KL Sentral

  In a nutshell

• WHAT TO EXPECT
  • KL Sentral, strategically nestled in the heart of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, serves as a pivotal transportation hub and a dynamic business district. This transit-oriented development marries sleek modernity with supreme functionality, offering seamless connectivity and a plethora of business opportunities. Known for its robust mix of corporate offices, luxury accommodations, and comprehensive retail and dining venues, KL Sentral stands out as a premier urban center where commerce, convenience, and culture converge.
• THE LIFESTYLE
  • The lifestyle in KL Sentral is a seamless blend of modern efficiency and integrated living, while Residents enjoy a community where convenience meets luxury, and diverse businesses flourish ltogether, creating a dynamic urban pulse that rivals KLCC.
• THE PROPERTIES
  • Each property has been meticulously designed to align with the master plan of KL Sentral, promising an integrated lifestyle of convenience and luxury. These high-rise residences set the standard for upscale urban living, offering residents direct access to major transit options and city-wide connectivity, alongside top-tier amenities and finishes. 

  Background & history

  The history of KL Sentral is richly intertwined with its development as a premier transport hub and business district in Kuala Lumpur. KL Sentral was conceptualized as part of Malaysia's Vision 2020, which aimed to transform Kuala Lumpur into a world-class city by the year 2020. The project broke ground in 1994 on the site of the old Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway marshalling yard in Brickfields. This location was strategically chosen due to its central position within the city and its potential to link various transport modes seamlessly. Since its opening in 2001, KL Sentral has grown to become the largest railway station in Southeast Asia. It’s not just the physical size that makes KL Sentral significant; its role as a transportation nexus is crucial. It integrates six major rail systems, including the KTM Komuter, Rapid KL (Light Rail Transit), KLIA Express and Transit (airport link), and the Monorail. This connectivity makes KL Sentral a pivotal gateway for both local commuters and international travelers.

  Time line

  Initial Concept and Planning

• Mid-1990s: The concept for KL Sentral was developed in response to the need for a new central business district and an integrated public transportation system in Kuala Lumpur. 

  Groundbreaking and Early Development

• 1994: The groundbreaking ceremony marks the beginning of the KL Sentral project. The site chosen was the old Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) railway marshalling yard in Brickfields, strategically close to Kuala Lumpur's central business district.
• Late 1990s: The master plan was finalized, focusing on creating a transit-oriented development (TOD). This plan included the integration of residential, commercial, and recreational areas with public transportation.

  Establishment and Opening

• 2001: The main terminal, Stesen Sentral Kuala Lumpur, officially opens. It serves as the core of the transport hub, linking six rail networks including the KTM Komuter, Rapid KL's Light Rail Transit (LRT), and the KLIA Express and Transit lines to Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

  Expansion in the 20s

• 2000s: Throughout the decade, KL Sentral saw the gradual addition of commercial developments, including prestigious office towers like Quill 7 and CIMB headquarters, which were designed to attract international businesses.
• 2010: The completion of the NU Sentral shopping mall added a significant retail and lifestyle component, connecting the transportation hub with modern urban shopping and dining experiences.
• 2013: The launch of sophisticated residential projects like The Sentral Residences, aimed at offering luxury living in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.

  Recent Developments and Future Prospects

• 2020 and beyond: Enhancement was completed to its infrastructure and integration of more green spaces and modern amenities to support KL Sentral's growth as a green and smart city. Office occupancy is steadily maintained at 95%

  The New CBD (Central Business District)

  KL Sentral is ideally located within the larger Central Business District area. Its central position makes it highly accessible from various parts of the city and beyond, including direct rail links to the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), making it a strategic base for businesses that require frequent travel and global connectivity.  Integrated Transport Hub  One of KL Sentral's most significant advantages is its comprehensive transportation network. It serves as the city's primary railway station and integrates six major rail networks, including the KLIA Express and Transit, KTM Komuter, Light Rapid Transit (LRT), and Monorail. This connectivity not only facilitates easy commuting for daily workers but also ensures that businesses can efficiently connect with clients and partners across the region.  Premier Office Space  KL Sentral offers a range of high-grade office spaces that cater to a variety of business needs, from multinational corporations to small enterprises. These include the Platinum Sentral, an eco-friendly office complex that has won awards for its sustainable design, and Q Sentral, which is known for its state-of-the-art facilities. These office complexes provide flexible and scalable office solutions that are equipped with modern amenities and high-speed internet, ideal for businesses in the technology, finance, and service sectors.  Business Services and Amenities  The area is equipped with a multitude of business-centric services including high-speed broadband, meeting and conference facilities, and support services like IT, legal, and financial consultancy. This ecosystem is designed to support businesses in various phases of growth, from startups to established enterprises.  Commercial and Retail Offerings  In addition to office spaces, KL Sentral hosts a vibrant retail environment. NU Sentral, the connected shopping mall, offers a wide array of retail, dining, and leisure options that serve not only the daily needs of the business community but also enhance the work-life balance for professionals working in the area. This mall, along with other nearby amenities, adds to the convenience and attractiveness of KL Sentral as a business location.  Global and Local Connectivity  The hub’s location and infrastructure facilitate both local and global business operations. It’s not just the direct airport link that makes KL Sentral globally connected; its integration into the city’s network via road and rail also connects businesses to the rest of Malaysia and the Southeast Asian region.  Sustainability focused  KL Sentral continues to evolve, with ongoing development focused on sustainability and innovation. Almost every building in KL Sentral have achieved green status through either Green Building Index (GBI) or LEED certification, reflecting a commitment to sustainable development practices.  .

