Making Shah Alam a healthy, liveable city

RM7mil green corridor along Federal Highway to benefit locals, factory workers and shops nearby

A PLAN to transform 6.9ha of unused land, sandwiched between the Federal Highway and industrial lots in Persiaran Selangor Shah Alam, into a linear park is in the making.

Shah Alam City Council (MBSA) architects from the Landscape Department, along with planners and engineers, envisioned turning the existing buffer area into a lively corridor for public enjoyment.

The rectangular-shaped plot would include a public square, picnic areas, skywalk along the tree canopies, bicycle lane, futsal, basketball and badminton courts along with other public amenities.

Proponents hope this would boost Shah Alam’s characteristics as a healthy and liveable city.

Hamimah (right) with MBSA draughtsman Ahmad Azry Hamzah discussing plans for the linear park entrance. — Photos: IZZRAFIQ ALIAS and EDWARD RAJENDRA/The Star

Shah Alam mayor Cheremi Tarman, who revealed the plans to StarMetro, said city planners had been told to preserve the mature trees in the construction of the estimated RM7mil linear park with selective pruning.

“We need the tree canopies to control the rainfall, reduce surface runoff and protect the habitat of birds and squirrels.”

He said green spaces were much needed in densely built urban areas in Shah Alam and a linear at-grade (on the same level) park would provide recreational space for joggers, walkers and cyclists to exercise or just to enjoy the views.

“Our green corridor spans an estimated 1km and is about 90m wide. It is the first phase that will connect parts of Shah Alam through uninterrupted at-grade park spaces and pedestrian skywalks along with amenities for outdoor activities,” he added.

The linear park will have entrances and exit points at Persiaran Selangor and at Persiaran Tengku Ampuan.

Cheremi says green spaces are much needed in densely built urban areas in Shah Alam.

Cheremi, a civil engineer, added that the park was designed for socialising, for people to sit or read a book and as connectors between different parts of the city.

“We will have Instagram-worthy decorative sculptures for people to take photos,” he said.

MBSA Landscape Department director Majidah Md Ali said as the population increased and development moved forward, linear parks were an innovative approach to repurpose underused spaces.

“Our team had to be imaginative in the design to preserve the much-needed greenery.

“Mature trees on both sides of the park’s fringes would be kept to allow people to enjoy the abundant, vibrant foliage that creates a lush atmosphere,” she said.

Majidah believed the linear park would benefit the local community despite being next to a busy thoroughfare.

Majidah says the linear park along the Federal Highway is an innovative approach to repurpose underused spaces.

“Parks of these designs do more than breathe new life into unused land. They offer the community several social, economic, and environmental benefits,” she added.

Since the park runs along the border of the factories, she said MBSA would suggest for companies to have access gates into the green corridor for its employees to enjoy the space.

“The park could be a place for workers to go for a walk or relax during breaks that may improve their well-being,” she said.

Majidah added that the linear park would contribute towards nature-based solutions like flood protection, a pressing matter occurring with more frequency and severity.

Dr Elangovan says MBSA must organise weekend activities to keep the area lively.

“We have waterways close to the park that stretches alongside the waterbed called flood plains that help absorb excess surface runoff that overflows during heavy rains.

“Development can lead to flooding of homes and public infrastructure, causing costly damage. But, the linear park can help to protect and restore these natural flood plains,” she said.

Specifications on requirements for the project were being prepared, she said, adding that a consultant would be appointed soon.

“Work on the site is projected to start in January next year and would take 18 months to complete,” added Majidah.

MBSA assistant landscape architect Hamimah Saji said the park would become a place for the locals to meet and interact.

Chow says the linear park will create socioeconomic benefits.

“MBSA sees the linear park as an exciting opportunity for the city to create a more cohesive and inclusive urban identity.”

The park with its existing foliage, Hamimah said, would mitigate the urban heat island effect.

“It will enable Shah Alam to address carbon emissions and air pollution from the Federal Highway, which makes it more sustainable.”

She added that tree audits had been carried out with the aim to maintain large old trees to allow the flora and fauna to thrive, rather than to cut them down.

“Bushes and small trees at the entrance of the linear park off Persiaran Selangor would be cleared to free up space for an open-air parking area that would be able to accommodate 90 cars and other modes of transport,” added Hamimah.

MBSA councillor Vincent Chow said the linear park would create socioeconomic benefits.

“Once completed, it will have economic impacts on nearby restaurants and even retail shops.

Map of the park along with artist impressions of the site.

“As the council rejuvenates the city, there is a need to add value to urban landscapes. The park’s proximity to the main thoroughfare could lead to the economic vitality of the area as people make a pit stop before continuing their drive,” he said.

He added that Shah Alam, which celebrates 25 years as a city on Oct 10 next year, needed better public amenities.

Chow added that MBSA’s paradigm shift in its landscape design brought emphasis on the ecosystems.

“This strip of land has languished for decades, but now there is hope that it would be a place for recreational opportunities and spur economic growth,” he added.

Selangor Safe Community and Environment Association ad hoc committee head Dr Elangovan Krishnan said the project could strengthen connection with the natural environment and improve urban conditions for residents and tourists alike.

“Our association is supportive of the park as it has several sports, leisure spaces and outdoor gym exercise area for seniors.

“Once completed MBSA must organise weekend activities to keep the area lively,” he added.