquisite greenery that will naturally frame your living spaces and cushion the sounds of the city.

(from left) Suasana Bangsar ; Bangsar Peak ; Ken Bangsar

Rising high above the surrounding landscape, Suasana Bangsar, Bangsar Peak and Ken Bangsar luxury condominiums exude a subtle blend of elegance and style that offer a scenic panorama of the affluent Bangsar and vibrant skyline of Kuala Lumpur city centre.

Bangsar Shopping Centre Makeover [mall completed]

The shopping mall is undergoing a major renovation and will look like this when completed. A few components will be added, including a 4-storey retail annex and a 12-storey office tower.

Desa Park City

The Northshore Gardens

A 40-storey high-end condominium project in Desa Park City, one of the most prestigious newly established neighbourhoods in KL.

Bukit Kiara and Taman Tun Dr Ismail

The new Sime Darby World Headquarters (proposed)

This is perhaps one of the winning entry for the new headquarters of Sime Darby, Malaysia's largest conglomerate, which is to be located in the vicinity of the Bukit Kiara clubhouse in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

Mont'Kiara

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Mont'Kiara, KL's condominium town is lighted up at night.

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MK20 Commercial

[No picture yet]

11 Mont'Kiara

Sunrise's MK 11 will feature 3 supercondos of different floor count with a total of 338 units. For the facilities-minded professionals, there will be a multi-level lifestyle deck featuring several pools as well as a floating gym on the lower level.

Mont'Kiara Aria (MK 28)

Sited next to MK Banyan, MK 28 will comprise over 400 units with sizes ranging from 2,275 sq ft to 2,756 sqft. It boasts a 1ha landscaped common recreational area with a larger-than-Olympic-size pool and other facilities. Registration is now open.

10 Mont'Kiara

10 MK. They called it a fulfillment in perfection. We called it a masterpiece of 332 units within two majestic 43-storey towers.

Solaris Dutamas Urbane Plaza (Phase III)

Within the RM1 billion versatile commercial development of Solaris @ Dutamas, you will be greeted by 400 retail outlets, 1,000 office suites and 800 designer suites.

VERVE Suites @ Mont'Kiara

There is a place where pure energy lives - Viva, Vibe, Vogue and Vox. These four towers are more than just groovy residences.

ONE Mont'Kiara

A freehold, chic and modern integrated commercial development that allows you to equally balance work, play and living.

Amverton Rise, Mont'Kiara

Twin towers of 22 and 30 storeys, and will accommodate 190 units of luxury residences. One can buy say a 4,000 sqft unit and a 2,500 sqft adjoining unit and create a door between them, giving the buyer a very large unit of 6,500 sqft - that's truly a mansion in the sky!

Kiara Crest

Crest Builder's first ever high-end development and an upcoming project in Mont'Kiara will be a 38-storey tower housing 178 luxurious condominiums.

Sunway Vivaldi

Like the music composer, Sunway Vivaldi with its rhythmic structure is a symbol of post modern living. This avantgarde development offers three midrises and three 20-storey condos.

The Icon, Mont'Kiara

The Icon at Mont Kiara is a lifestyle development that caters for a new breed of mobile and technologically savvy executives. It is a resort-like environment with living (27-storey suites), recreations, lounges, shopping and food/beverage outlets (3-storey plaza and retail). It shall indeed be a place where one can eat, work and play.

SENI Mont'Kiara

Come home to a holiday, in SENI. A resort-like urban living comprising 4 towers: Van Gogh and Picasso (40 storeys each); Dali and Monet (12 storeys each). Life, as it should be: A fusion of life’s best, in one address.

Gateway Kiaramas

Featuring an exceptional mix of residences and office suites, this exclusive development comprising 168 Gateway Residences and 168 Gateway Corporate Suites, in 2 separate elegant blocks linked by a skybridge.

Tiffani by I-Zen

Tiffani, a private world you can call home. And you won't go wrong when you have Fann Wong and Bernard Chandran as your ambassadors.

