FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND STRUCTURE

KKKH 4284
SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT

TASK 7: URBAN RENEWAL

Students Name:
MUHAMMAD IMRAN BIN MOHD JUNAIDI
Matric No.
A133239
Lecturers Name:
PROF. IR DR. RIZA ATIQ BIN O.K. RAHMAT

TASK 7: URBAN RENEWAL

Kajang has transformed itself from a small old town to a big modern town by designing and
developing new township such as Bandar Baru Bangi and Bandar Seri Putra as well as
extending its CBD (central business district) such as extension to Sungai Chua. However, its
centre is inadequately transformed and most of its residences are working in Kuala
Lumpur and other external areas. Write your vision and plan for Kajang to transform its town
centre and to be a self-reliance town.

INTRODUCTION
Kajang is an old town in the eastern part of Selangor, situated 21 kilometres from Kuala
Lumpur. Kajang is the district capital of Hulu Langat governed by the Majlis Perbandaran
Kajang. This city is included in Klang Valley or Greater Kuala Lumpur because the position
of Kajang is between the three major cities (Kuala Lumpur, Seremban and Putrajaya).
Kajang's main population centres are Sg. Kantan, Sg.Jelok, Sg.Ramal, Sungai Chua, Sg.
Sekamat, Bandar Mahkota, Jalan Reko, Jalan Bukit, Bandar Sungai Long, Bandar Tun
Hussein Onn, Cheras Perdana. However, its center is inadequately transformed. Urban
renewal is needed in order to change the old Kajang center.

Urban renewal is a program of land redevelopment in areas of moderate to high

density urban land use. The process has had a major impact on many urban landscapes, and
has played an important role in the history and demographics of cities around the world.

Urban renewal involves the relocation of businesses, demolition of structures, relocation of

people, and the use of eminent domain (government purchase of property for public purpose)
as a legal instrument to take private property for city-initiated development projects.

OBJECTIVE
The key objective of Kajang transformation is to develop a sustainable modern city. This
could be achieved based on the following concepts;
i.

Vibrant City Centre -compact city; mixed used activity centres and corridors

ii.

Transit supportive

iii.

Ecological optimisation

THE TRANSFORMATIONS
i)

Vibrant Centre City-compact city; mixed used activity centres and corridors;
therefore promoting Complete Communities and Strong Residential

A compact and well-designed urban form that efficiently utilizes land and
infrastructure

Along with the demand for compact structures, an important condition was that all corner
plots should be built on. Masjid Kajang will be placed at the center of this development; as a
center for the residents and the working people activities. There also will be green spaces and
water features around this area.

Variety of housing forms at transit supportive densities, local services, school, public
parks, spaces and other amenities and employment opportunities

The new development of Kajang centre should expand along Jalan Cheras. Stadium Kajang
will be demolished and turned into blocks of residential housing. Different housing options
(private apartments, social housing, private homes); housing for disabled persons; housing for
different ethnic representatives; old people centre as well as private child-minding. The

materials for house building construction are non-toxic and recyclable to prevent more
construction waste and also cost to bring them outside the area.

Mix used activity center

New landmark of Kajang

The other side of the main road, will be the government and private offices in multi
storey building (100 stories, perhaps) with same concept of Urban Transformations Centre in
Malaysia (UTC). It is a one-stop centre that brings together multiple government and private
agencies under one roof for the convenience of the public. This building with modern
architectural concept will be the new landmark for the town. Next to this building is a
multiple storey parking to serve the community.
Most of the colonial-era shop houses in this area constructed around 1920s to 1930s is
a combination of traditional Chinese and European designs. These buildings will be
conserved and turned into brand-outlet boutique as many European countries did for their
death city. Metro Kajang Plaza will be upgraded to the world class shopping mall with 5-stars
hotels constructed above the mall to attract people from outside especially tourist to visit
Kajang.
ii)

Transit supportive Choices in the way to travel

The renewal of Kajang centre will be started with upgrading the existing Jalan Cheras starting
from the point X junction until Arkib Mara, Jalan Reko (point Y). This will include 700m
metres street design incorporates public and private infrastructure: streets that can be safely
crossed by pedestrians, traffic flow and curbside parking that provides a buffer for walkers
from moving vehicles, attractive and broad sidewalks, and the potential for using a portion of
sidewalks next to buildings for commercial uses. Roads and walkways from outside the
central area provide easy access, with effective signage for parking and transit hubs.

To solve the traffic congestion in Kajang City Center, Bus Rapid Transit System will
be implemented to combine the capacity and speed of a light rail system with the flexibility,
cost effective and simplicity of a bus system. The bus system of Curitiba, Brazil, exemplifies
a model Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, and plays a large part in making this a liveable
city. The buses run frequently, reliably, and the stations are convenient, well-designed,
comfortable, and attractive.

