KOTA KINABALU: A massive redevelopment of the popular Tanjung Aru beach area is set to kick off by early next year, said project executive director Datuk Victor Paul.

This came after the High Court dismissed a bid for judicial review of the multi-billion ringgit project on the grounds that the master plan for the development was illegal.

Victor said the first phase of the Tanjung Aru Eco Development, spanning some 26ha, would be located at the First Beach area close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport parameter.

He said Aru Gateway was part of the 348ha redevelopment of Tanjung Aru.

“We will keep the Second and Third Beach areas open to the public while work on the first phase is being carried out.

“This project is expected to be ready in 36 months,” he said.

Victor said they hoped to make some RM30bil from the sale of lots in the project’s commercial area.

“This is a sustainable development, which can generate income for the people of Kota Kinabalu and surrounding areas,” he said.

Victor said only 31% of the 348ha redevelopment area would be utilised, while the remainder would be returned to the people of Sabah through public amenities such as Prince Phillip Park.

On Tuesday, High Court Judicial Commissioner Ismail Berahim dismissed a bid for a judicial review against the project brought by six members of the Parti Solidariti Tanah Airku.

The six had named the Kota Kinabalu mayor, the Sabah government and the Lands and Survey Department director as the first, second and third respondents in the application filed last May.

The plaintiffs applied to the court for an order of certiorari against the respondents on the grounds that the development master plan was ultra vires and unlawful.