Lumina Kiara

Luxurious entrenchment in a highrise, penthouses, duplexes and landed homes, all for the better quality of life experience.

(from left) Casa Kiara 2 ; Kiara 9 ; One Kiara by Monday-Off

(top down) Ceriaan Kiara ; Kiara 3

D'Kiara Place & Duta Kiara 163 Suites

Two proposed developments by YNH Property Bhd in the vicinity of Mont'Kiara. The D'Kiara Place project, located next to Plaza Mont'Kiara, will have two 42-storey blocks of 584 service apartments, a 23-storey office block, and one block of seven-storey podium, comprising three stories of retail lots and four stories of auditorium space.

The Duta Kiara 163 Suites, located on a 2.8-acre site adjacent to Duta Nusantara, will comprise 110 units of luxurious condominium.

Upcoming misc. projects at Mont'Kiara:

Sri Hartamas

Palazzio Sunway

A living masterpiece of picturesque proportions cushioned by nature's green canvas and organic waterscapes. Some call it a luxury, we call it the Palazzio.

Duta Kingsbury @ Dutamas

Duta Kingsbury's The Tower Residences is meticulously laid out to provide you with the sheer luxury that matches your urban chic lifestyle and convenience.

Royal Regent

Launched recently, the lavish looking Royal Regent is off Jalan Kuching and near its sister-development of Putramas. Three condo towers, 16 duplex penthouses and a 5-storey clubhouse.

Plaza Damas III

Plaza Damas 3, located within a 15km radius covering Sri Hartamas, Mont' Kiara, Damansara Heights and Kenny Hills, would be linked to the earlier phases via an overhead bridge link. The project will have a gross development value of RM800 million.

Matahari Luxury Supercondos @ Sri Hartamas

Aesthetically crafted, it's no doubt that with 10,700 sq ft the freehold Matahari is practically a mansion in the air.

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PETALING JAYA, SUBANG JAYA, SHAH ALAM

A brief look at major upcoming and ongoing projects around KL's neighbouring urban centres:

i-City Selangor, Shah Alam

The Malaysian version of Hong Kong’s Cyberport and Dubai’s Internet City, i-City is a RM2 billion integrated development. It would include a Jon Jerde-designed pedestrian mall modelled after the famed Universal CityWalk in Los Angeles. Other components include Selangor's international Islamic hub, corporate towers, shop offices, ICT incubators and hotels.

Setia Alam City, Shah Alam

A vision for a brand new enclave by SP Setia. Nothing much is known for now, except a landmark megamall will stand here as early as 2011.

Setia Walk, Pusat Bandar Puchong

Positioned as a one-stop boutique lifestyle centre that appeals to the trend-conscious younger clientele, the integrated development comprises retail blocks, offices, an entertainment complex, a hotel and serviced apartments.

PJ Sentral Corporate Park

This is PJ's largest urban rezoning and redevelopment project, at the site of the former Matsushita factory and at the crosspoint of LDP (opposite Freescale Semiconductor) and Federal Highway. The redevelopment plan involve the construction of up to five 31-storey offices, a 16-storey hotel, two 20-storey apartments and shop lots with alfresco boulevards.

The Paradigm, Kelana Jaya

Opposite Giant Mall in suburban Kelana Jaya, The Paradigm will feature 4 office towers and a 5-level mall. Envisioned to be one of the most trendy shopping mall in PJ, the mall will offer high-end retail outlets and stylish dining outlets.

Parklane Commercial Hub @ Kelana Jaya

The 4.5ha football field of the Football Association of Selangor in Kelana Jaya is earmarked for this development of a commercial hub.

PJX

PJX is currently under construction opposite Taman Jaya LRT station. Once ready, PJX will be one of the tallest tower in Petaling Jaya.

V Square @ PJ City Centre

Perceived to be the new business icon of Petaling Jaya, VSQ offers you a distinctive variant of a modernistic commercial development that redefines what you envisioned convenience were to be.

