Jaya One poised to spruce up PJ

THE idea of practising tai chi or even yoga in the open courtyard of Palm Square will be possible when the first phase of Jaya One in Section 13, Petaling Jaya, is completed in September.  

If Charles Wong has his way, there would be a buzz of community-based activities at Jaya One.  

The RM450mil mixed commercial, entertainment and lifestyle development undertaken by Tetap Tiara Sdn Bhd is designed with a community approach in mind, according to Wong, who is the company’s executive director. 

The project is developed in two phases. 

Four blocks of low-density offices and retail shops, a corporate office, eight double-storey bungalows (for food and beverage outlets and restaurants) and an edutainment centre (to house a theatre, arts and education space) make up phase one. Phase two will be more retail driven. 

Asia Assistance Network (M) Sdn Bhd, a personal and general insurance assistance company providing services to insurance companies, will occupy the corporate office. 

The first phase is three months ahead of schedule, originally slated for completion in 2008. 

Charles Wong with the model of the Jaya One development

Wong said the first phase could be completed earlier because contingency was factored into the construction timeline. 

“Additionally, the deadline was brought forward because of the request by our retail and leasing department, as it will be best if tenants can move in, in time for Christmas and year-end festivities. 

“We target to have the opening in December. We expect to have at least 40% to 50% occupancy,” he said, adding that construction of phase one was 60% completed. 

During an interview with StarBiz and a tour of the Jaya One site, Wong expressed hope of commencing construction of the second phase next year. The entire Jaya One development, he said, should be completed by 2010 or 2011.  

“We have taken the concept of the second phase back to the drawing board and undertaken a study on future trends. We have been to Singapore and Thailand and will be heading to Jakarta to see what we could adapt as we share similar cultures and behaviours,” he said. 

Wong said the development of Jaya One would change the face of Section 13, which was designated as an industrial area.  

“The location of Jaya One is ideal, having the right demographics and well established neighbourhood, but lacking in the selection of services. So we thought we could fill in that gap,” he added.