A heritage area in Selangor is set to undergo major transformation as Selayang Municipal Council (MPS) rolls out its Pekan Lama Rawang rejuvenation project to turn the old town into a vibrant cultural hub.
MPS said the plan focuses on preserving heritage identity, creating pedestrian-friendly spaces, boosting the local economy and driving sustainable urban growth through community gardens and smart city systems.
“It is currently in a 12-week study and detailed design phase led by an appointed consultant team,” MPS said in a statement to StarMetro about the town which dates back some 100 years.
“This covers site analysis, master planning, technical drawings, cost estimates and tender documentation.
“Implementation of the upgrading projects will be planned in phases, prioritising basic infrastructure improvement before expanding into beautification and placemaking.
“We will also ensure that local business operations and the community’s daily routines continue smoothly without disruption throughout the execution period,” the council said.
The placemaking strategy will pivot on “Urban Heritage Rejuvenation and Community Greening”, focusing on heritage, greening and comfort.
According to the MPS Landscape Department, proposed elements include murals, an entry arch, pocket parks, public rest areas, improved lighting, streetscape upgrades and heritage interpretation boards.
“Such efforts will create a more attractive, safer and easily accessible environment in Pekan Lama Rawang, which will encourage visitors to spend more time in the area,” it said.
The revamp will also enhance connectivity between pedestrian walkways and commercial zones to increase shop visibility.
A council survey conducted during a town hall with stakeholders in August revealed that 96.9% of respondents would visit more frequently upon completion, while 78.1% believed the initiative would significantly boost the local economy.
Meanwhile, preliminary studies have identified Jalan Maxwell, Jalan Welman and Lorong Tokong Cina as primary corridors for mural art and greening, with exact locations to be finalised based on foot traffic and shop usage.
On smart city integration, MPS president Shahman Jalaludin was quoted in a Media Selangor report saying the rejuvenation project would utilise artificial intelligence (AI)-based integrated system to address various public issues.
He had said that MPS’ usage of AI in its control centre stood at 60%, with full completion expected early next year once integrated with various system and data sources.
These data sources, he added, included closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings, integrated smart streetlights, river level sensors, global positioning system information and readings from other sensors.
