Just a five-minute walk from the Hang Tuah Interchange Station, Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) rises in contrast to the bustling atmosphere of Pudu. Sleek skyscrapers and a Japanese lifestyle mall stand out from the aging shophouses in the neighbourhood. But a historical touch remains - the former main gate of Pudu Jail serving as a reminder of the site's past.
Spanning 19.4 acres, BBCC is an integrated mixed-use transit-oriented development (TOD) with residential and commercial offerings bolstered by a three-rail linked transit hub (LRT, MRT and Monorail). BBCC offers access to a truly cosmopolitan lifestyle in the heart of Kuala Lumpur city centre. The development is a joint-venture between UDA Holdings Bhd, Eco World Development Group Bhd and the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
During the planning stage, the developer focused on achieving the right mix of components to complement each other and the surrounding neighbourhoods. The development leveraged on the existing rail connectivity to create an integrated TOD, setting BBCC apart from other developments in the area.
With a total gross floor area of approximately 6.8 million sq ft, Phase 1 has been completed and includes the Japanese lifestyle mall - Mitsui Shopping Park LaLaport, an entertainment hub, The Stride office tower and Lucentia Residences.
Phase 2 is now underway with plans for two apartment blocks over the next two to three years. Whilst Phase 3 will feature another serviced apartment block, a hotel and an office tower. The final Phase 4 will introduce a signature tower, with the launch depending on market conditions and potential investors.
BBCC's commitment to sustainable development, community engagement and aesthetic enhancement sets a commendable standard for urban renewal initiatives. A key aspect of the regeneration project is its positive impact on the socioeconomic status, surrounding environment and transport system.
The development has created jobs in its mall, retail, and commercial components, benefiting the local community. Its signature Gourmet Street offers a diverse range of cuisines, complementing the existing food scene in Pudu and contributing to the footfall of local businesses.
Continuing its steadfast commitment to sustainability, BBCC carries the Green Building Index (GBI) Township Gold status, and every single building in the development has a green building certification. The development incorporates energy-saving features and efficient building systems. Visitors to BBCC are also able to enjoy its many green pockets which are threaded through the development to create a series of parks and gardens.
Meanwhile, LaLaport BBCC which opened in 2022 is the first LaLaport mall in Southeast Asia. It continues to thrive with footfall increasing from two million to 3.5 million with rental rates and return on investment within BBCC seeing positive growth, indicating a promising market.
As new developments emerge, there is a commitment to preserving the heritage of Pudu alongside modernity, creating a balanced and vibrant urban environment.
Currently, there are ongoing efforts to enhance BBCC's frontage along Jalan Hang Tuah and improving the area around the transit hub. One such initiative is the revamping of the former BBCC Sales Gallery into Tuah 1895, a new "eatertainment" dining hub set to open in 2024. Tuah 1895 is where Kuala Lumpur's rich mosaic of flavours and heritage converge at the culinary centre of BBCC.
BBCC is a proud winner of The Edge Malaysia Excellence in Place Regeneration Award at The Edge Malaysia Property Excellence Awards 2023, which recognises successful catalytic projects that have rejuvenated an area. This award celebrates outstanding achievements in place regeneration, acknowledging innovative strategies and transformative effort that breathe new life into urban spaces.
