Key infrastructure developments for Ibrahim International Business District set to begin

PETALING JAYA (May 16): Johor Corp (JCorp) has announced the commencement of key infrastructure developments for the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) in Johor Bahru today.

The public infrastructure projects include a flyover, a link bridge and the Persada Annexe, all of which are part of the fulfilment of the IIBD Blueprint for Integrated Connectivity Plan to improve the accessibility for both vehicular and foot traffic, as well as the provision of retail space within the business district.

“As the IIBD is set to be the region’s emerging investment hub, the three public infrastructure components collectively present enhanced connectivity that will strengthen the business district and will link facets of the community,” said the state-owned conglomerate in a statement released following the groundbreaking ceremony of the projects today.

The event was officiated by Malaysia Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi who was accompanied by Johor Menteri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.

“This public infrastructure upgrade in the heart of Johor Bahru marks yet another significant collaboration between the federal and state governments to bridge a new mobility culture among the rakyat and citizens of IIBD, by connecting them to the economic opportunities and systems that will allow them to thrive,” said Ahmad Zahid in his speech.

Ahmad Zahid also announced that a Facilitation Fund of RM250 million will be allocated by the federal government to drive the development of the infrastructure projects.

The funding will be provided via Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS), who is responsible for the monitoring and implementation of the projects.

The 268-metre link bridge will connect JB Sentral to Persada Annexe, while the flyover will stretch from the Tebrau Corridor into Johor Bahru City Centre, connecting to IIBD and Coronation Square. The link bridge is expected to be completed in 18 months.

The development of the flyover will have a gross development value of RM120 million. Its construction is expected to commence in 2018 for a period of two years, after which it will be handed over to the management under Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru.

On Persada Annexe, JCorp said it will have a 83,000 sq ft retail centre and will be connected to the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, via KOMTAR JBCC and City Square Mall, Persada Johor International Convention Centre and, eventually, the Coronation Square and Galleria.

The flyover, link bridge and Persada Annexe will be developed by Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd, one of the developers in IIBD.