This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on July 29, 2024 - August 4, 2024

Located in Taman Subang Ria, one of the largest privately owned urban parks in Subang Jaya and opened in 1982, PARC is a 7½-acre community hub developed by Sime Darby Property Bhd (KL:SIMEPROP) in collaboration with social enterprise Epic Communities.

Built as an urban showcase for community and sustainable living, PARC was opened in July 2023 and has welcomed more than 50,000 visitors. “[We] initiated the PARC project in June 2019 and, by December 2020, the vision had begun to materialise, with plans to pilot PARC. Construction started in April 2022, and PARC was fully realised by June last year,” says Sime Darby Property chief operating officer — integrated development Datuk Mohd Idris Abdullah.

In fact, the project was conceived with the help of the community via public feedback and surveys. “The community expressed a desire for various features, and we listened. They wanted a tranquil place to relax, a cosy spot for coffee and socialising, pet-friendly areas, picturesque picnic spots, spaces for group discussions, reading nooks and essential public amenities such as toilets, parking and a prayer room,” he adds.

“We’ve delivered on these requests, providing event spaces, an open fitness area, workshops, creative hubs and a recycling and upcycling yard.”

With a built-up area of 19,400 sq ft, PARC currently comprises a multi-purpose community space known as PARC Hub, which houses multi-functional event spaces, eateries, a café and makerspace, and an upcoming sustainability lab, along with basic amenities such as toilets and a surau.

For the project’s second phase, there will be space for an urban farm, microfest and a farm-to-table restaurant, says Mohd Idris. “In addition to serving the community, PARC is a beacon of environmental sustainability. We’ve established an urban farm that supplies fresh produce, effectively reducing the carbon footprint by shortening the food chain. We’re conserving biodiversity by planting endangered and rare trees, offsetting carbon emissions through afforestation, and managing solid waste through recycling initiatives. Moreover, we are harnessing clean, renewable energy with solar PV panels.”

It is clear that PARC’s mission is to be more than just a space. “To us, it’s a living, breathing example of the future of sustainable living, featuring prefabricated tiny homes, modular buildings and off-grid systems. It’s a testament to what we can achieve when we work together towards a common goal of sustainability and community well-being.”

As a model for community and sustainable living, PARC @ Taman Subang Ria has received Special Mention at The Edge Malaysia Best Managed & Sustainable Property Awards 2024 under the Below 10 Years — Specialised category.

To ensure PARC is financially sustainable, the developer, which has invested about RM10 million in the project, leverages a diverse revenue model and a commitment to social innovation.

In addition to a mix of short- and long-term rentals at PARC, which generates a monthly income of RM100,000 to RM200,000, the project is supplemented by funding from Yayasan Sime Darby (YSD), the philanthropic arm of Sime Darby, says Mohd Idris. “Events and programmes, often co-supported by YSD, contribute significantly to our operational expenses.”

PARC has four distinct rental spaces: The Function Room, which is ideal for meetings, private events, talks and seminars; The Hall, which accommodates pop-up markets, group activities and workshops; The Xchange, a creative hub for woodworking, cooking classes, makerspaces and a recycling and upcycling yard; and The Eatery, a spot for various F&B outlets and cafés.

The project also leverages eco-friendly furnishings and features such as 114kW solar panels, recycled art and rainwater recycling systems.

Meanwhile, the project’s maintenance costs, which range from RM100,000 to RM200,000 monthly, cover facility management, cleaning, landscaping, pest control, security, and operational fees and licences. “In addition, land-related costs, including quit rent and assessment fee, are more than RM600,000 annually, despite Taman Subang Ria’s recreational zoning,” says Mohd Idris.

“To break even, we are focused on optimising our operational efficiency, expanding our income sources and continuously engaging with the community to ensure PARC remains a vibrant and valued destination. Our financial strategy is designed to ensure that PARC not only sustains itself but also thrives as a beacon of community-driven, sustainable development.”

Over the next three years, YSD will disburse funding exceeding RM1 million through a sponsorship agreement to bolster the placemaking efforts at PARC. “This long-term funding arrangement is particularly beneficial for a nascent space such as PARC, which is focused on building its community and outreach initiatives,” says Mohd Idris.

Last year, the developer organised activities such as festivals and bazaars, community initiatives, recycling and repair workshops, biodiversity classes, and community social celebrations.

The developer is in the midst of developing The Farm and PARC Village at PARC. “The Farm will integrate the establishment of a community farm, agritech farming techniques and the launch of a farm-to-table restaurant. These initiatives will promote local agriculture, reduce food miles and offer the community fresh, healthy dining options,” says Mohd Idris.

“PARC Village will establish a welcoming gateway into a vibrant microforest, foster biodiversity and provide a serene environment for residents and visitors. The development of PARC Village is designed to be a model of sustainable living where every aspect, from construction to daily operations, is guided by an eco-friendly principle.”

More than just expanding its physical footprint, these projects are also about nurturing a community that values sustainability, innovation and connection to nature, he adds. “By achieving these targets, we ensure that PARC remains a thriving, resilient space for generations to come.”

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