Metropolis dreams for JB

Big plans: Sultan Ibrahim (left) looking at the IIBD project models in Johor Baru during the launching of the project. Looking on is Kamaruzzaman (second from left).

JOHOR BARU: The Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), valued between RM20bil and RM25bil is set to help the state capital achieve a world city and metropolis status by 2020.

It was launched by Johor Ruler Sultan Ibrahim Ibni Almarhum Sultan Iskandar in conjunction with his 57th birthday yesterday.

Spanning over 101.17ha, the main component of the project is the 2.56ha Coronation Square, which will include a medical suite, three blocks of serviced apartments, an office tower and a hotel building developed by Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd.

During the launch held at the Persada Johor International Con­vention Centre, Mentri Besar Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the IIBD is the brainchild of Sultan Ibrahim and expressed hope that the massive project would turn Johor Baru into a “second Kuala Lumpur”.

In conjunction with the Ruler’s birthday, Khaled said the IIBD was named as such to honour the Ruler’s contributions to the state’s development.

It would be introduced as a new brand for Johor, similar to other well-known business districts such as Australia’s Sydney CBD, Canada’s Downtown Toronto, China’s Beijing Business Central District as well as Seoul Special City in South Korea, he added.

When completed, the Coronation Square, valued at RM3bil, would be on par with other world landmarks such as Trafalgar Square in London and Times Square in New York.

IIBD is developed by Johor Corporation (JCorp) in cooperation with Johor Baru City Council (MBJB) and the state government in its effort to modernise the state’s capital city, Khaled said.

JCorp president and chief executive Datuk Kamaruzzaman Abu Kassim said the Coronation Square is expected to be completed between nine to 10 years, with its first phase slated for completion in four years time.

Kamaruzzaman added that the tallest building in the square would be an office tower with 60 to 80 floors.

The IIBD will enhance the image and position of Johor Baru and Iskandar Malaysia as the most successful metropolis and development regions in the world, Kamaruzzaman said.