Tanjung Aru Beach to begin transformation next year

Under Tanjung Aru Eco Development, Prince Philip Park will be expanded to 12 hectares, more than double its current size. (Artist's impression provided by Tanjung Aru Eco Development Sdn Bhd)

KOTA KINABALU: The Tanjung Aru beach here will begin its transformation to turn into a 348ha eco-friendly integrated waterfront next year.

Project management company, Savills Development, will begin the first of four-phase Tanjung Aru Eco Development (TAED) in the first quarter of next year and the entire project is expected to be completed end-2019.

Project director Peter Adam said the development would entail the revitalisation of the 1.35km Tanjung Aru beach as well as the rejuvenation of Prince Philip Park.

“This will be supported by improved infrastructure and facilities to provide greater connectivity and accessibility for the public to these key attractions,” he said at a media briefing in Kota Kinabalu on Tuesday.

Also present was Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Yeo Boon Hai.

Adam said the provision of leisure and recreation facilities for the community would also be a crucial component of the development.

He said apart from the rejuvenation initiatives, the new development would also comprise a mixed commercial, residential and accommodation offerings as part of TAED’s unique character zones, which will feature a marina and an eco-signature golf course.

Meanwhile, Yeo said, the transformation of the beach was timely and with an eco-friendly concept, it would be in line with Kota Kinabalu’s vision of becoming a nature city.

“We will also see the further development of the tourism industry in Sabah, boosting traffic within the local economy for Kota Kinabalu by attracting visitors from around the world.

“The openness for connectivity and usage of public spaces is key to creating a productive and biologically-diverse ecosystem for the surrounding community and its visitors,” he said.

The project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during Malaysia’s 50th birthday celebrations. - Bernama