(From right) Cheah and Loke looking at the development concept of the Seremban Sentral TOD set to revitalise Negri Sembilan and its capital. — Bernama
A DEVELOPER is embarking on a new integrated development project that is set to position Negri Sembilan as a high-value, future-ready economy.
This ambitious undertaking carries a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM2bil and is scheduled for completion by 2045.
The Seremban Sentral transit-oriented development (TOD) project, a joint venture by the Transport Ministry’s Railway Assets Corporation (RAC) and Sunway Group, will be developed in two phases.
Sunway Group’s vision for the project over 8.3ha is a connected, sustainable and future-ready urban hub where healthcare, mobility, lifestyle, culture and commerce blend seamlessly to vitalise communities and economic growth.
Its chairman Tan Sri Dr Jeffrey Cheah believes that Sunway’s track record of excellence and reputation for delivering on its promises is the reason it was entrusted with the project.
“You have my word that Sunway is here to partner with you in boosting the economy not just of Seremban, but of the whole state.
“Our unique build-own-operate model makes us a full-fledged and lifelong partner of the communities we serve,” he said at a ground breaking ceremony launched by Transport Minister Anthony Loke.
RAC, a federal statutory body, and the land owner, signed an agreement with Sunway Group in May to develop the area.
Under a future-forward masterplan, a 250-bed modern private hospital, retail mall with a gross floor area (GFA) of 1.2milsq ft and office tower with a GFA of 300,000sq ft will be built in the first phase in the next five years.
In Phase Two, there will be a residential precinct where serviced apartments with a GFA of 3.2milsq ft will be built.
The TOD will also have a heritage yard to preserve railway-era architecture, market square, linear garden and rooftop garden.
It is also centrally located and surrounded by landmarks such as the Seremban Lake Garden, state mosque, main bus terminal, state administrative centre and Hospital Tuanku Ja’afar.
The project is also expected to generate up to RM300mil in business revenue annually and create about 2,500 jobs in various sectors, further establishing Negri Sembilan as a modern and competitive urban hub.
The Seremban Sentral development also targets at least 6,000 daily commuters travelling between homes, workplaces, healthcare and lifestyle centres.
The city is also fast becoming a logistics and industrial hub.
“Negri Sembilan is a state with a rich history and tradition, and flourished during the mid-19th century mining boom due to its strategic location.
“When mining activities slowed down, the state’s economy transitioned to rubber cultivation.
“But what boosted the state’s economy was its central and vital position in the rail network.
“The Seremban KTM Station, built in 1910, is a shining example of a centre of connectivity that helped Seremban’s rise as an administrative and economic hub.
“Our groundbreaking ceremony for Seremban Sentral marks the start of a new chapter for this KTM station,” said Cheah.
He said with good rail connectivity, he is confident that companies will also take up the office space at the hub.
Loke, also the Seremban MP, said it will be a comprehensive project for the community.
It will also emphasise the conservation of the original railway station which has important historical value.
“This is a hidden gem and I am grateful to the Sunway Group and Tan Sri for his confidence and for coming on board to invest and help revitalise Seremban.
“This project will transform Seremban into a city moving forward with a more modern, integrated identity and public transport-centric approach.”
