KL Sentral is Malaysia’s largest transit-oriented development and serves as the main railway station in Kuala Lumpur. Opened on 16 April 2001, KL Sentral replaced the old Kuala Lumpur railway station and quickly became the country’s largest railway hub, serving a wide range of local and international rail services. This modern facility was designed to be an intermodal transport hub and a business and financial center.
KL Sentral
How Did KL Sentral Develop Over Time?
The development of KL Sentral began on the site of the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu marshalling yard in Brickfields. The Malaysian government awarded a contract in 1994 to transform 72 acres into a modern transit hub. The project was led by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), with designs by Kisho Kurokawa and Associates. Despite challenges, including a notable train collision in 2010 and bomb threats in 2019, KL Sentral has grown to become a vital part of Malaysia’s transport infrastructure.
What Are the Key Development Zones at KL Sentral?
KL Sentral is divided into 4 distinct zones, each serving different purposes. These include:
Office Zones
Notable buildings include CIMB Headquarters (Menara CIMB), 1 Sentral Tower, and Plaza Sentral.
Entertainment Zones
NU Sentral is a major shopping and entertainment hub.
Transport Hub
Stesen Sentral is the main transit hub, serving various rail networks.
Hotels and Residential Zones
Includes luxurious hotels like Hilton KL and Le Méridien, as well as residential condos like Suasana Sentral Loft.
How Does KL Sentral Function as a Transport Hub?
KL Sentral serves as a key node for 5 rail services and is integrated with several transport lines. Key services include:
Express Rail Link (ERL)
Providing fast connections to Kuala Lumpur International Airport via KLIA Ekspres and KLIA Transit.
KTM Komuter
Serving the Klang Valley through lines like Batu Caves–Pulau Sebang and Tanjung Malim–Port Klang.
Kelana Jaya Line
A light rapid transit service branded as KL Sentral – redONE.
MRT and Monorail Connections
Accessible via Muzium Negara MRT station and KL Sentral Monorail station.
What Office Spaces Are Available at KL Sentral?
KL Sentral offers a variety of office spaces aimed at making it a business and financial hub. Major office zones include:
Lot A: CIMB Headquarters (Menara CIMB)
Offering a substantial office space of approximately 600,000 square feet.
Lot M: Plaza Sentral
Completed in phases and fully occupied by multinational and local companies.
Lot N: 1 Sentral Tower
Housing companies like PricewaterhouseCoopers and General Electric.
What Entertainment Options Exist at KL Sentral?
NU Sentral, located at Lot G, serves as the primary entertainment and retail hub within KL Sentral. This shopping complex includes a mix of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities. It is designed to offer seamless integration with the KL Monorail station, providing easy access for shoppers and commuters alike.
How Is KL Sentral Connected to the City and Beyond?
KL Sentral is intricately connected to various parts of Kuala Lumpur and beyond through multiple modes of transport. The station acts as the main interchange for numerous rail lines and offers bus services to local and international destinations, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Recent upgrades, such as the upcoming KVDT2 project, aim to enhance connectivity and efficiency further.
What Are the Accommodation Options at KL Sentral?
KL Sentral hosts several high-end hotels and residential properties, offering luxury accommodation. Key examples include:
Lot C: St. Regis Hotel
A luxury hotel with 208 rooms and suites.
Lot I: Hilton KL and Le Méridien Hotels
Both established in 2004, providing premium lodging facilities.
Residential Options
Suasana Sentral and Suasana Sentral Loft offer upscale living spaces.