The project, better known as the Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC), was initially set to be an integrated mixed development but is now slated to become a vibrant transport hub. Regardless of what it will become, the question at the end of the day remains the same do we really need it?
It should be noted that BBCC, should it be turned into a commercial centre, will have to compete with not just existing, thriving developments in the vicinity such as Berjaya Times Square, but also potential projects in the near future in and around the Kuala Lumpur Golden Triangle area.
It also has to cope with mammoth projects a little outside the city centre such as the KL Metropolis by Naza TTDI Sdn Bhd that will add millions of square feet of office, retail and residential space. In addition, there is competition from the ongoing KL Sentral project and the recent launch of the KL International Financial District.
Other projects in the pipeline include Menara 3 Petronas, Menara Binjai, Menara Worldwide and Permodalan Nasional Bhd's proposed 100-storey Menara Warisan Merdeka.
Commercial value
“With many developments coming up, this project (BBCC) will face some competition,” says Elvin Fernandez, managing director of property consultancy firm Khong & Jaafar Sdn Bhd.
He however adds that BBCC is strategically located and has the potential to be successful.
“It will take a lot of good planning and execution. Astute management plays a big part. Lots of research and correct decisions from day one this is the stuff of success. But it cannot be underestimated what needs to be done.”
Elvin does not think that BBCC will “steal the crowd” from the Berjaya Times Square area.
“I doubt it will steal the crowd from there. In fact, I think it will enhance Berjaya Times Square. If a project is well placed and you add more space, it makes things better.”
Elvin notes the Government's need to make Kuala Lumpur a liveable city which is one of the twelve Key Economic Areas (NKEA) identified under the Economic Transformation Programme (ETP).
“The ETP and emphasis on making KL a liveable city is a property-dependent policy. You need to look at all projects and not just one in isolation. Sufficient demand must be created to receive the supply.”
Depending on how the development is planned, CB Richard Ellis Malaysia managing director Allan Soo reckons that new supply of space at BBCC could be either a boon or a bane.
“The question is what kind of commercial space will be offered. Take the 100-storey (Menara Warisan Merdaka) building as an example. On one hand, having a 100-storey tower nearby justifies having more commercial space.
“However, there is also a possibility that the tower could take up all of the demand (for commercial space) and vacuum clean the market! So the success rate is 50-50.”
The development of the former Pudu Prison was first unveiled by Second Finance Minister Datuk Ahmad Husni Hanadzlah in May last year. Back then, the plan was to redevelop the land into a mixed development project that would comprise a 33-storey office tower, shopping complex, 43-storey hotel and 44-storey serviced apartment.
UDA Holdings Bhd is the project's master developer. The company was recently issued a directive by its shareholder, the Finance Ministry, to divide the 20-acre land into three plots to maximise the value of the land.
Two plots will given to bumiputra investors to develop, while UDA will develop the one parcel.
Transport hub
Earlier this month, UDA chairman Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the company's transport consultant had indicated that the site was instead suitable to be redeveloped into a transportation hub and so a big bus terminal is expected to be constructed on the site.
He says the transportation hub will be able to accommodate 200,000 to 300,000 commuters daily and complement the monorail and light rail transit facilities already at the Pudu Jail site.
Nur Jazlan says the transport hub will also help to ease vehicle congestion around Kuala Lumpur's golden triangle area, adding that the terminal will complement the my rapid transit (MRT) and ease commuter travel into the city centre in the future.
VPC Alliance (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd director James Wong points out that there are already a number of transport hubs in Kuala Lumpur.
“We already have KL Sentral and the Pudu Raya bus terminal. You may have to close one if you want to build another.”
One industry observer who requests anonymity says it will not be viable to set up a transportation hub in Pudu.
“Just look at the bus terminal there. It's always congested and the traffic jams in the area are crazy!”
Soo believes that the area can be made into a transportation hub if it is planned properly.
“With the current infrastructure, the current bus terminal is always congested. If we can take it out of that fringe and offer taxi as well as MRT services, it could work.”
Former prison site
Whatever is to become of BBCC, one will eventually have to address the elephant in the room. For over 100 years, the site housed some of the country's most notorious criminals and served as an execution ground for convicts a fact that might not sit well with potential investors and residents, especially the superstitious types.
“If BBCC is to house retail and office space, it might not be a problem,” says Wong.
“However, if the land is redeveloped to comprise residential property, it may affect demand.”
Elvin reckons the “stigma” associated with Pudu Jail will not be a big deal.
“To me, it's not an issue, although to some people, it might be. Ultimately, it's all about perception.”
Soo says it all depends on how BBCC is marketed.
“As long as your rebrand it properly, people will not be reminded of the former prison. Besides, people tend to forget after a while, especially with the newer generation coming into the market.”
Soo also says the project can be marketed to foreign investors and buyers, who are less likely to be concerned with the site's history.
By The Star
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