The development of Iskandar Malaysia – the country’s first economic growth corridor – continues to gather pace with 2014 looking to be another important year for the project.
And its growth is opening up more opportunities for Web Structures, which has already played an important role in the creation of the new Pinewood film and TV studio facility in the region.
The aim of the Malaysian government is to transform Iskandar into an “international metropolis” and according to some reports the area is expected to secure RM22 billion in investments this year.
Among the projects on the drawing board is Mall of Medini. Web Structures is providing civil, structural and geotechnical knowledge to the team charged with turning the project into reality.
Mall of Medini is being developed by Nusajaya Lifestyle Sdn Bhd, a 55:45 joint venture between property developers UEM Sunrise Berhad and Iskandar Investment Berhad. UEM Sunrise is Malaysia’s largest property developer by market capitalization, and also the master developer of Nusajaya, which is Iskandar Malaysia's administrative capital. Iskandar Investment Berhad is the catalytic developer of Medini, which will form the CBD of Nusajaya City.
Phase One of the ambitious mixed-use project, located directly adjacent to LEGOLAND® Malaysia has been completed. The 200,000 sq ft mall opened its doors to the public last September. Phase Two will extend and complete the retail offering, as well as introduce stratified office towers and residential components.
The project could get underway in 2014 and the completed development would have 3.5 million sq ft of properties. The plan is to start phase two in Q3 2014, with a completion date for the whole project is expected to be in 2017 or early 2018.
Medini is also home to the Pinewood movie and television studios.
The new facility, which has now been completed, has five stages ranging from 1,400 to 2,800 square meters and two TV studios with high-definition production equipment and a 1,400 audience capacity.
Pinewood Iskandar also has extensive post-production facilities.
The Web Structures’ structural engineering team worked to create the giant studio buildings, with their 50 metre column-free spans.
The integrated film and television studio complex, designed by GDP Architects in Kuala Lumpur, took 20 months to construct.
Dr Hossein Rezai, group director of Web Structures, says: “The Iskandar Malaysia success story really shows no signs of slowing down.
“All the indications are that the appetite for investment and for new development will continue to be strong in 2014 with the momentum that we have seen over the past few years showing no signs of slowing.
“That is good news for the regional economy and we are delighted to be working on significant projects in this growth region that will add to the success story that already exists. These continue to be exciting times for Iskandar.”