Lendlease’s placemaking leadership seeks to elevate Malaysia’s real estate profile

In the last three decades, Kuala Lumpur’s cityscape has seen the arrival of prominent developments such as Setia City Mall, Platinum Park, Suria KLCC, Petronas Twin Towers and most recently, The Exchange TRX. The 17-acre mixed-use development stands as a hallmark of urban regeneration within the vibrant lifestyle precinct of Tun Razak Exchange (TRX). 

Ms Yong Su-Lin, managing director of Lendlease Malaysia, shared that the company’s robust placemaking track record in Malaysia – spanning four decades – is rooted in Lendlease’s six decades of property and infrastructure expertise. “As a globally integrated real estate group, we are anchored on our mission to create places where communities thrive,” she said. 

CREATING SUSTAINABLE, THRIVING SPACES 

To date, Lendlease has successfully delivered over 100 projects in Malaysia. Prior to initiating any project, the organisation undertakes comprehensive studies to understand the opportunities and challenges involved, with a particular focus on the urgent issue of climate change. This is grounded in the belief that the built environment should not only cater to the current climate but also anticipate and adapt to the challenges of the future. 

With The Exchange TRX, Lendlease conducted a climate risk analysis to guide its design and inform planning around key climate risks likely to impact the development and the surrounding community. Additionally, it formulated a climate change adaptation and resilience plan, outlining how design strategies can mitigate the development’s vulnerability to the ramifications of climate change.

This encompasses the incorporation of features such as a stormwater system designed to efficiently manage extreme rainfall and urban flood events, along with building facades integrating a well-sealed envelope design. The latter not only minimises air quality issues but also enhances the passive energy performance of the buildings. Furthermore, commercial buildings are equipped with MERV14 (a standard used to measure a filter’s ability to capture particles) filtration, capable of filtering 71 per cent of harmful PM2.5 particles, ensuring healthier indoor air quality.

With a steadfast commitment to sustainability and a keen emphasis on holistic well-being, The Exchange TRX is set to emulate the success of other Lendlease developments renowned globally for their community-oriented design, liveability and convenience. 

For example, Setia City Mall, located in Shah Alam, Selangor, is the city’s largest shopping and leisure destination, with over 300 local and international retailers spread across four levels. Encompassing 1.3 million square feet of space, the mall includes a 10.5-acre park complete with a children’s playground and water jet plaza surrounded by al fresco eateries.

In 2014, Setia City Mall’s integration of sustainable features was recognised with the Building and Construction Authority’s Green Mark Gold Award, as well as the Gold Award in the category of Retail Development at the FIABCI Prix d’Excellence Awards. It was also the first mall in Malaysia to receive the Green Building Index, Silver Award. 

MAXIMISING RETURNS THROUGH INTEGRATED SERVICES

At the core of Lendlease’s sterling track record in the built industry is its proficiency in delivering a complete suite of integrated services. The group’s strong understanding of local markets and the integrated property value chain enables it to provide services spanning pre-construction, construction execution and construction management on a global scale.

Its expertise in the development process – extending from land acquisition to collaboration with local authorities – directs its project management endeavours across a varied range of sectors.

Furthermore, Lendlease has established itself as an investment partner of choice in the region. Functioning as both an investment and project manager for institutional investors, it offers them access to quality property assets across the risk-return spectrum.

Meeting the global challenge of navigating the urbanisation megatrend, Lendlease and its partners are dedicated to improving liveability, sustainability and competitiveness, as exemplified by their impactful contributions in Kuala Lumpur, which ranks as one of the world’s most competitive cities. 

As urban development assumes a pivotal role in the city’s investment and growth strategy, it is anticipated that by 2050, 90 per cent of Malaysia’s population will reside in cities, with the services sector powering the country’s gross domestic product. Through adept placemaking, urban regeneration has the potential to elevate a city, fostering a dynamic and interconnected urban environment that caters to the diverse needs of the community.

Affirming Lendlease’s dedication to maintaining a sustained presence in the country, Ms Yong said: “We aim to continue to seek out opportunities in Malaysia and collaborate closely with the government and other investors to pioneer future-forward spaces, thereby contributing to Malaysia’s growth and development.”

Learn more about Lendlease’s diverse and growing portfolio of projects, such as The Exchange TRX.