Nature sanctuary, future city
IMAGINE waking up to sterling views of lush greenery, or stepping out from the office into an invigorating environment that is something of a nature sanctuary.
Consider the extent of urban liveability and workability that can be expected of a smart and inclusive township with buildings and facilities that respond to our everyday needs.
These are inviting notions, true to the vision for a smart sustainable city that is essentially designed to heighten quality of life whilst bringing communities back to nature.
Such is the premise that undergirds Gamula Land’s latest and arguably most remarkable launch – the sprawling 620ha Gamuda Cove that is poised to transform the landscape of southern Klang Valley.
At a gross development value (GDV) of RM20bil, the township will comprise over 20,000 units of residences, 150ha of commercial developments across five districts, 100ha of greenery and water bodies, and 175ha of infrastructure and amenities, which will be launched in phases and completed over the next 20 years.
“Through mindful master planning, Gamuda Cove’s focus on self-sustainability, good connectivity, green-living and advanced infrastructure will make it home to new communities and businesses,” Gamuda Land project director Aw Sei Cheh told The Star at a media preview of the development.
Gamuda Land, the real estate development arm of engineering, construction and infrastructure giant Gamuda Bhd, has over two decades of experience in developing townships, high-rise developments, country clubs and commercial centres in Malaysia, and residential developments in Australia, Singapore and Vietnam.
Wetlands and woodlands
As an urban city planner, Gamuda Land espouses the importance of uplifting the wellbeing of its communities and visitors.
Correspondingly, the heart of Gamuda Cove is a 24ha central park with water features such as lakes and a 5km path for walking and cycling.
Wetlands and belts of indigenous woodlands fringe the park, with the gazetted Kuala Langat North Forest Reserve and Paya Indah Wetlands sitting on either bank adjacent to Gamuda Cove.
“When we acquired this beautiful piece of land, we studied its ecosystem to enrich the biodiversity of this place through our development,” Aw said.
Rife with native flora and fauna, the landscape masterplan also comes with Gamuda Land’s long-term commitment of upkeep.
“A development of this magnitude will require maintenance for its growth, so we will work closely with the local council,” he said.
As part of the residential portion of the township, some 2,000 units of landed homes, serviced apartments and affordable homes will be launched in three phases in the near future, totalling a GDV of circa RM1.5bil. The first residential phase Palma Sands with four categories of gated and guarded link with built-ups ranging between 1,824sqft and 2,620sqft will be launched by year end.
At an average price per sqft (psf) of RM473, apartments and landed homes at Gamuda Cove will start at indicative prices of RM350,000 and RM680,000 respectively.
Smart facilities
The township’s commercial centre constitutes a quarter of the entire development with its five districts segmented as the Central Business District (CBD); Leisure and Entertainment District; Art, Culture and Tourism District; Knowledge and Information Corridor; and Wellness Oasis. Gamuda Cove has obtained a Green Building Index gold rating for its CBD planning assessment.
In addition to generous portions of nature, Gamuda Cove will offer green transportation such as trams within the CBD, and shuttle bus service connecting its community to surrounding amenities such as the KL International Airport (KLIA), KLIA2 and Putrajaya Sentral Station.
The developer keeps an eye on the future with wireless communications and networks as one of the bedrocks of the smart city. With advanced digital infrastructure such as 5G connection, revolutionary facilities such as smart traffic lights will promote efficient traffic management.
In the same vein, the integration of pedestrian walkways and ready infrastructure for Smart Transit Vehicles as well as smart vehicle charging stations are aimed at minimising carbon footprint. The steps taken to promote strong connectivity within and beyond the township would prime the city for sustained growth and implementation of future technologies.
Traffic management, health and security were among the primary benefits of smart city living, Aw said, emphasising that families should feel safe and have peace of mind in Gamuda Cove.
The construction of the 20ha Discovery Park is underway, featuring three recreational zones – Adventure Park for extreme activities, Hangout Village for unique dining experiences, and a Sports Park with international-standard sports facilities.
Gamuda Land envisions the Gamuda Cove Discovery Park, when it opens in 2019, to be a key destination for local and international visitors to explore the uniquely integrated township.
The benefits of a home, work, learning, play, shopping and other lifestyle amenities within the same place can be met with the right innovation, Aw said.
Gamuda IBS technology
Aw stressed on Gamuda Land’s capitalisation of Industrialised Building System (IBS) construction for faster delivery and quality homes, proven by full product testing and Sirim certification for every factory-produced component.
With its superior structure and notable resistance to fire and rot, the innovations of Gamuda IBS enable faster delivery, therefore, improving investment yield for investors.
“That’s something we care about as many investors are keen on our development, so we must safeguard their interest,” Aw said.
A dedicated interchange linking the North-South Expressway Central Link (Elite) to Gamuda Cove is slated for completion by mid-2019. The town is also easily accessible via the Elite Highway, Putrajaya-Cyberjaya Expressway, South Klang Valley Expressway (SKVE), the proposed West Coast Expressway (WCE), and more.
Alternatively, public transportation such as the Express Rail Link ERL, RapidKL, Park N Ride, and proposed MRT to the Putrajaya Sentral Station is a brief ride away via shuttle service.
“We have crafted our Gamuda Cove masterplan for the community’s comfort and convenience. We are committed to building good towns that stand the test of time and to grow sustainably for generations to come,” said Aw.
To learn more about the township, drop by Gamuda Cove’s first Experience Gallery grand opening on Sept 23 at USJ Taipan in Subang, Selangor.