KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 25 — One of Kuala Lumpur’s historic back lanes has been beautified by urban rejuvenation outfit Think City, which said it plans to extend the project to other parts of the city.
Lorong Bandar 13, a 100m alley at Jalan Hang Kasturi near the iconic Central Market, was transformed by Think City into a well-lit and pedestrian-friendly route, which includes public spaces for eating and relaxation.
The transformation cost RM 20,000 and took just over a month with the help of volunteers.
It is currently on display for public feedback before Think City replicates the efforts in at least six other similar lanes in the city.
The pilot project was launched today in conjunction of the Kuala Lumpur Design Month.
Think City programme director Neil Khor said that it is important to upgrade back lanes as these were designed more than a century ago for “functional purposes”.
“This project is aimed at increasing the functionality of back lanes. They are typically treated in a manner that tends to allow for inappropriate behaviour to take place,” Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) project implementation and building maintenance department director Mohd Sarak Surip said.
The display is open for public scrutiny for the next two weeks.
Responses will be taken into account when shaping the final design for the path, which will then be featured at the World Urban Forum in February 2018.
Think City is a subsidiary of national sovereign wealth fund Khazanah Nasional Berhad, and was founded in 2009 to rejuvenate the Unesco heritage core of George Town.
Think City has since expanded to Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur, and Johor Baru.