L&G's Meranti Hill Development in Bandar Sri Damansara

The proposed project comprising 15 blocks of condominiums of 42 storeys each in Bandar Sri Damansara is pending approval. The project has been strongly opposed by the surrounding residents. After the Bukit Antarabangsa mudslide, the project has been revised to 12 blocks of 36 storeys each.

PJ Trade Centre, Damansara Perdana

With a net area of 810,000 sqft spread out over 4 towers near Ikea Mutiara Damansara in suburban Petaling Jaya, PJTC is one of the largest Grade A office development in Malaysia.

Point 92, Damansara Perdana

The 11-storey customly designed office boutique is a new urban mould, which will be developed based on iconic functionality as well as prestige in the most prime area of suburban Kuala Lumpur.

Neo Damansara, Damansara Perdana

Located near the entrance of Bandar Damansara Perdana, Neo consists of shop offices, service apartments, commercial offices and an exhibition hall.

The Strand @ Kota Damansara (Future Phases)

A mixed development comprising business suites, self-contained garden soho, serviced residences, al-fresco dining street complemented by a lifestyle mall flanked with cascading water features and cobbled-street. Hundreds of shop units are now ready, neighbouring the recently opened Giant Kota Damansara.

Giza @ Dataran Sunway

A retail hybrid that captures neatly the “play-work-fun” concept with a covered arcade designed as a convenient meeting place that will become the destination of choice for everyone to gather, socialize and to just watch people go by.

Glomac Damansara

Near Tropicana City Mall and Taman Tun Dr. Ismail, the live-work-play components of Glomac Damansara will surely be a fully self-sufficient and self-contained environment. A skybridge will connect the twin condo towers!

Tropicana City, SS2

Tropicana City will showcase a 3-storey Tropicana Mall, 601 units of Tropicana The Tropics residences and Dijaya Plaza signature office tower. The mall was opened in December 2008.

SSTwo Lifestyle Mall

The bustling neighbourhood of SS2 will welcome yet another shopping mall after the opening of Tropicana City. This retail development will be a unique hybrid design of shophouses and retail mall, and is targeted for completion end 2009.

Ameera Residences, SS2

Ameera's serene grace will be the first phase of an 11-acre iconic development that will include an additional five-acre residential project and a three-acre commercial component that will soon bestow the development the most prestigious address in the locale.

Tropicana Grande/Tropicana Avenue

A large condominium and commercial development fronting Tropicana Golf Club. The contemporary Tropicana Grande of 4 x 39 storeys has an average size of about 3,000 sqft, priced at around RM500 per sqft.

Bukit Utama 9

Construction of three 41 storeys condominium with a gross development value of RM700 million adjacent to the recently opened The Club in Bandar Utama, Damansara.

Surian Tower, Mutiara Damansara [completing soon]

The 26-storey office tower is next to Cineleisure Damansara and The Curve, Malaysia’s first lifestyle pedestrianised shopping mall.

Mudajaya Tower, Mutiara Damansara

Mudajaya Group planned to put up a low-density luxurious 16-storey Grade-A corporate office block with only 52 office suites.

Tropicana Gardens @ Damansara Indah

- Park 51 Commerce Square, Section 51, by Taipan Group
- Guocoland's PJ City, Federal Highway
- Petaling Jaya Commercial City
- Jaya Supermarket/Menara CSM redevelopment

Oasis Ara Damansara

Oasis Ara Damansara is located at the main entrance of Ara Damanasara township, neighbouring Tropicana Golf and Country Resort. It is a mixed freehold commercial development comprising of commercial shop offices, retail outlets and service apartments.

