Strategic developments to drive connectivity to IIBD
As IIBD is set to be the region’s emerging investment hub, the three public infrastructure components, which is the Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe collectively present enhanced connectivity that will strengthen the business district and link facets of communities. Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister
JOHOR BAHRU: Johor Corporation (JCorp) announced the commencement of key infrastructure developments for the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), namely the Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe.
The public infrastructure upgrade is part of the fulfilment of the IIBD Blueprint for Integrated Connectivity Plan to improve the accessibility for both vehicular and foot traffic, and the provision of retail space that is conducive, comfortable and safe to achieve IIBD’s agenda to become the central business district in Johor Bahru city.
The event was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, accompanied by Menteri Besar Johor Datuk Mohamed Khaled Nordin.
In his keynote speech, Zahid said, “As IIBD is set to be the region’s emerging investment hub, the three public infrastructure components, which is the Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe collectively present enhanced connectivity that will strengthen the business district and link facets of communities.
“The Flyover will improve traffic flow along critical corridors to accommodate the local population growth, besides expediting transportation of goods to the local and international markets. This upcoming public infrastructure upgrade in the heart of Johor Bahru marks yet another significant collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to bridge a new mobility culture among the rakyat and citizens of IIBD, by connecting them to the economic opportunities and systems that will allow them to thrive.”
He also announced the RM250 million Facilitation Fund from the Federal Government to drive the development of Johor Bahru’s public infrastructure and to ensure the integrity of the Integrated Connectivity Plan of IIBD Blueprint for the Flyover and Link Bridge.
The funding will be provided through the Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS), which is responsible for monitoring and implementation of such projects.
Khaled, in his opening speech, said: “The significance of today’s event is well aligned to the Mobility goal of IIBD with the commencement of public infrastructure upgrade for Link Bridge, followed by the Flyover. The Link Bridge will be a 268-metre walk, connecting JB Sentral to PERSADA Annexe with conducive, comfortable and pedestrian-friendly streetscape and linkages, while the Flyover will link from Tebrau Corridor into IIBD connecting Coronation Square, as part of the Integrated Connectivity Plan of IIBD Blueprint.”
He added, “Indeed, IIBD is poised to be the next economic powerhouse within the southern gateway, where mobility infrastructures, entrepreneur-friendly facilities, and soon, pro-business and investment policies, are being developed and implemented to ensure IIBD is an investment-ready community.
“With plans for infrastructure development in place, IIBD is to become the choice location for businesses and enterprises seeking an attractive, emerging opportunity.
“Given its strategic positioning, a location within IIBD will offer a critical competitive advantage for any business and the potential of cross-pollination of businesses and funding opportunities is a sound proposition for both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs.”
The IIBD Masterplan is purposed to drive business and investment acceleration through key projects within IIBD as the central business district in Johor Bahru city. Infrastructure development presents as one of the prioritised focus areas to ensure IIBD becomes a choice location for its citizens and business communities, both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs, to thrive and flourish.
The Flyover is expected to stretch from Tebrau Corridor into Johor Bahru city centre, connecting to IIBD and Coronation Square. The development of the Flyover will have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM120 million, and construction is expected to commence in 2018 for a period of two years, after which it will be handed over to the management under Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru.
The Link Bridge is expected be developed to cater for pedestrian facilities based on the IIBD Blueprint. It would be a 268-metre pedestrian walkway that connects from JB Sentral to PERSADA Annexe through KOMTAR JBCC and it is expected to be completed within 18 months. The bridge is expected to be managed via a concession period with Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru as the ultimate owner of the public facility.
As the emerging hub to house local and international entrepreneurs and investors, IIBD will foster entrepreneurial growth with the upcoming construction of PERSADA Annexe, set to be built on the current carpark area of PERSADA abutting the PERSADA building.