Crown jewel project to be ready by 2028

Alinah (second from left) presenting a token of appreciation to Noorazam at the unveiling of the Coronation Square signature landmark logo.

THE RM4bil Coronation Square taking shape in the heart of Johor Baru city centre is on track for full completion by 2028.

Johor Baru mayor Datuk Noorazam Osman said once completed, Coronation Square would transform the city by giving it a high-end look and feel.

“There is a glaring shortage of good quality, future-proof buildings within the Johor Baru central business district. Coronation Square will offer the city this much-needed facelift.

“Admittedly, the progress of work has been slow. But the entire construction industry was hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic over the past two years and the developer, Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd, must be commended for not giving up.

“Despite the tremendous challenges caused by manpower shortages and construction delays, Coronation Square is now on schedule for completion by 2028,” said Noorazam in his speech during the official unveiling of the Coronation Square signature landmark logo.

He said the square was a project that Johoreans could be proud of as it was the first major integrated commercial development in the heart of the city in nearly 20 years, after projects such as City Square, Menara Landmark, Komtar and Kotaraya.

“It is also going to be the crown jewel of the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) or economic zone within Johor Baru.

“The IIBD vision entails the creation of a new business and financial zone spread over 101.1ha in the heart of the city, and Coronation Square is the centrepiece of this iconic city masterplan.

“It is poised to be the new city centre and financial hub of the new millennium,” the mayor added.

Coronade Properties corporate affairs director Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad said that despite the setbacks caused by the strict standard operating procedures because of Covid-19, it was on track to deliver the 39-storey Menara Bank Rakyat which was one of the six planned high-rise signature towers.

“It is nearing completion and will open as scheduled in the fourth quarter of this year,” she said, adding that the 3.8ha Coronation Square was flanked by Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim and Jalan Trus in the heart of the city centre.

Once fully completed, the project would have a mall and six towers featuring two blocks of serviced apartments, two office blocks, a hotel and medical suites.

All the key development components will be directly linked to the upcoming Rapid Transit System to Singapore, in addition to sky bridges connecting to the Customs, Immigration and Quarantine Complex in JB Sentral.

Alinah said the traffic linkages were expected to impact the infrastructure transformation of Johor Baru, spur urban renewal and inject a sense of vibrancy in the city.

She said that by virtue of its size, design and scope of development, Coronation Square was destined to spur growth and help position Johor Baru as a new regional commercial and shopping hub.

“The project will showcase several unique architectural components, including the Coombe Hill serviced apartments scheduled for completion by 2025.

“The project is targeted at Malaysians, especially Johoreans working in Singapore, and Singaporeans looking to relocate here.

“Due to be ready by the second quarter of next year is the purpose-built medical suites to be operated by KPJ Healthcare Bhd, while The Gem mall offering 1.2 million square feet of retail space across seven levels will open in 2024,” she added.

Alinah said the catalytic development was expected to contribute over RM9bil in economic output and support 60,000 jobs throughout its development phase.