- The Cova Phase II, Kota Damansara
- Pelangi Sentral, Pelangi Damansara
- Tropicana corporate towers, Tropicana Damansara
- 1 First Avenue office tower, Bandar Utama Damansara
- Nucleus Mutiara Damansara
- Surian Residency (The Surian II), Mutiara Damansara
- Glomac's office tower, Mutiara Damansara
- Menara TSR Bina, Mutiara Damansara
- Dialog Group and Great Eastern offices, Mutiara Damansara
- The Royale Surian Hotel, Mutiara Damansara
- Ritze Perdana 2, Damansara Perdana
- Crest Builder's 'mini' Metropolitan Sq, Damansara Perdana
- Metropolitan Sq Future Phases, Damansara Perdana
- Prima Avenue and The Tube @ Dataran Prima, Taman Mayang Mas
- Atria Damansara Jaya Redevelopment (proposed)
- Seri Suria mall development, Bandar Sri Damansara

Subang Olives, formerly a stalled project known as Jana Towers.

- Subang Jaya City Centre, by Sime Darby (proposed)
- Laman Baiduri, next to Holiday Villa Subang, by IJM Group
- First Subang, SS15 Subang Jaya, by Titijaya Group
- Empire Soho and Empire Subang, near Subang Parade
- Subang Soho, near Subang Parade, by Titijaya Group
- Subang Avenue, near Subang Parade, by Brunsfield
- Subang Olives, near Subang Parade
- Saujana Residency, near Subang Parade
- Park Residence @ USJ One Avenue
- Zen Residency, tallest condos in Puchong
- Selangor Triple Towers, Shah Alam
- Lebar Daun's mall, Shah Alam

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TM Tower seen from Amcorp Mall in Petaling Jaya.

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- UNKNOWN PROPOSALS AROUND KL CBD -

The following projects are provided by credible sources. The intention of this section is solely for viewing pleasure.

Bukit Bintang City Centre

Bukit Bintang City Centre is a proposed urban redevelopment of Pudu Jail by land owner and developer UDA Holdings.

Proposed Felcra Tower

Jalan Raja Chulan

Office tower by Bluestone Group

The Trillions KL, near Jalan Raja Chulan

Al-Wahid KL Sentral

KL Sentral Office Tower

Kiss Towers KL

Bumiputera Square

Emirate Global Centre

Lot D KLCC

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Aerial view of Kuala Lumpur. Berjaya Times Square (left) is Malaysia's largest and one of the world's top 15 largest shopping mall.

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- COULD START IN 2009, NO RENDERS YET -

This section is intended to show a list of projects that have been made known but any form of graphical representation could not be obtained at this point of time.

- Onyx Tower KLCC
- Titiwangsa Condo Park, near Vistana Hotel
- Lot 29, Jalan Tun Razak 20storey
- BKP's The Ambangan in Persiaran Madge
- YTL's boutique hotel near old Majestic Hotel
- Topaz Ace 29storey Tun Razak luxury residence
- Zikay's 38storey at Kampung Baru
- Mont'Kiara by Sunrise Bhd's MK23 and MK27
- Kiaramas Danai by AsiaQuest
- Swiss-Belhotel Suites & Residences Mont'Kiara

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The scenic neighbourhood of Bangsar in suburban Kuala Lumpur.

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- GOVERNMENT PROJECTS -

KL Police Headquarters Tower, Jalan Hang Tuah

The new Istana Negara @ Jalan Duta

The new and much larger National Palace Complex is being built atop Jalan Duta hills to replace the current colonial Istana Negara at Jalan Istana. The old Istana will later be turned into a royal museum.

- Ministry of Home Affairs at Bukit Aman [completing soon]
- PDRM KL Police Dang Wangi District Headquarters

- ABANDONED/STALLED PROJECTS -

- Plaza Rakyat
- NAS Pavilion
- Sinaran TTDI [to be resumed]
- Monorail City/Jalan-Jalan XinTianDi
- Empire State Tower Jalan Tun Razak
- 108-storey at Selangor Turf Club, Mines Seri Kembangan

KL's skyline at night from Ampang Elevated Highway.

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- PROJECTS COMPLETED RECENTLY 2007/2008 -

The Soho KL dining and entertainment venue was completed in June 2008.

- The Binjai on The Park (KLCC)
- Binjai Residency
- Menara CIMB, Jalan Raja Laut
- Marc Service Residences
- Pavilion KL
- Cendana Sultan Ismail

The Binjai on The Park amidst the splendor of greenery right in the heart of KL.

