The TRX vision

The TRX vision

The Star, 27th May 2015

The Star, 27th March 2015:

Launched in 2012, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) has progressed significantly in its aim to create a leading international finance and business centre, building upon Malaysia’s global reputation in Islamic finance.

Originally mooted by YAB Prime minister Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak, the city within a city spread over 70 acres in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, and is expected to house more than 250 international and local companies, employing some 40,000 knowledge workers.

TURNING VISION INTO REALITY

TRX obtained its planning approval in April 2012. Now completing its first package of earthworks and undertaking prep work for its infrastructure upgrade, TRX is also concurrently embarking on its planned commercialisation process.

It is in several on-going negotiations, and is expected to announce more commitments from top tier local and international investors in the coming months.

Among the other initiatives currently being undertaken are:

    • Offering attractive TRX specific incentives to qualifying financial services and relevant companies to help establish TRX as an international financial and business hub.
    • Working closely with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to improve infrastructure outside its boundaries. TRX is enhancing the streetscape, connecting TRX and the Bukit Bintang shopping district and upgrading parts of Jalan Tun Razak. This is a significant step, as it can unlock the value of prime assets, making a push for the urban regeneration of lmbi and spurring the economic benefits from the uplift.
    • Working closely with Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL) to improve infrastructure outside its boundaries. TRX is enhancing the streetscape, connecting TRX and the Bukit Bintang shopping district and upgrading parts of Jalan Tun Razak. This is a significant step, as it can unlock the value of prime assets, making a push for the urban regeneration of lmbi and spurring the economic benefits from the uplift.
    • Collaborating with DBKL to build an Integrated Commercial Centre in Pudu/lmbi to replace the open air Pasar Baru Bukit Bintang. The ICC currently under construction will house a market floor, shops for dry goods and hawker-style F&B outlets, as well as banquet hall and community amenities, in one modern facility.
    • Undertaking extensive infrastructure planning to ensure smooth traffic flow to and from surrounding roads and major highways. TRX will feature direct connectivity to major highways such as the SMART Tunnel, Jalan Tun Razak, Jalan Sultan Ismail and Maju Expressway (MEX).

A LIVEABLE, SUSTAINABLE FINANCIAL DISTRICT

TRX recently sealed a joint-venture agreement with international property giant Lend Lease for the development of its Lifestyle Quarter, selecting the company as partner following an investment memorandum process. This marks the commencement of Phase 1 of TRX.

The Lifestyle Quarter joint venture is a key ingredient to achieving a liveable financial district that offers more than just gleaming buildings and high-tech work spaces.

With an expected GDV of over RM8 billion, the Lifestyle Quarter will be a retail-led, mixed-use development spanning 17 acres, with a hotel, several residential towers and a retail mall integrated into TRX’s multi-layer central park.

The social heart of the district, the Lifestyle Quarter will buoy the financial hub’s vibrancy, continuing after office hours and turning TRX into an outdoor destination in itself.

Pedestrian-friendly with a third of TRX comprising a public realm featuring a large central park, public transport is also emphasised with the TRX underground MRT station, the largest in Kuala Lumpur. The interchange station will host both the MRT Line 1 (Sg Buloh – Kajang) and the MRT Line 2 (Sg Buloh – Putrajaya).

TRX’s drive for sustainability continues with on-site district cooling to cut energy demand for air-conditioning, alongside mandating smart energy-conscious building technology in its development code.

After signing a 20-year concession with water management leader Veolia, TRX will also feature a wastewater treatment plant supplying recycled water that will cut water demand by more than half; via recovering at least 80% of sewage generated every year.

With its singular focus on sustainability, TRX became the first development in Malaysia to achieve GBI Provisional Platinum and LEED (US) Neighbourhood Development Conditional Gold certifications for its master plan.