An aerial view of the proposed public park in Taman Melawati Ampang. A convention centre will now be built on the site, causing residents to voice their dismay.

THE Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) will meet with residents over a decision to build a convention centre on land earlier designated for a public park in Taman Melawati, Ampang.

“As per instructions from Selangor Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, we will set up a meeting with the stakeholders next week.

“We will take their into account their concerns,” MPAJ press relations officer Norhayati Ahmad said.

Taman Melawati residents claimed that MPAJ made a U-turn on the public park after the Selangor government instructed that the land be developed into a convention centre.

They said MPAJ cancelled the proposed 1,4ha park without notifying them. Residents said they had been promised the park since five years ago when Sime Darby Property agreed to build the park next to Melawati Mall as part of its Taman Melawati redevelopment plan, which saw the construction of the mall and several high-rise residential buildings.

Meanwhile,  Sime Darby Property assured residents that they would work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the best planning and implementation of all facilities in Taman Melawati.

“We received approval from the local authority for the development of a public park and the construction of Melawati Mall at the Melawati City Centre, in 2013. The layout of the public park was finalised and approved in 2014.

“In 2016, a decision was made by the state government and local authority for a convention centre to be built at the location identified for the public park.

“We were informed that the public park was to be relocated to a site next to Serini Melawati, a residential development by Sime Darby Property,” it said in a statement.

The property developer said it remained committed to the communities in the townships it developed.