BRT Curitiba, Brazil

The concept of the naked street, shared space by removing all the things that were
supposed to make it safe for the pedestrian traffic lights, railings, kerbs and road markings.
This will created a completely open and even surface on which motorists and pedestrians
negotiated with each other by eye contact. In the residential area the car access is
forbidden, except for Kajang City Center residents; cycle paths ensure access to all facilities
in the neighbourhood. Naked street are effective in traffic calming measures. Car parking
spaces are mainly arranged in small areas, either set into the hillside or at ground level.
Around a third of car parking is underground. To reduce the parking space needs in the inner
courts, a parking space ratio of 0.8 per apartment was set at Kajang center. A cycle-friendly
street layout with a designated cycle street running the length of the district.
Environmental compatibility and the compact community were the main aims of
transport planning for the Kajang center. The federal government have announced to improve
the public transport system by building a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in the Klang
Valley where Kajang is included in this system with nine stations within the Kajang
Municipal Council (MPKj) area. Out of this nine, three would be at the Kajang town centre.
The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT)service started from Sg. Buloh to Kajang(KTM station) links

the settlement with the city centre. It began construction in June 2011 and full operation is
expected to commence in 2016.
iii)

Ecological optimisation
A healthy natural environment

A comprehensive plan was required to apply best-practice principles over the entire project,
requiring strategies for responsible soil, water, and waste management, site construction
waste management, use of environmentally sound building materials, energy-efcient
construction techniques, and the use of renewable energy sources. Kajang could reduce CO 2
emissions by 50% compared to typical residential developments, through savings on aircondition, hot water, and electricity use with no reduction in living comfort or homeliness.
It was mandatory that all building construction adhere to Low Energy House (LEH)
standards, which would work in conjunction with renewable energy sources to achieve this
50% reduction goal.
A quality assurance programme was devised consisting of quality inspectors that
would examine building plans and oversee construction to ensure LEH adherence; training
sessions will be conducted to architects, builders, and tradespeople to educate them on energy
efcient construction, and advised residents on energy-saving measures.

The Mulden-Rigolen system from Germany for decentralized retention and

inltration of rainwater was used throughout Kajang to create a system of retention and
inltration that would not cause large changes to the local water ecology.

Waste

Management Concept includes building waste, and domestic and commercial waste. By
requiring developers to use materials for construction that are non-toxic and recyclable, about
80% of construction waste will not be landlled. Systems for pre-sorted waste collection,
encouragement of home composting, and encouragement for retailers to use low-packaging
retail goods were part of the domestic and household waste plan, as well as a dense network

of repair and alteration services throughout the development that encourage people to follow
the motto mend it, dont dump it.

Concept of Mulden Rigolen

A Recycling Center will also be provided at farm area. A batter system will be used
when the community send their recycling goods at this center. They could exchange with
fruits or vegetables from the farm. This activity will help to encourage the community to
recycle their recyclable item.
Farm for planting vegetables and fruits will be located along the river; could
encourage the community to fully utilise the river functions. River riparian area is the most
fertile for planting vegetables. Vertical farming concept will be used to increase the
agricultural product. A few restaurants and bakery serving the fresh food from the farm is
encouraging the community to come this area. The famous local food Satay Kajang will be
placed near the river for people to enjoy the food as well as the surrounding environment.

Local production of vegetable

Famous Satay Kajang

Besides that, river beautification and cleaning is needed for recreational usage for the
community. Restoring the river to a more natural state provides a variety of habitats for local
wildlife, including sh. Other improvements include the installation of a pedestrian path

including railing (along the river)for safety purposes, bridges, as well as planting more trees
and flowers to give a sense of freshness and beautify the surrounding area. Throughout the
construction, local materials have been used and native trees, shrubs and seeds have been
specied, to make construction more sustainable. River Front Development Guideline will be
adapted for this river stretch. River cruise could be provided for people to enjoy bot riding.
However, the responsibility and awareness of the community to take care of the river is very
important to ensure that our river is Clean, Living, and Vibrant.

River beautification encourage the community have a sense of pride of their area.
CONCLUSION
Every redevelopment/urban renewal project undertaken with the help of public investment or
privatisation, has a positive impact on the public. It brings a variety of benefits to the public
at large and especially to the neighbourhoods in which a project is undertaken. Since not all
projects are the same, nor do they have the same blighting influences, the measure of success
will vary from project area to project area. Redevelopment must always serve a public
purpose to warrant the investment of public funds.
Following are some of the public benefits, both tangible and intangible, that result from
redevelopment:

Creation of jobs. Redevelopment creates new jobs, both temporary jobs during the
construction phase and permanent jobs once a project is complete. These jobs range
from entry level service jobs to higher paying management jobs.

Creation of public infrastructure, schools and parks. Generally infrastructure

improvements associated with the redevelopment. These include site acquisition and

clearance; construction and/or reconstruction of streets, water and sewer systems; and
removal of hazardous materials or conditions.

Creation of housing. Redevelopment projects help increase and improve the citys
housing stock. The projects have created both market-rate and affordable housing.

Improved quality of life. Although difficult to measure, there are many intangible
benefits of redevelopment that fall loosely into the category of improved quality of
life. Redevelopment projects can allow residents to live near where they work,
spending less time commuting to jobs and shopping. They can help reduce the crime
rate, making an area safer. And they can improve the beauty of an area, making it
more desirable and helping boost property values.

Reduction of pollution/environmental contamination. Redevelopment also can lead to

reduced air pollution if the project includes a pedestrian orientation and is designed
around existing transit stations. Because residents can live, shop and socialize in their
immediate neighbourhoods, or take public transportation to other parts of the city,
dependence

on

the

automobile

is

reduced.

Transit-oriented

development/redevelopment also reduces traffic congestion.

Prevention of urban sprawl. Redevelopment provides an alternative to urban sprawl

by allowing infill development and adaptive reuse of inner city sites that have ceased
to function in the use for which they were intended.

Provision of retail in underserved areas. While many people take for granted the
ability to buy groceries, get a haircut or get clothes dry-cleaned near their home,
residents of older, less affluent neighbourhoods often dont have these amenities
nearby. One objective of redevelopment projects has been to revitalize retail in
underserved areas of the city.

Historic preservation. Reuse older buildings, combined with the financial incentives
that make such redevelopment feasible, have helped the city preserve its heritage for
future generations to enjoy and appreciate.