  Highest Diversity

  Business Professionals  Given its status as a central business district (CBD) and major transport hub, KL Sentral is highly attractive to business professionals. The convenience of having office buildings and public transportation within walking distance is a significant draw. This environment is ideal for expatriates, corporate executives, and anyone involved in multinational corporations or local businesses who prioritize minimal commute times and access to Kuala Lumpur’s commercial centers.  Frequent Travelers  For those who travel often, either domestically or internationally, living in KL Sentral offers unparalleled benefits due to its direct connections to Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) via the KLIA Express. This makes it highly convenient for frequent flyers to manage their travel schedules efficiently.  Urbanites  Individuals and couples attracted to a vibrant city lifestyle will find KL Sentral appealing due to its integration of living, shopping, dining, and entertainment spaces. The availability of amenities such as NU Sentral shopping mall, various culinary options, and entertainment facilities within an urban setting caters to those who enjoy a bustling city life.  Families  Families might choose KL Sentral for its proximity to several international schools and educational institutions, making it a convenient location for expatriate and local families focused on high-quality education for their children. Additionally, the safety features, such as the presence of auxiliary police, create a secure environment for family living.  Students  Proximity to universities and educational institutions, such as Brickfields Asia College (BAC) and Veritas University College, makes KL Sentral an attractive option for students. The area’s connectivity allows easy commuting to and from various educational centers, which is beneficial for students looking for ease of access to their studies with the urban lifestyle.

  Working or Running A Business Here

  KL Sentral's strategic location and well-established infrastructure, as well as accessibility to global talents make it a whole new world in create opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs. These are the major businesses operating here.  Multinational Corporations  Many global companies have chosen KL Sentral as their regional headquarters or operational base. Among some of the big names present are: Shell, Facebook, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Agoda, Casio, each having offices here.  Financial Services  The area is home to numerous financial institutions, including banks and financial technology companies. These entities benefit from the strategic location and integrated transport links, facilitating easy access for clients and staff, and enabling efficient business operations both locally and internationally.  Information Technology and Telecommunications  Tech companies, ranging from startups to established IT firms, are drawn to KL Sentral due to its modern infrastructure, which supports high-tech communications and data management. The area's commitment to high-speed internet and digital services makes it an ideal location for businesses in this sector.  Legal and Consulting Firms  Consulting businesses, including management, legal, and technology consultants, find KL Sentral attractive for setting up their operations. The availability of flexible office spaces and proximity to clients in the central business district are key advantages for these service-oriented firms.  Retail Businesses  Retailers thrive in KL Sentral, particularly in the NU Sentral shopping mall, which links directly to the transport hub. This mall houses a variety of shops, from international brands to local boutiques, alongside food and beverage outlets that cater to the daily influx of commuters, tourists, and local workers.  Hospitality and Tourism  Given its accessibility and high foot traffic, KL Sentral is a prime location for hospitality businesses. This includes hotels, travel agencies, and related services that cater to business travelers and tourists alike. Hotels in the area often offer conference and meeting facilities, further supporting business activities.  Real Estate and Property Management  The continuous development of office towers, residential buildings, and mixed-use complexes in KL Sentral provides opportunities for real estate developers and property management companies. These businesses manage the leasing, sales, and maintenance of commercial and residential properties within the district.  Creative and Media Agencies  The vibrant, cosmopolitan environment of KL Sentral attracts creative industries, including advertising, media, and design agencies. These firms benefit from the creative milieu and the networking opportunities that a central business hub like KL Sentral offers.  Health and Wellness  Health and wellness services, including medical clinics, fitness centers, and spas, are also prevalent. These services meet the needs of the thousands of professionals working in the area, enhancing their quality of life through convenient access to health and wellness facilities.

  The Properties

  KL Sentral is a purpose-built township, thus real estate here aims to fit a specific need.     Residential Properties

• High rises: There's only 4 high rise residential properties in this township: Suasana Sentral & Suasana Sentral Loft, Sentral Suites, Sentral Residence, and St Regis. The limited supply of residential properties here real estate here to bloom even during the property market soft landing, sustaining prices and rental growth. 
• Commercial Properties
  • Corporate offices. The bulk of buildings in KL Sentral are its corporate offices, catering to multinational corporations and local conglomerates alike. Each building adheres to MSC, Green building and Grade A requirements, allowing it house complicated tech requirements, making it a favorite among modern tech companies (Thus Facebook, Google and Microsoft choosing this area as a base)
  • Hotels: being in the heart of Kuala Lumpur's transportation yields its benefits to hotelers looking to capitalise on its high traffic volume of 1 million daily footfall. The township is home to not just 5 star hotels like Le Meridien, Hilton and St Regis, but also budget hotels looking to capitalise on backpackers and budget travelers' markets.
  • Retail & shoplots: This place is smacked in the middle of the renown tourist township of Brickfields that houses KL's little India. Despite its old look, it gotten Airbnb's top 3 visited destination of 2016 and 2017, boasting of a large international tourist community. The old township houses some of KL's oldest retail lots. 

  In conclusion

  KL Sentral is Kuala Lumpur’s premier transport and business hub, offering unmatched connectivity and modern amenities. Its strategic location, comprehensive transport links, and mixed-use developments make it an ideal investment for those seeking a vibrant urban lifestyle and strong property value appreciation in the heart of the city.