BY CAITLYN NG LI YUIN
Who would have thought that the once-sleepy area of Subang Jaya would now be a booming and bustling town?
What comes to mind when "Subang Jaya" is mentioned? People will get the initial impression of a renowned educational hub, and that's no surprise considering how some of the nation's top schools, colleges and universities can be found there. But is that all there is to this rapidly developing area?
The benefits of investing in a neighbourhood as strategically located Subang Jaya are many, when one takes into consideration the important factor of connectivity. It makes for a highly sought-after address, with property prices rising steadily. As an example, non-landed residential properties commanded an average transacted price psf of RM581 psf in Q3 2014, which is an increase of 15% from RM506 psf in Q3 2013.
Host of amenities
Subang Jaya certainly has plenty of hidden gems. Apart from creature comforts such as well-equipped medical centres, cafes and eateries, as well as entertainment outlets, there are also plenty of shopping malls for some retail therapy. Alongside the older and established ones (Subang Parade and The Summit, to name a few), there are also Empire Shopping Gallery and One City.
Heightened connectivity
Subang Jaya is an area that enjoys ease of access to other prominent areas, with no shortage of major highways and main arteries. Going to and fro is a breeze via the Damansara-Puchong Expressway (LDP), Federal Highway, Shah Alam Expressway (KESAS), New Klang Valley Expressway (NKVE) and New Pantai Expressway (NPE). As for public transportation, there is the existing KTM Komuter train, as well as the upcoming Kelana Jaya LRT line extension, which will be at the existing Subang Jaya station. There are also two upcoming stations at SS15 and SS18.
Bird's eye view of the Subang Jaya town.
Multi-modal transport hub
The area is not without its flaws. The Subang Jaya municipality has a current approximate population count of 740,000 (source). Due to the high numbers, the roads can become heavily congested during peak hours, and there have been many complaints of parking woes. Relief comes in the form of the first transit-orientated development as part of an urban regeneration scheme of the Subang Jaya City Centre (SJCC).
The transit-orientated development is sited on more than 12 hectares, and its master plan is to create a multi-modal transport hub that seamlessly integrates a mix of retail, hotel, service apartments, SOHO and office suites. Expect to find world-class facilities and infrastructure on site, courtesy of Sime Darby Property who engaged the services of Benoy, an award-winning internationally-recognised designing company. The design concept aims to maintain a green vision, and is inspired by the natural history of the site and the intricate patterns of the oil palm tree. It will serve to become the nexus between the community and businesses.
Tropicana Metropark is also another project to look out for. It offers a harmonious blend of educational, medical, commercial and public infrastructure which can all be found within one development. Set to become a self-sustained township, this development is brought together by a landscaped 9.2-acre linear park which acts as the social heart and green lung for residents and visitors alike. The Central Park has been completed and they have recently introduced a commercial component, Midori Flexi Suite.
Additionally, a recent partnership with global educational group GEMS Education sees Tropicana Metropark benefitting from a RM50 million international school campus. Upon its completion in 2017, it will be able to take up to 2,400 students, supported by 450 teachers and staff.
With these upcoming developments complementing the existing ones, Subang Jaya is looking all set to blaze the trail as a modernised and revitalised town fit for living and investing alike.
