There are few townships in Peninsular Malaysia which are developed on barren mine and they have sold very well.
One to look at is the 189.2 hectare Desa ParkCity, which emerged out of a barren mine in Bukit Menjalara, Kuala Lumpur to become the city's first-ever urbanist township.
ParkCity Group, a subsidiary of Miri-based Samling Group, acquired the Desa ParkCity site with a rocky and hilly terrain in 1999.
Unveiled in 2002, the township made its mark through its innovative placemaking, housing concepts, and designs which other developers have copied.
One of the most defining features in this multi-billion ringgit township is the pet-friendly Central Park.
The idyllic Central Lake at the core brings every aspect of the park together in offering a green and nature-centric haven spanning 40 football fields for residents and communities. Available park amenities for the use of every visitor include tree-lined wide jogging paths, walking pathways, childproof children's playground, and iconic park benches.
Central Park's uniqueness also stems from the wide array of plant species incorporated throughout its environment. These include over 125 tree species, 15 palm species, 54 shrub species, and 10 aquatic species spread across the park.
In providing a life of convenience to residents with a variety of amenities and facilities readily available, ParkCity developed The Waterfront, an iconic retail entertainment centre and Plaza Arkadia, a British colonial-style architecture "lifestyle destination" offering offices, SOHOs, and shops like restaurants, coffee bars, and a supermarket.
Challenges in the past to multiple awards today
It wasn't all that easy for the developer when it began developing the Desa ParkCity site in 1999. The planning, design, and construction of this township were challenging given the poor soil condition and the presence of granite.
The area's rocky nature with a large reserve of granite rocks was not only challenging but it incurred much work and capital outlay to have it ready for development.
Fast forward to today Desa ParkCity is one of the most successful and connected townships in Kuala Lumpur and has won multiple awards.
The township is located between Petaling Jaya and Mont Kiara, with Kuala Lumpur City Centre just 15 km away. Those from other towns can easily access the township through several major highways including Duta-Ulu Klang Expressway, Damansara-Puchong Highway, and the New Klang Valley Expressway.
With the nearby Mass Rapid Transit Line 2 expected to be operational in 2021, accessibility in and out for residents will be further enhanced.
Desa ParkCity is already a thriving neighbourhood with a population of 16,500 residents.
ParkCity has sold more than 4,000 homes which include landed and high-rise residential properties, and 520 commercial parcels in Plaza Arkadia, a hybrid mixed-use development.
The residential properties are considered to be the most expensive in Klang Valley. The homes have registered compounded capital appreciation of about 100 per cent to 150 per cent or more since 2002.
The developer added value to the township by building the ParkCity Club with first-class facilities for relationship-building sports and relaxation activities to serve the community.
In fact it is still developing the site to strengthen the township's legacy as one of the most sought-after places for Malaysians to call home.
"Desa ParkCity is well-known for its master-planned township and community, and we must maintain it so especially during these trying times. By following closely to our five-pillar philosophy, we will continue to provide developments that can uplift the lives of our homebuyers and help them embrace the new normal," said ParkCity group chief executive officer Datuk Joseph Lau.
Lau said the township has provided numerous property types ranging from park homes, apartments, condominiums and bungalow lots, to park front condos, semi-detached homes, garden condominiums, and regal park homes that cater to different needs.
These neighbourhoods are enhanced with meandering walkways, invigorating landscapes, waterparks, and wonderful gathering spots - all to encourage interaction within the communities, he said.
Upcoming project
Lau said moving forward, ParkCity will be launching an exciting development, Park Place, before the end of this year.
Park Place will be the first-of-its-kind condominium development set within ParkCity TownCenter.
Spanning over 1.82ha, Park Place will have 54 floors with a total of 537 units.
ParkCity aims to incorporate a fresh concept that extends one's home to an over 20,000 sq ft of social spaces for work, learn, play and mingle.
Lau said with substantial green areas and natural lighting, Park Place is set to become an exciting high-rise living space offering a balanced and holistic lifestyle incorporating working, social and private spaces to the home.