Nine laneways inside the historic core area of Kuala Lumpur have been recognized to be part of an upgrading programme worth RM300,000.

A collaboration between Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) and Think City, the main objective of the laneway improvement programme is to create safe, clean, functional and attractive laneways primarily for the welfare of the local stakeholders and pedestrians.

The selected laneways are Lorong Bandar 13, Lorong Lebuh Ampang, Lorong Hang Lekiu, Lorong Tun HS Lee South, Lorong Yap Ah Loy, Lorong Pudu, Lorong Tun Tan Cheng Lock and Lorong Hang Kasturi South.

“This is ultimately to enhance the vibrancy of Kuala Lumpur through functional and creative spaces that facilitates pedestrian traffic, showcases good environmentally friendly practices and deters incident behavior through design”, said Think City’s Programme Director for Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru Neil Khor at the ground-breaking ceremony for Lorong Bandar 13.

He added that the laneways were selected based on the current condition of the space, connectivity and potential to improve existing use by local stakeholders.

Khor said the permanent laneway improvements for Lorong Bandar 13 are expected to be completed by October 2018, while the entire project is expected to end in 2020.

The demonstrative laneway upgrade project for Lorong bandar 13, done in a temporary pop up format, took approximately 6 weeks from concept to completion.

“To kickstart the programme, we initially undertook site observation and analysis as well as data collection with local stakeholders. By understanding the space, its uses and the people patronising it, we gained a deeper appreciation of what the community wanted,” mentioned Khor.

Some of the issues discovered by the community include random waste disposal, lack of lighting, uneven pavements and potholes as well as illegal parking. Drugs addicts and homeless people use the Lorong Bandar 13 as a place of refuge.

DBKL project management executive director Datuk Mahadi Che Ngah said the project took place to reduce the number of neglected and abandoned spaces in the city. The restoration of the pocket spaces enables them to be better utilised.

Meanwhile, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun who officiated the ground-breaking ceremony said the better city environment will persuade more tourists to visit Kuala Lumpur.

In September 2017 Think City and DBKL collaborated to create a demonstrative laneway improvement programme at Lorong Bandar 13.

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