An artist’s impression of the three-storey hawker centre in Pekan Subang U6 Shah Alam.

NEWS of a proposed hawker centre in Pekan Subang U6 Shah Alam has residents excited about a possible night hub in the neighbourhood.

One of the oldest commercial areas in U6, the shoplots along Jalan TUDM lacks stalls and food operators at night.

Resident Suresh Kumar, who has lived in Taman Subang Baru for over 40 years, said they had to travel to Petaling Jaya, Sunway or Sungei Way for good hawker food.

“I am just happy that this place will have new life.

Suresh was at the press conference to announce the construction of the hawker centre by Shah Alam city councillor Foong Saik Hoong.

Echoing his sentiment was Christopher Lee, who said the stalls would boost the neighbourhood’s economic value.

He said it would give unlicensed hawkers and traders in the area an opportunity to find legitimate business.

“There will also be more nightlife opportunities here.

“The area will be brighter and we may just get good food around here,” he added.

The proposed hawker centre is part of MBSA’s development plan for the city next year.

“The project was initiated by MBSA and it is estimated to cost around RM5mil,” said Foong.

“I have only received good response for the project since I announced it to residents,” he added.

Foong said they were now in the tendering process and construction was expected to begin by the end of next year and would take approximately 24 months.

He said the hawker centre would be built on a parcel of 0.45ha state land that MBSA has acquired and converted into a commercial land with a RM1.9mil premium going to the Petaling District Office.

“We have also extended the lease to 99 years for the land that is divided into two plots at RM740,000 and RM620,000 each,” he added.

Currently there are some wooden shoplots built during the pre-Merdeka era with about 10 stalls.

The stall operators, who are currently unlicensed, would be given the first preference to trade inside the hawker centre.

“The place is currently an eyesore for the entire area.

“It is a strategic location for many people and we wanted to upgrade the facilities here,” added Foong.

An estimated 20,000 people around Pekan Subang, Kampung Baru Subang and Subang Perdana are expected to frequent the area.

The Smart Selangor free bus service also has a stop in front of the proposed hawker centre that is expected to complement the daily morning market nearby.

There will be 69 carpark bays inside the vicinity with an additional 38 motorcycle parking bays.

It will be equipped with an OKU lift and four OKU carparks as well.