Johor Corporation (JCorp) has recently announced the commencement of key infrastructure developments for the Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD), namely the Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe. The public infrastructure upgrade is part of the fulfilment of the IIBD Blueprint for Integrated Connectivity Plan to improve the accessibility for both vehicular and foot traffic, and the provision of retail space that is conducive, comfortable and safe to achieve IIBD's agenda to become the central business district in Johor Bahru city.

The event was officiated by YAB Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia, accompanied by YAB Dato' Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin, Menteri Besar of Johor.

In his keynote speech, YAB Dato' Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, "As IIBD is set to be the region's emerging investment hub, the three public infrastructure components, which is the Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe collectively present enhanced connectivity that will strengthen the business district and link facets of communities. The Flyover will improve traffic flow along critical corridors to accommodate the local population growth, besides expediting the transportation of goods to the local and international markets. This upcoming public infrastructure upgrade in the heart of Johor Bahru marks yet another significant collaboration between the Federal and State Governments to bridge a new mobility culture among the rakyat and citizens of IIBD, by connecting them to the economic opportunities and systems that will allow them to thrive.”

YAB Dato' Seri also announced the RM250 million Facilitation Fund from the Federal Government to drive the development of Johor Bahru's public infrastructure and to ensure the integrity of the Integrated Connectivity Plan of IIBD Blueprint for the Flyover and Link Bridge. The funding will be provided through the Unit Kerjasama Awam Swasta (UKAS), which is responsible for monitoring and implementation of such projects.

YAB Dato' Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin said in his opening speech, "The significance of today's event is well aligned to the Mobility goal of IIBD with the commencement of public infrastructure upgrade for Link Bridge, followed by the Flyover. The Link Bridge will be a 268-metre walk, connecting JB Sentral to PERSADA Annexe with conducive, comfortable and pedestrian-friendly streetscape and linkages, while the Flyover will link from Tebrau Corridor into IIBD connecting Coronation Square, as part of the Integrated Connectivity Plan of IIBD Blueprint.”

In addition, YAB Dato' Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin said, "Indeed, IIBD is poised to be the next economic powerhouse within the southern gateway, where mobility infrastructures, entrepreneur-friendly facilities, and soon, pro-business and investment policies, are being developed and implemented to ensure IIBD is an investment-ready community. With plans for infrastructure development in place, IIBD is to become the choice location for businesses and enterprises seeking an attractive, emerging opportunity. Given its strategic positioning, a location within IIBD will offer a critical competitive advantage for any business and the potential of cross-pollination of businesses and funding opportunities is a sound proposition for both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs.”

Enhancing Mobility for Economic Growth The IIBD Masterplan is purposed to drive business and investment acceleration through key projects within IIBD as the central business district in Johor Bahru city. Infrastructure development presents as one of the prioritised focus areas to ensure IIBD becomes a choice location for its citizens and business communities, both local and foreign investors and entrepreneurs, to thrive and flourish. Under the Mobility aspect of the IIBD Blueprint, public infrastructure development and upgrading will involve the provision of traffic and pedestrian linkages and avenues.

The Flyover will stretch from Tebrau Corridor into Johor Bahru city centre, connecting to IIBD and Coronation Square. The direct ingress flyover is from Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Tebrau to Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim and Coronation Square, whereas the direct egress flyover connects from Jalan Abdullah Ibrahim and Coronation Square to Jalan Tun Razak and Jalan Tebrau. The new road alignment of the double decker "8” flyover will provide a more direct and shorter route to ease traffic flow, thereby improving accessibility in the city centre and address the issue of traffic congestion by improving the design and road alignment.

The development of the Flyover will have a Gross Development Value (GDV) of RM120 million, and construction is expected to commence in 2018 for a period of 2 years, after which it will be handed over to the management under Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru.

The Link Bridge will be developed to cater for pedestrian facilities based on the IIBD Blueprint. The Link Bridge is a 268-metre pedestrian walkway that connects from JB Sentral to PERSADA Annexe through KOMTAR JBCC. It is expected to be completed within 18 months and will be managed via a concession period with Majlis Bandaraya Johor Bahru as the ultimate owner of the public facility.

The Link Bridge will serve as a provision towards efficient pedestrian connectivity to provide comfortable and safe avenues for pedestrian movement, besides a lively and competitive ambience for retail in IIBD. IIBD is designed to be a walkable city with future integrated pedestrian linkages that will link offices and parking facilities in the business district within a walking radius of 250 metres. The provision of such facilities will instil a culture of walking and at the same time promote a healthier lifestyle among its citizens.

Powering Entrepreneurs through Infrastructure As the emerging hub to house local and international entrepreneurs and investors, IIBD will foster entrepreneurial growth with the upcoming construction of PERSADA Annexe, set to be built on the current carpark area of PERSADA abutting the PERSADA building. The design, quality of the built environment and well-developed infrastructure are key factors in the global competition for capturing investor and entrepreneurial interest.

PERSADA Annexe will house retailers in a dedicated space of 83,000 square feet retail centre, catering for adequate physical facilities and networking connectivity in place for businesses to thrive. It will be well connected to the Johor Bahru Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine (CIQ) Complex, through the KOMTAR JBCC and City Square Mall, PERSADA Johor International Convention Centre and will eventually be connected to Coronation Square and Galleria.

The Flyover, Link Bridge and PERSADA Annexe will be developed by Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd, as one of the developers within IIBD. The appointment represents a meaningful and significant public-private partnership in the co-creation process Johor Corporation is undertaking with the people, entrepreneurs and businesses of Johor in the design, planning and implementation of IIBD. Leveraging the upgrade of public infrastructure with the development of this dynamic retail space, these form the thrust of the Mobility lens as spaces and avenues are created to facilitate the connecting of people, ideas and businesses.