SHAH ALAM, Oct 27 — SS15 is set for a major revamp from 2027 under a multi-million ringgit placemaking initiative aimed at improving walkability, traffic flow and parking, while developing a new social hub for the community.
The Subang Jaya City Council’s (MBSJ) Corporate and Strategic Management Department said the project will be implemented in phases from next year until 2031, following the completion of its six-month SS15 Placemaking Study last month conducted by Think City Sdn Bhd.
The public space initiative will cost RM28 million, with RM20 million to be contributed by the council, while RM4 million each will come from Titijaya Land Bhd and Gamuda Bhd.
Among others, the placemaking study proposes wider and obstruction-free walkways, clearer pedestrian crossings, improved lighting, continuous shaded paths, and better separation between pedestrians and vehicles.
A new connecting deck and lift between the SS15 multi-storey car park and Pasar Moden is also projected to improve accessibility for senior citizens and disabled persons.
“Universal design and accessibility for disabled persons were among the main considerations of the study to ensure SS15 provides a safer, more comfortable, and inclusive environment for all communities,” it said in a written reply to Media Selangor.
Addressing traffic, parking
MBSJ added that the issue of traffic congestion and limited parking bays in SS15 is not simply due to a lack of parking capacity, but also how existing space is being used.
“Our study recorded 1,254 on-street parking spaces with a 100 per cent utilisation rate, while the 3,730 off-street parking spaces recorded a utilisation rate of around 63 per cent.
“These findings show that there are still parking capacities (in SS15), but the demand is more focused on on-street parking spaces,” it said.
Among the proposed measures to address the issue include reorganising parking configurations, reducing double parking, introducing one-way routes at selected locations, and providing organised drop-off and p-hailing zones.
The study also proposes a smart parking system, seasonal use of selected back lanes for parking, and greater use of centralised parking facilities and public transport.
Rather than relying entirely on building new parking facilities, MBSJ said the approach will focus on optimising existing capacity and space.
Another crucial proposal is to transform the SS15 Pasar Moden, multipurpose hall, and multi-storey car park into an SS15 social hub, while the plaza in front of the market and hall could serve as a civic space for community events, temporary stalls, and gatherings.
Said side lanes and back lanes can also be redesigned as part of the area’s urban network, serving functions such as loading and unloading, seasonal parking, pedestrian movement, and micromobility.
Wider rejuvenation
Meanwhile, it said the study did not characterise SS15 as unsafe or unfriendly to senior citizens, but identified areas where its physical environment can be improved.
MBSJ noted that the study found that 92 per cent of observed pedestrian crossings are informal, while 81.3 per cent of assessed locations have no seating.
The proposed improvements are intended to make SS15 more walkable, accessible, and comfortable, while supporting its vision as a neighbourhood hub where daily needs can be met within a short travelling distance.
“The study identified several aspects of the physical environment that can be improved to create a more comfortable, safe and inclusive environment including for senior citizens and disabled persons,” it said.
The placemaking effort may be expanded to other mature areas in Subang Jaya after an assessment of the SS15 pilot project, which will serve as a benchmark for future urban regeneration efforts.
MBSJ said the proposed Subang Jaya City Centre Rejuvenation Committee that will oversee the SS15 placemaking initiative will also focus on efforts to rejuvenate SS16.
“This shows that SS16 is also being considered as part of the urban regeneration framework for the Subang Jaya town centre.
“Any expansion of the approach to other areas will take into account the needs and characteristics of the local community to ensure that the planning is suited to the needs and conditions of residents,” it said.
