KOTA KINABALU: S P Setia Berhad held its ground-breaking yesterday for two flyovers leading into and out of Aeropod, a re-development project of the Tanjung Aru Train Station.
The completion of the flyovers, which stretch 841 metres and 318 metres respectively, will facilitate easy and safe direct access into and exit from both general directions from Kota Kinabalu City Centre and the Kota Kinabalu International Airport to the new and upcoming Tanjung Aru Train Station which is scheduled for completion by mid-2016.
Targeted to be completed by early 2018, the over RM40 million flyovers will provide seamless connection to the external urban arterial road of Jalan Kepayan.
“The ground-breaking ceremony today marks our commitment to the project and it also proves that S P Setia is unwavering in its promises to deliver the best to our stakeholders.
“This is one of the largest privately funded infrastructure projects for public use to be built here in Sabah and S P Setia is pleased to contribute to such a major transportation infrastructure that will have wide-ranging benefits for the people of Sabah,” said S P Setia Berhad chairman Tun Zaki bin Tun Azmi.
The two flyovers are an integral part of a well-conceived traffic system which also incorporates an urban grade separation network for the entire Aeropod project.
Besides these two flyovers, plans are also underway to construct two more flyovers which are part of the overall traffic dispersal scheme for this project. Total construction cost for all the four flyovers is approximately RM72.5 million.
Aeropod is a 60-acre integrated development and transportation hub anchored by prime office space, a shopping mall, high-end retail outlets, international class hotels, serviced apartments, SOVO, luxury residential towers and a modern railway station.
Approximately one third of the 60-acre land is dedicated to the railway system and public spaces while around 40 acres have been allocated for development of the other components.
The Aeropod project is set to transform the city and is one of the first projects to be sanctioned as part of the state government-sponsored Sabah Development Corridor.
The project, which commenced in 2012, is expected to be fully completed in 2022 with a gross development value (GDV) of RM1.8 billion and approximately 3.8 million square feet of gross floor area. This will include an approximately 300,000 square feet lifestyle retail mall.
“This is another great example of S P Setia’s ‘Live Learn Work Play’ development philosophy which is incorporated into each Setia project. Aeropod will be an address where all these components converge, in addition to being an integrated transportation hub,” said S P Setia Berhad Acting President & CEO Dato’ Khor Chap Jen.
To date, retail offices as well as small office versatile office (SOVOs) have been launched in phases. These are targeted for completion by end of 2016. Future launches in the pipeline include more retail offices, a boutique hotel and service apartments.
“Upon completion of Aeropod, approximately 1,656 units of apartments will cater to the housing needs of Kota Kinabalu with the residents enjoying world-class, integrated lifestyle connected to shopping, working, recreational and leisure activities right at their doorsteps, within this vibrant hub,” Khor added.
Deputy Chief Minister and Infrastructure Development Minister Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Joseph Pairin Kitingan when officiating the Aeropod Flyover ground-breaking ceremony, said the S P Setia-Sabah Government partnership to improve quality of infrastructure in the state should be emulated by every developer.
He said the company’s RM1.8 billion Aeropod development project would not only improve the socio-economic development and quality of life in its surrounding areas but also contribute to the public transportation system development there.
“The state government is spurring ongoing efforts to create a conducive business climate to attract local and international investments into the ‘Land Below The Wind’,” he said.
“The S P Setia’s contribution in improving public and private transport infrastructure through the implementation of two new flyovers can ensure efficient and organized traffic management system as part of preparations to accommodate the mega-sized Aeropod project.
“Indirectly, connectivity to rural areas through Jalan Kepayan can save more time, is more efficient and safer. Thus, the local community and businesses will profit as a result,” he added.
He said S P Setia’s first project in Sabah was also the first recognized under the sponsorship of the Sabah Development Corridor, as an integrated development project.
Pairin lauded the implementation of both flyovers to improve the transport hub’s accessibility and commended them for allocating provisions for the joint construction of a Light Railway Transit (LRT) at Aeropod in the future.
Involving local consultants and contractors, some RM300 million has been launched thus far to develop the project.