Johor Bahru is making the most of its proximity to Singapore, with affordable apartments (compared to Singapore) near the future transit link.
Here is an overview of some of the major projects under construction in Johor Bahru
Johor Bahru Map
This map list projects mentioned in this article. A full list can be found at Future Johor.
[Map of Johor.]
Construction
R&F Princess Cove
R&F Princess Cove is an multi-tower apartment project next to the Johor–Singapore Causeway. Its easy access to Singapore is the main selling point of this development. The rows of apartment towers neatly stacked so close to each other highlight that this is a cheap accommodation alternative for workers who commute to Singapore.
The first lot of apartment towers have been completed with people now living there.
Next to the causeway is the Permaisuri Zarith Sofiah Opera House.
When I first saw this plan I thought they had drawn inspiration from the Sydney Opera House. Not in style but in framing a location (an iconic opera house design next to a bridge). They even show the Sydney Opera House icon on the sales page.
The opera house complex includes the sales gallery with a model of what the project will look like, including the signature tower.
The mall is now open as well, though there are not many shops open yet.
The project has been delayed during the pandemic, but construction is ongoing.
The boardwalk was already crumbling apart, and it was being repaired.
R&F Princess Cove is connected to JB Sentral and the border crossing (CIQ) by a pedestrian bridge. This bridge is 650 metres long and saves you from having to negotiate the jumbled roads of Johor.
Someone who works in Singapore could come home every night from the train station to their apartment via this bridge and never touch the ground in Malaysia.
Coronation Square
Coronation Square< is in the centre of Johor Bahru in the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD). There are several buildings planned for this project, and two of the towers at the northern end were under construction at the time of my visit.
Quayside JBCC
Quayside JBCC is a proposed apartment tower near the strait and with easy access to the border crossing. Its old town location makes for a more interesting place to live compared to the apartments going up around the city. Its location might also set a precedent for development in the area which has not been able to preserve its heritage architecture. The site is currently a car park.
One Bukit Senyum
One Bukit Senyum is being built in stages, and it includes the Menara MBJB government building.
Space Residency
Space Residency will feature a hotel tower and 60-storey apartment tower. Space Residency is near KSL City Mall and Holiday Villa. The podium was complete and work has started on the towers.
Tropicana Danga Bay and Lido WaterFront Boulevard
Tropicana Danga Bayy is a new urban area on the Sungai Sekuda waterfront, and it includes residential, commercial, and a convention centre.
Danga Bay is being built in stages, with some properties already open.
Next to Danga Bay is Lido WaterFront Boulevard, which is also by Tropicana.
The Lido site is still reclaiming land from the strait, but the advertising fences already dominate the waterfront.
Transport
Singapore–Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS Link)
Singapore–Johor Bahru Rapid Transit System (RTS Link) is a new metro line that will connect Malaysia and Singapore. The train will run from Bukit Chagar to Woodlands North, and passengers will clear Malaysia and Singapore immigration at the point of departure. Woodlands North Station will be connected to the future Thomson-East Coast MRT Line. This will replace the current JB-Woodlands shuttle train.
Work is underway on the bridge.
Construction work on Bukit Chagar is also progressing.
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