This article first appeared in City & Country, The Edge Malaysia Weekly on March 16, 2026 - March 22, 2026

Ara Damansara is set to gain a new lifestyle hub with the introduction of Arra Shopping Centre (ASC), comprising the retail components of Puncakdana Sdn Bhd’s Arra Residences and Amara Residences integrated developments that will be connected via a link bridge.

The retail hub is envisioned as a neighbourhood destination, serving residents, office workers and visitors seeking dining, leisure and everyday conveniences.

The integrated developments are scheduled for completion by 2029.

According to Puncakdana executive director Chuah Chong Ewe, ASC is designed to reflect the changing profile of Ara Damansara as the area continues to mature.

“Ara Damansara is maturing as a neighbourhood and there is a growing demand for trendy lifestyle and F&B (food and beverage) offerings. ASC will complement that by creating a more modern and premium destination where people can gather and hang out.”

ASC will feature a mix of dining, lifestyle and convenience offerings. Among the brands that have signed on are premium grocer Ben’s Independent Grocer (BIG), Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Kaiia Kanteen, Provisions Cafe, Chinese restaurant Lok Yoon, local delicacy restaurant Kaki Lima, Padi House restaurant and Japanese restaurant Kimiya.

Other confirmed F&B tenants include Claypot Sifu, Expressoul, Muu Thai, Straits House, X Office Bar, Holiao Noodles, Fire Phoenix, Hott Kitchin, Hainan Pang, Bai Pai Thai, Xin Dong Ting and Deeriang, creating a diverse selection of dining options.

Chuah says the tenant mix is being curated with an emphasis on experiences rather than purely retail offerings. “We want ASC to be more than just a place to shop. We are also looking at activity-based tenants and lifestyle experiences.”

He adds that discussions are underway with operators of rock-climbing gyms, fitness and wellness studios, children’s creativity centres and other experiential concepts that could further enhance the centre’s appeal.

The retail hub forms part of Puncakdana’s RM1.18 billion Arra Residences and the RM350 million Amara Residences integrated developments in Ara Damansara.

Arra Residences comprises three residential towers, a Grade-A office building known as CEC Tower, as well as a 130,000 sq ft retail component spread across the basement, ground and first floors of the project, which collectively form part of ASC.

Separated from Arra Residences by Jalan PJU 1A/46, Amara Residences comprises a single 29-storey tower with nine commercial units (2,000 sq ft each) on the ground and mezzanine levels, which will be part of ASC.

For Puncakdana, ASC is intended to address a gap in the neighbourhood’s retail landscape.

“The area currently lacks a larger, modern lifestyle destination where people can meet, gather and spend time. We want ASC to fill that gap while complementing existing retail centres nearby,” says Chuah.

Connectivity also plays a key role in the project’s concept. The development is within walking distance of the Ara Damansara LRT station, and the retail podium is designed to improve pedestrian links within the surrounding commercial precinct.

“As Arra Residences is also the missing link in connectivity to the Ara Damansara LRT station, it will connect the surrounding spaces and allow convenient movement between locations such as Citta Mall, Courtyard by Marriott Subang, Oasis Square, Dana 13 and other nearby amenities,” Chuah explains.

The aim, he adds, is to create a more cohesive urban environment where people can move comfortably between different destinations in the area.

Complementing the retail component is CEC Tower, which forms part of the same integrated development. The Grade-A office tower has already secured commitments from several corporate tenants, including four public-listed companies, underscoring early confidence in the project.

Meanwhile, Chuah says Arra Residences’ Tower A is now 96% taken up.

The positive response has prompted the developer to proceed with the soft launch of Tower B, marking the next phase of the project.

Tower A comprises 350 units with a starting price of RM554,000. Tower B has 500 units, priced from RM560,000 to RM915,000. Meanwhile, Tower C, which will be launched at a later date, will have 425 units, with prices between RM714,000 and RM1.153 million.

With built-ups of 721 to 1,349 sq ft, units within the development feature practical layouts for young professionals, urban households and investors seeking homes with convenient access to transport and lifestyle amenities.

The integrated nature of the project, combining residences, retail and offices within a single address, is also part of its broader appeal.

“People today are looking for developments where they can live, work and spend their leisure time within the same neighbourhood. That is the concept we are trying to create here,” says Chuah.

Once completed, Puncakdana expects its developments, anchored by ASC, to become a new focal point within Ara Damansara’s commercial and residential ecosystem.

“For us, it is not just about building residences. It is about creating a place where the community can come together,” Chuah adds.

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