By NUR IHSAN FADHLINA
ihsan@mystar.com.my

The “just-walk” concept is one of the most popular trends currently practiced by developers, which is embodied in the Transit Oriented Development (TOD). The focus on “Work, Live and Learn” on one location has seen the residential, commercial and office elements merged into one element.

While the concept may seem simple, these developments provide a selection of facilities within walking distance, resulting in a more sustainable and livable environment that would help reduce the carbon footprint, thus representing a better future of urban life.

1. EcoWorld: Bukit Bintang City Centre, Kuala Lumpur 

Strategically located at Jalan Hang Tuah, Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) is poised to become the new heartbeat of Kuala Lumpur.

It is set to complement the cosmopolitan splendor of future living where residential, business, retail, food and beverage, cultural and entertainment components are all integrated in a seamless manner, providing the best convenience to the community.

Additionally, BBCC features LRT, Monorail and MRT transit hub, which will eventually be connected to the upcoming High Speed Rail terminal.

To ensure pedestrians can walk to and fro BBCC safely and comfortably, three additional elevated and shaded pedestrian bridges will also link to the future Merdeka MRT Station, Berjaya Times Square and Changkat Thambi Dollah.

2. Sunway Property: Sunway Velocity, Cheras

Sunway Velocity is designed as a unique business model known as Build-Own-Operate (BOO), which allows co-investment opportunities with Sunway Property.

It embraces on all-in-lifestyle for the public and residents where residences, commercial units, healthcare facilities and a hotel are integrated into one centre.

With a 700-metre vehicle-free elevated environmental deck that links the entire development to the shopping mall, as well as the Cochrane MRT and Maluri MRT & LRT interchange stations, one can easily enjoy excellent connectivity straight into the city centre.

3. SP Setia: KL Eco City, Bangsar

Nestled within one of the most established commercial districts in Kuala Lumpur, KL Eco City is the first integrated green development in Bangsar, in which the buildings are designed to comply with the stringent criteria of various local and international green certification.

This development will be available at the end of this year consisting commercial units, hotel and high-end residential apartments, with three million sq ft of office space and 300,000 sq ft of mall retail space. In addition, a linear podium with elevated gardens at multiple levels will also be available, providing natural daylight between the vertical towers.

KL Eco City has also been designed to accommodate future traffic growth with their internal two-tier road system uniquely designed to connect to four major access roads -- New Pantai Expressway, Federal Highway, Jalan Bangsar and Jalan Maarof.

4. MKH Bhd: MKH Boulevard, Kajang

Situated in the heart of Kajang, MKH Boulevard is the first unique boulevard street concept in town, with residential homes placed above the commercial units, offering the best accessibility to the residents.

Suitable especially for small families and working singles, MKH Boulevard was also created to meet a rising demand for affordable and convenient residences in the market.

The development has easy access to major highways and many facilities such as banking, supermarkets, shopping centre and eateries, as well as public transport facilities including bus stops, taxi stands, Kajang Express Sentral Bus Terminal, Kajang KTM station and Sg Buloh – Kajang MRT line.

5. Tropicana Corporation Bhd: Tropicana Gardens, Kota Damansara

Integrating four residential towers, an award-winning one-million-sq-ft shopping mall and office space within lush landscaped gardens, Tropicana Gardens offers excellent convenience and connectivity to the residents.

This luxurious development is directly linked to Surian MRT station and has easy access to major highways. Providing more than 30 five-star facilities including Onzen pool, sauna, sky lounge and CrossFit gym. The latest serviced residence, Dianthus, promises exclusivity with only 271 units launched.

Designed with Green Building Index (GBI) standards, this project has a multitude of green features and multi-layered security.

6. Mah Sing Group: D’Sara Sentral, Sungai Buloh

Comprising retail shops, Sovo (smart office versatile office) and serviced residences, D’Sara Sentral is created to meet the demands of future urban lifestyle.

D’Sara Sentral features plenty of exciting facilities for the residents to enjoy, including lap pool, bubble pool, sky spa, yoga deck, gardens, gym room and kindergarten, encouraging the residents to practice a healthy and education-centered lifestyle.

Designed to bring a sense of peace and serenity, the Sovo units focus on the green-façade theme consisting Zen garden, meditating deck, water feature, focal bonsai and bamboo screen, creating a cosy and relaxing atmosphere for the office worker to work in peace.

7. Ekovest Bhd: EkoTitiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur

Integrating business and lifestyle needs, EkoTitiwangsa is a project focusing on creating an exclusive and a quality lifestyle.

Comprising three towers with 696 units and a selection of amenities including commercial shops, security service, barbeque area, pool, fitness, children playground and laundry room, EkoTitiwangsa offers luxury suites from 820 to 1,340 sq ft.

EkoTitiwangsa also gives the highest priority to their residents’ security where 24-hour CCTV surveillance with three-tier security feature is completed with smart card access and guard patrol.

The strategic location on the fringe of Kuala Lumpur central business district made this development easily accessible to various highways and major roads such as DUKE, DUKE phase 2, MRR1 (Jalan Tun Razak and Mahameru Highway), MRR2, and Sentul Link. LRT Ampang Line and Monorail is also available for those who want to avoid the hassle of the road.

8. Paramount Property: Paramount Utropolis, Glenmarie

Paramount Utropolis, Glenmarie's first and only university metropolis, is designed with the integration of commercial, retail and residential elements into one project development.

Strategically located at the heart of Glenmarie, this project is created to meet the needs of its future community, particularly for the student. The accommodation, eateries, retail and other amenities and facilities are all within walking distance.

Comprising grocer, 24-hour gyms, newsagents, banks, ample parking spaces, fully guarded community and a growing student population, the retail centre is a modern marketplace that promises to become the pulse of Glenmarie.