Malaysia: Johor unveils new plans for waterfront

Firm takes charge, kick-starting plans for high-end development
Carolyn Hong Straits Times 18 Feb 12;

JOHOR BARU: After years of uncoordinated planning among different landowners, Johor has now unveiled a masterplan to build a glittering waterfront facing Singapore from swampy and reclaimed land, having consolidated 3,000 acres (1,210ha) of prime land under one company.

The land bank stretching 25km and flanking the Causeway was recently parked under a company called Iskandar Waterfront Holdings (IWH), in a bid to kick-start development plans. Previously, the land was held by several state and federal government firms.

'It's been a long, long time that we were singing different songs,' said businessman Lim Kang Hoo, who owns 60 per cent of the joint venture while a Johor state firm, Kumpulan Prasarana Rakyat Johor, owns the rest.

Now, we are very focused and it's become clearer who's driving the development,' Mr Lim said.

The federal government's property firm Iskandar Investment has a significant stake in some of IWH's land bank farther west from Johor Baru, close to the new Nusajaya township where attractions like Legoland are coming up.

The waterfront development, with a gross development value of RM80 billion (S$33 billion), was launched five years ago as part of the Iskandar Malaysia special economic region in south Johor.

Iskandar Malaysia aims to leverage on its proximity to Singapore and attract investments from global firms looking for a cheaper location. The plan is to develop high-end infrastructure, as well as international-class housing, entertainment, schooling and amenities to attract expatriates and Singaporeans to live in Johor.

Prime Minister Najib Razak launched the waterfront masterplan last Sunday, and pledged RM200 million in federal funds for infrastructure. The masterplan envisions skyscrapers, residential blocks, hotels and waterfront homes. There will also be retail and food outlets and parks.

A contractor from Selangor, Mr Lim, 57, came into the picture rather unexpectedly in 1997 when the Asian financial crisis dashed the Johor government's plan to develop the waterfront land. He formed a partnership with the state government, and took over its debts on the land known as Lido Beach, now renamed Danga Bay, about 5km from Johor Baru city centre.

He said he has spent 15 years to undertake infrastructure works, which are now largely complete. This includes reclaiming 200ha to 240ha of land.

'All the land here was underwater, and the rivers were choked with rubbish, human waste and animal carcasses. And the smell ... it took a long time,' he said.

Today, his offices stand on the reclaimed land on Danga Bay. It, however, remains pretty bare except for a short stretch with a marina and convention centre. This may change soon as a large parcel of land nearby is being developed in a joint venture with a Malaysian property company, Dijaya Corporation.

The first building to be constructed will be a luxury waterfront condominium, Tropez. About 20 per cent of the 1,149 units have been sold to Singaporeans. Mr Lim has also entered into a joint venture with Singapore's Azea Residences and Australia's Walker Group.

'We are seeing a lot of interest now, especially after the two governments (Malaysia and Singapore) shook hands,' he said, referring to the settlement of the railway land issue in Singapore. 'It triggered a lot of investor interest in Iskandar as a whole.'

What's in store for new development

An international financial and commercial centre: Located close to downtown Johor Baru. Skyscrapers and other amenities have been planned to attract financial players to the Iskandar zone.

Danga Bay: On its 808ha that includes reclaimed land, there are plans to build offices, residences, hotels and retail and food outlets. It now has a marina, several restaurants, a convention centre and some commercial lots.

Tebrau Coast: A high-end waterfront housing development called Senibong Cove is under construction by the Walker Group of Australia. The development is along a river and features a long boardwalk for residents.

About 404ha of land will also be reclaimed.

Venice@Danga Bay: To be built by a river, it plans to focus on waterfront dining, retail and leisure activities.

Redevelopment of the Johor Baru Central Business District: While not strictly part of the waterfront development, the Iskandar Waterfront Holdings has been given the task of redeveloping the dilapidated city centre which is about 485ha in size. About 1.2 million people live in Johor Baru.

The redevelopment will see the clean-up of a river that flows through the city centre, a redesign of traffic flow, a clean-up of the town and the sprucing up of its heritage area. It is expected to cost RM1.5 billion (S$622 million) over the next five years.

Several parcels of state land, such as the old prison and old Customs land, will also be redeveloped.