KUCHING: A new project in Pending here is set to breathe new life into the area with its integrated development of apartments, shoplots and a hotel.
Sarawak Premier Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the Neu Pendington project would complement urban renewal efforts in Kuching while providing conducive amenities to Sarawakians and investors.
"This project will change the landscape of Pending into a modern area.
"Pending is a strategic area near the Sarawak River and across from Petra Jaya, where we are currently renewing Kampung Seberang Hilir through the Darul Hana development project.
"So this whole area will be developed while retaining Kuching as a heritage city," he said at the earth-breaking ceremony for Neu Pendington on Monday (Sept 12).
The project is a joint venture between Uda Holdings Bhd and the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).
Abang Johari said the state government's approach to urban renewal involved modernising the older parts of town while preserving heritage areas.
"Both aspects are important in developing Kuching. For instance, areas like Padungan and Main Bazaar are part of the city's heritage zone.
"Other areas outside the heritage zone can be redeveloped into modern areas which reflect the culture and way of life of the people of Kuching," he said.
Meanwhile, UDA Holdings chairman Datuk Norliza Abdul Rahim said Neu Pendington would have a gross development value of RM496mil comprising two apartment blocks, stratified shop offices and a 200-room hotel.
"The project is expected to be fully completed in 2029, with phase one completed in 2026 and phase two in 2027," she said, adding that it would also have an autonomous rapid transit (ART) station for the new public transport system being developed by SEDC subsidiary Sarawak Metro.
