PLAZA RAKYAT IN JALAN PUDU: PHASE 1 & 2

The Plaza Rakyat Project: A Landmark Stalled in Time in Pudu, Kuala Lumpur

Plaza Rakyat is a significant and widely known mixed-use development project in the heart of Kuala Lumpur that has been abandoned since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Initiated in the 1990s, construction on the ambitious project was halted due to the developer's financial difficulties, leaving it approximately 30% completed. As of April 2024, the site in Jalan Pudu remains largely inactive, cordoned off with no significant progress despite multiple announcements of revival over the years.

The Original Vision

The original blueprint for Plaza Rakyat, designed by Skidmore, Owings and Merrill, was a grand-scale complex intended to be a major city landmark. The plans included a 79-storey office tower, a 46-storey condominium, a 24-storey hotel, and a 7-storey shopping centre. The project was also designed to integrate with and replace the old Puduraya bus depot. The first phase alone was to feature a large retail plaza, a 41-storey condominium with 223 units, and a hotel.

History and Status

The Plaza Rakyat project was officially put on hold in 1998. Over the decades, there have been numerous attempts and announcements regarding its revival. In 2010, the government terminated the contract with the original developer, Plaza Rakyat Sdn Bhd (PRSB). Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) took possession of the site in 2014 and later sold it to Profit Consortium Sdn Bhd in 2015 for RM740 million. Despite plans for redevelopment, including a 2019 announcement of a new developer and potential involvement of a China-based contractor, the project has seen minimal activity. As of early 2024, reports indicate that the developer has requested an extension to restart the project, and DBKL is conducting feasibility studies to determine the best path forward.

Unparalleled Connectivity & Location

One of the project's most valuable assets is its strategic location. It is directly integrated with the Plaza Rakyat LRT station, which has been operational since 1996. A covered pedestrian walkway connects the station to the Pudu Sentral bus terminal and features a paid-zone link to the Merdeka MRT Station on the Kajang Line.

Nearby Public Transport

• LRT: Plaza Rakyat Station (Ampang & Sri Petaling Lines) on-site.
• MRT: Merdeka Station (Kajang Line) connected via a 180-metre walkway.
• Monorail: Hang Tuah and Maharajalela stations are nearby.
• Bus Hub: Adjacent to Pudu Sentral.

Amenities in the Vicinity

The area surrounding the Plaza Rakyat site is a bustling commercial and retail hub with a wealth of amenities.

Shopping & Retail

• Berjaya Times Square.
• Kenanga Wholesale City.
• Plaza Low Yat.
• Sungei Wang Plaza.
• Pavilion Kuala Lumpur.
• Petaling Street (Chinatown).

Healthcare

• Tung Shin Hospital.
• Chinese Maternity Hospital.

Education

• Confucian Private Secondary School.
• Methodist Boys' School (SK and SMK).
• SM Stella Maris.
• Berjaya University College.