Johor to have own version of Melbourne’s Victoria Market

JOHOR BARU: Johor will soon have its own version of Melbourne’s famous Queen Victoria Market as Johor Corporation (JCorp) will be developing a 2.37ha land in Tampoi worth more than RM80mil.

Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the B5 Johor Street Market project would revitalise Batu Lima town, which was previously a thriving business spot before a fire ravaged the area back in the 1990s.

However, there are commercial developments taking place within 3km, with three main shopping malls – Plaza Angsana, Paradigm Mall and Capital 21 – slated to be opened later this year.

In his speech before launching the B5 Johor Street Market yesterday, Mohamed Khaled said it would be a waste if this area, which is located in the middle of massive development, is left without any strategic planning.

The design of the market will touch upon Johor heritage, with five main elements comprising a retail bazaar, box park, food trucks and a hub for local arts and culture.

Mohamed Khaled said the state government, through its investment arm JCorp, decided to support the effort in breathing new life into the area for centralised retail ­tourism.

When the project is completed in 2019, it will be a new tourism attraction here.

It will provide business opportunities and employment to locals, especially the younger generation, he said.

He said the B5 Johor Street Market has already received positive inquiries and feedback, including from Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak during his visit to “Ekspo Johor Berkemajuan” last year.