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The chronicle of Marina ParkCity began more than 30 years ago. Bounded by the South China Sea on the west and the unfavourable terrain of Canada Hill on the east, there was literally not much room for growth in the old Miri town. However, that did not stop one home-grown developer from stretching the possibilities.
With a visionary plan in hand that integrated a process of land reclamation, a new extension with the formation of a marina was created, giving birth to Marina ParkCity. As the largest master-planned integrated township in Miri, it has since catalysed the town’s growth into a modern city.
Measuring 550 acres, the development has set a new benchmark in Miri as a smart, sustainable, accessible and community-centric enclave. Whilst inheriting the successful DNA of ParkCity, Marina ParkCity was developed with a distinct emphasis on commerciality, featuring community hubs such as Marina Squares 1 & 2, Central Park and Miri Times Square.
Comprising four districts — Waterfront, R iverpark, Cityfront and Market — each module presents unique elements that contribute to the urbanisation of Miri. From the exclusive marina and popular Central Park to luxury residences, offices and the bustling highstreet commercial hub, Marina ParkCity has metamorphosed into Miri’s new city centre, successfully tapping into the potential of this coastal city.
For example, the 19.2-acre Miri Times Square, a seafront mixed development, has already attracted numerous key anchors, which have relocated their corporate offices to here, further bolstering Marina ParkCity as the coveted destination for living, work, dining, retail, entertainment and leisure.
Councillor Leslie Lau Ik Chie, who works in the City Infrastructure, City Services and Building Control department of the Miri City Hall, shares that Marina ParkCity has a stellar reputation as a well-planned township that prioritises the wellbeing of the community.
“Strategically located, the township has multiple entry and exit points with proper planning design for vehicle circulation. The roads and good traffic condition have been a plus point for offices including our new City Hall, as the convenience of the public was taken into consideration when ParkCity engineered the road direction. As part of its initiative, ParkCity even took a step further in relocating and constructing a new Fish Market in a more suitable area to help the public reach their destinations in the shortest time.
“The development also focuses on landscape for the benefit of the community and whole environment. Not only is its greenery top-notch but Miri Central Park is an iconic and safe public park which has attracted a lot of joggers, some of whom start their morning walk or run as early as 3am without the worry of theft or danger.
“Managed by ParkCity, the Miri Central Park is equipped with public toilets, built by the developer at its own cost. The entire development demonstrates how a responsible developer should act and shows the commitment from ParkCity to build a better Miri city, improve the livelihood of the Miri community and make cities healthier and more sustainable.
“In the future, we are looking forward to the development incorporating digital elements into the services provided to the community.”
Located right next to Miri Central Park @ Marina ParkCity, the Miri City Hall enjoys an unhindered 360-degree view of the park, Miri’s central business district and the enchanting South China Sea. Resembling an oil barrel, the shape of the building pays tribute to Miri’s past as a thriving oil town. Built to symbolise unity, the landmark building opened officially at end-2021.
Equipped with smart technology, the nine-storey building has also been accredited with the Green Building Index (GBI) status, the first in northern Sarawak, thanks to its green features. It is no surprise then why the iconic Miri City Hall has indeed changed both the landscape of the marina as well as the city as a whole.
Besides a new SoHo (Small-office Home-office) slated to be launched this year-end, Miri Times Square is also set to welcome a key occupant into a new “Grade A corporate tower” by end-2023. Projected to be the new landmark for Miri, the green building will integrate sustainable features and enjoy spectacular views. More to come about this exciting news!
