Developments in Kuching

Much has happened since i left on 18th August 2007, didn't even have the time to drive round Kuching before i left....

The Plaza Merdeka development will be a part of the revitalization of Kuching’s historic district. Located in the heart of Kuching city, it is only steps from the magnificent & bustling waterfront. Nearby is Chinatown with its quaint streets, numerous temples, the renowned Sarawak Museum, the old State Mosque with it’s five golden domes, old shops and streets brimming with history and character and other noteworthy heritage buildings too numerous to mention. The Shopping Mall boasts a gross area of over half a million sq ft with a nett lettable area of 350,000 sq ft. The discerning feature of the mall will be its huge 9,000 sq ft four-storey high garden podium for promotions and exhibitions. There will be a departmental store, supermarket, coffee shops as well as a food court . The mall is targeted at the local and tourist markets. Ample car parks spread over 6 acres is provided for on levels B2 & B3 with multiple access points to the mall. Vehicular access will be a breeze through its wide multiple entries and exits. The area traffic flow will also be revised to alleviate congestion and improve the flow of traffic through the district. The ample parking will also serve to enhance the pedestrian flow of the surrounding vibrant retail streets. The mall shall serve as an oasis amidst the old historic buildings. With its unrivalled garden like setting, its shopper friendly layout and good retail mix, it will be a desired shopping destination that will be hard to beat. Complementing the mall is a boutique business & tourist hotel. The hotel, situated above the mall will have a panoramic view of the river, Astana, the new state of the art DUN building & Fort Margherita on one side and the Padang Merdeka and Sarawak Museum on the other. It will be housed over eight levels and will feature designer interiors with state of the art connectivity for the discerning business and tourist traveler. It will be an integrated component of the complex and will complement the area to enhance its potential as a destination in the heart of the City. This modern, state-of-the-art shopping mall and hotel development within a classical building façade, designed by renowned Architect Yolanda David Reyes (YDR design, Manila Philippines) in the historical district of Kuching City will add life, vibrancy and excitement to this landmark site. Together with the other developments in the general vicinity and beyond this development will provide the impetus to transform this Historic District into a premier tourist and retail area rivaling the best in Asia where amidst this picturesque setting one can find anything from trinkets to designer apparels, food and entertainment outlets and all manner of quaint shops in between.