- Park 7
- Parkview Serviced Apartments
- The Meritz
- Menara Perak Office Tower
- One Residency
- Park 7
- Stonor Park
- Suria Stonor

The newly completed Menara CIMB at Jalan Raja Laut.

- 2Hampshire
- Hampshire Residence
- Lot J KL Sentral Towers for CCM, MIDA, UEM
- One Sentral Office Tower
- Suasana Sentral Loft
- Grand Millennium Hotel KL (facelift)
- Menara Hap Seng (facelift)
- Wisma Lee Rubber (facelift)
- Wisma Hamzah Kwong Hing (facelift)
- Bangunan Amanah Capital (facelift)
- Wisma MPL (facelift)

45-storey Cendana on Sultan Ismail by Tan & Tan is a new addition to the city skyline.

- Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon
- Menara Bintang Goldhill
- Fairlane Residences
- The CapSquare Residences
- Maytower Hotel/Serviced Apartments (near CapSquare)
- Taragon Puteri YKS
- Prince Court Medical Centre (KLCC Hospital)
- The Saffron, Sentul East

Hampshire Residences is almost ready!

- The Orion Condominium
- 231 TR Suites
- Plaza RAH, Kampung Baru
- Seri Hening
- Mutiara Upper East, Ampang
- Scott Sentral Serviced Suites
- 633 Residency, Brickfields

Somerset Seri Bukit Ceylon and the KL Tower in the background.

- PJ8
- Casa Suites, Damansara Intan
- Casa Indah 2, Tropicana
- Casa Tropicana
- TTDI Residences & Plaza
- Menara UAC, Mutiara Damansara
- Menara Batu Kawan, Mutiara Damansara
- Wisma Bentley Music, Mutiara Damansara
- Metropolitan Square Phase 1, Damansara Perdana
- Armanee Terrace 1, Damansara Perdana
- Jaya 33
- Jaya One
- 3 Two Square
- Menara LYL
- Menjalara 18 Residences

Sunset across Kuala Lumpur.

- The Gardens at Midvalley City
- Plaza Cygal 1 and TM Annexe Tower
- Windsor & Waldorf Sri Hartamas
- Royal Domain Sri Putramas II
- Hartamas Regency
- Kiaramas Ayuria, Mont'Kiara
- MK Banyan
- MK Meridin
- Kiara Designer Suites

Midvalley The Gardens mall, hotel, offices and residences together with components from previous phases will be KL's alternate city centre. The Gardens and Midvalley Megamall combined will have close to 500 stores.

- I-Zen @ Kiara I
- I-Zen @ Kiara II
- Solaris Mont’Kiara Phase 2
- Hijauan Kiara
- Kiaraville
- Changkat View Towers, Sri Hartamas
- Tijani 2 North, Kenny Hills
- The Heritage Serviced Residences, Mines

The Pavilion has become one of KL's best shopping mall since it was officially opened by the Prime Minister on 1 February 2008.

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With this we finally wrap-up the Invest KL's Luxury Projects 2008/2009 Review.

Special thanks to: Rizalhakim, Nazrey, Pedang, Greg from Zurich, James Foong, Sheikh, Oshkoshbgood, Baqthier Sari Rachman, Sze Hoong, and others. Acknowledgements: GDP Architects, Veritas Architects, Atsa Architects, Archicentre Malaysia, aQidea Architects, Hijjas Kasturi, TR Hamzah Yeang, Senireka, SA Architects, DP Architects Malaysia, RSP Architects, Atelier ADT, Arkitek MAA, and others.

For more information on each individual projects, readers may refer to SSC Malaysia.

The author is impressed with creative ideas being used in building new communities. He is an urban development commentator-cum-researcher on Skyscrapercity (SSC) Malaysia with research portfolios overseas as well, such as Dubai and Chongqing. He can be contacted at patchayik@yahoo.com.