KUALA LUMPUR: The changes set to take place in Selangor's capital city, in the form of the Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) project, has led to a growing sense of excitement among Selangorians.
They believe that the project promises something for everyone, regardless if they are families, sports fans, entrepreneurs or even the youth.
Mohamad Danial Hakim Yazid Timothy, 26, a student at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) Shah Alam, believes the stadium's potential for multi-functionality can act as a magnet for diverse activities, and even potentially shift activities from Kuala Lumpur to Shah Alam.
He is particularly excited by the prospect of having an indoor theatre in the heart of Shah Alam.
"I am a fan of theatre performances, so it will be more convenient for me to watch performances nearby instead of going all the way to Kuala Lumpur.
"What I want to see is how it (the redevelopment) can change the economy in Shah Alam and how it can attract people here instead of going to KL. Shah Alam will also enjoy an economic spillover effect of having a new stadium complex," he said.
He said the theatre complex will also enjoy the patronage of UiTM students, given that the varsity has a theatre faculty. This, he said, will provide students with more options to join theatre productions and participate in performances, with visitors able to enjoy these shows as well.
He also expressed hope that facilities will be accessible to Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), making the area more inclusive.
The demolition of the Shah Alam Stadium began on Monday after being granted approval by the Shah Alam City Council, paving way for the development of the KSSA.
The construction is divided into three phases, with phase one involving the building of a new main stadium, an outdoor sports area, a parking plaza, and the integrated transportation terminal, set for completion by 2026.
The second phase would focus on developing commercial and cultural facilities, including a sports wing, a youth wing, a theatre, retail outlets, and a recreational area.
The final phase would add further infrastructure, including a hotel. Once fully completed in 2029, KSSA's centrepiece would be an ultra-modern stadium with cutting-edge facilities such as a transparent roof, a retractable pitch, ample retail spaces, a vast concourse, temperature regulated seats for the comfort of fans.
Meanwhile, Mohd Faisal Mohd Isa, 51, a private sector employee, echoed support for the development, particularly in providing infrastructure such as a hotel to accommodate sports enthusiasts and event-goers.
"If there is a (football) final, supporters can use the facilities, such as the hotel. There is no need to find a hotel that is far away, just check in and walk to the venue.
"I'm also excited over the wide range of public transportation choices, including the Light Rail Transit 3 (LRT3). This will make getting to the KSSA easier and more organised.
Faisal is also pleased over the prospect of the stadium having a retractable pitch.
"(Being the) first to have one would be a boost, especially if Selangor reaches the cup final, then I'd be over the moon," Faisal said.
Nur Aziz Rahim, 43, envisioned the venue as a hub where families and communities can come together.
"It will be a place where husbands can enjoy football matches while wives can take their children for recreational activities or dine in any of the restaurants.
"We (can) establish this as a central point in Shah Alam where families and communities can get together, fostering better unity and togetherness among Malaysians.
"This is an opportunity to bring everything together, sports, recreational spaces, to strengthen our social system (fabric)," he said.
Entrepreneur Satya Banu, 45, said having a hotel and event spaces as part of the KSSA can boost business opportunities.
"For the hotel, apart from just accommodation, we can also hold business events.
"As for the indoor theatre, we can organise cultural events and even art shows. This would be a great opportunity to stage productions like 'wayang kulit' to help the younger generation learn about our culture," she said.
Lena Ros, 51, a trader, said the KSSA is bound to create job opportunities, including for fresh graduates.
"All these facilities will definitely create plenty of job opportunities, which is what Malaysia needs.
"Students, for example, need internship training. The KSSA can provide these and more, and in the long run widen the pool of the local workforce," she said.
A trader, Yen Yon, 33, is pleased over the decision to retain a designated spot for Shah Alam's famous bazaar near the stadium.
"If there's a concert, there's bound to be a crowd. So when a concert comes up and popup stores are set up, I would be interested in joining (and selling my products)," she said.