i-City in Selangor's Golden Triangle (SGT) is a process of evolution and it has started a new chapter that will see the project transforming into a prime commercial and business centre of Selangor, attracting domestic and foreign direct investments.
With 60 per cent of the gross floor area (GFA) still untapped, the potential gross development value (GDV) of the project which now stands at RM10 billion can still be enhanced further given the endless possibilities that a transformed i-City will provide.
The 72-acre freehold, integrated technology-driven project has changed over time as the developer, I-Berhad adds to it more flavours, iconic structures, modern-day technology, and lifestyle features befitting the SGT status.
As it is, the developer has added a new feature in i-City, which is the SGT Double Eye, featuring two cantilevered observation wheels with the outer wheel interlooping over the inner one.
I-Berhad founder and chairman Tan Sri Lim Kim Hong said this one-of-its-kind Double Eye is expected to boost domestic tourism.
"Among the famous ferris wheels in the world is the London Eye on the South Bank of the River Thames in London. It is Europe's tallest cantilevered observation wheel. Closer to us there is the Singapore Flyer. The Double Eye in i-City will add value to the capital city.
"We think out of the box and are not a run-of-the-mill developer. We are here to enhance the work, live, and play environment that is future-ready for the community. As we speak, work on our latest product offering, the i-City SuperApp, is already in very advanced stages," Lim told NST Property.
The i-City SuperApp is a one-stop alternative for all on-demand applications. It encompasses multiple utilities and services in a single download, with a host of advantages.
Lim said the pilot project for the i-City SuperApp, similar to WeChat and AliPay which offer a multitude of services, has started and the product will be launched this year.
"This is us serving the community, comprising the working population, residents, hotel guests, shoppers, visitors, and tourists. They can download the app on their mobile phone and use it to pay for items, book a hotel or taxi service, look for jobs, and even vacant homes in i-City, among other things. It is the ultimate in convenience at your fingertips," Lim said.
I-Berhad has invested close to RM3 million to develop the i-City SuperApp.
Majestic structures in i-City
i-City is visible from the Federal Highway when you travel to Kuala Lumpur from Shah Alam or vice-versa.
From a distance, you will see 12 imposing towers on a once semi-vacant plot of land which just housed three-storied shop-houses as recent as 10 years ago. In the coming decade, more towers will be added to leave the skyline of Shah Alam indelibly changed.
The tallest structure will be SGT Tower, initially planned as The Jewel, which will have 78 levels. This iconic structure will be a landmark building for i-City.
SGT Tower will comprise offices and a five-star hotel. As the hotel is part of the 78-storey building, this will make it the tallest five-star hotel in Selangor.
At the highest point of the tower, it offers a panoramic 360 degrees views of the capital city.
"We are excited as SGT Tower will entrench i-City's Golden Triangle status. SA Architects, the people behind the world-renowned Singapore Changi airport terminal 4, is designing the structure. This continues from our long-held belief of only working with the world's best. When we started i-City, we had American architect Jon A. Jerde of the Mall of American and Universal CityWalk fame" Lim said.
"With i-City being at the heart of SGT, it is only apt that we continue to be the lifeblood of the area in attracting foreign and domestic investments to spur the growth of Selangor's economy," added Lim.
I-Berhad recently completed its 33-storey A-Grade GBI office tower, Sumurwang Tower, which will house its corporate office, and also multinational companies and local firms.
DoubleTree by Hilton coupled with Hill10 residences and the second convention centre will be completed next year.
Already standing tall in i-City are several high-rise residential which are now home to over 5,000 owners.
Last year May the Central i-City Mall was officially opened.
To serve the growing population in i-City, it will have the LRT3 line running parallel to it come 2023/24, with the i-City station located a walk away to the development, as well as driverless smart cars and an electric tram to connect everyone.