Merdeka 118 is the topic for today’s thread.

Back in 2000, PNB purchased 36 acres of prime land located between Jalan Maharajalela, Jalan Hang Jebat and Jalan Stadium in Kuala Lumpur, which included two iconic buildings: Stadium Merdeka and Stadium Negara.

These buildings were highly innovative at the time of their design, in the late 1950s and early 1960s. They were associated with the early achievements of Malaya/Malaysian independence.

As Merdeka was proclaimed by our founding Prime Minister Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj in Stadium Merdeka itself, it was important for PNB to safeguard this all-important heritage.

PNB completed the restoration and conservation in 2007. As these stadiums are part of our cultural heritage, renovation works were only done indoors.

In 2007, PNB established the Merdeka Heritage Trust to restore, preserve and manage the two stadiums with the aim of promoting culture, sports, arts and heritage in Malaysia, as well as unity among Malaysians. Goal is for the stadiums to become major cultural tourism venues.

Plans for the development of the non-stadia land was unveiled in 2010. The project was first called “Warisan Merdeka”, but later changed to the current “Merdeka 118”. Proposals included a mega-tall tower, high rise residences and a retail mall.

Slated to become PNB’s flagship property development, the project fulfilled the conditions set by Kuala Lumpur’s City Council in 2013. Works officially began by early 2014.

Merdeka 118 is being developed with the same mission of promoting cultural integration as well as advancing national unity through a landmark that showcases engineering prowess and ingenious architecture, which we hope will contribute to the urban rejuvenation of Kuala Lumpur.

We have been constantly engaging with surrounding neighbourhoods to ensure that we are preserving its heritage. Cultural preservation is an important element for this development. A heritage museum and a mosque will be introduced within the overall development.

This primarily office tower will also comprise of luxury Park Hyatt Hotel (top 17 floors) and 2 floors of PNB Observation Deck (Level 115 and 116). The lookout point will have a vantage point with the best views of the city.

It will also feature the Merdeka@118 retail mall, which will offer a mix of destination retail offerings as well as convenience and essentials for local residents.

Poised to be the tallest building in Malaysia, the whole development sits adjacent to Stadium Merdeka. Modernising and revitalising this historical and culturally rich area, making it a place where all Malaysians can be proud of.

The tower itself will be surrounded by three premium residential towers (Merdeka Residences). The whole development sits within a new 4-acre linear park known as ‘Merdeka Boulevard@118’, which comprises of new green open public spaces and attractions.

Apart from being attractive, the development is also designed to be practical. Income generation for PNB is set to derive from rental revenue – office, retail mall, serviced residences and concerts/sporting events in the two stadiums. This will contribute to the dividends.

The tower will be easily accessible from all major landmarks and commercial centres in Kuala Lumpur, by road or rail. PNB has heavily invested in infrastructure upgrades for the surrounding precinct.

To ensure seamless connectivity, the development will be connected to all rail lines – Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), Light Rail Transit (LRT) and Monorail stations. Being built with tourism in sight, the development also has dedicated parking bays for buses.

PNB Merdeka Ventures (wholly owned subsidiary of PNB) has been collaborating with numerous teams who are experts in their respective fields (a good mixture of global experience and local expertise) to ensure that the precinct is world class and uniquely Malaysian.

From a sustainable point of view, Merdeka 118 aims to be the first Malaysian tower to achieve a triple-platinum rating with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED), GreenRE and Green Building Index certification.

Ways to reduce energy consumption and improve efficiency were strategically implemented during the development phase. It was designed according to the International Green and Efficiency Standards (LEED Platinum), which requires strict energy efficiency controls.

Amongst the green initiatives are solar panels that cover the entire water supply for the hotel, LED lighting throughout the building, rainwater capture for irrigation, greywater capture for reuse and air conditioning that will flow up from the floor.

PNB is passionate in making sure that Merdeka 118 (and the precinct) is a place of celebration for everyone.

The combination of the iconic architecture, timeless heritage and carefully curated events will deliver a significant and exciting global destination befitting the significance of this historic site.

Two heritage sites, a towering skyscraper, a luxury hotel, high rise residences, a modern retail mall, uniquely situated around areas such as Petaling Street and Kampung Attap. All in all, if KLCC is the hub, then Merdeka 118 is set to be the soul of Kuala Lumpur.

These photos were taken in late February 2020

And this was taken on Level 91