Hong Kong – Lead8 celebrated the launch of the KIARA BAY masterplan this month – joining UEM Sunrise and Melati Ehsan Group for the official unveiling event in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The 73-acre masterplan development is poised to transform one of Kuala Lumpur’s earliest townships into an inspiring eco-living destination. Located next to the popular Kepong Metropolitan Park which covers 235 acres and nearby the historical 1357-acre FRIM (Forest Research Institute of Malaysia), the new masterplan offers a first-of-its-kind living experience in Malaysia’s capital.

Lead8’s masterplan seeks to emulate the balance of city, nature and leisure and is comprised of three main districts – The Waters, The Walk and The Village. Embracing the 140-acre lake at the heart of the site, ‘The Waters’ district is defined by the landmark towers which provide the visual reference points for the development and sweeping views of the landscape.

The major leisure and retail district featuring integrated office, hotel and serviced apartments sits at the centre of the design. Known as ‘The Walk’, the area is the connective point to the retail destination, MRR2 interchange, MRT link road and a ten minute walk or three minute cycle to all parts of the township. Anchoring the east of KIARA BAY is the compact community cluster known as ‘The Village’, designed around a lively community park and fronted by a wellness centre, retirement living, community retail hub and education facility.

By activating the lakefront and interconnecting a series of retail, leisure and community spaces, the masterplan seeks to maximise the pedestrian and cycle experience for visitors and residents. Supporting healthier lifestyles, improving air quality and reducing vehicular traffic demand, helps to elevate the long term liveability and sustainability of KIARA BAY. The design has been guided by the EIU Global Liveability Index, Mercer Quality of Living Factors and the UN Sustainable Development Goals emphasising sustainable cities and communities.

The design will be realised over the next decade, integrating with the latest cellular network technology and becoming the home to a population of more than 40,000 once complete.