Kuala lumpur: Imagine a 360-degree view of Kuala Lumpur from a 25,000-square-foot sky deck, swimming in a 60-metre cliff-edge pool over 60 storeys above ground, exploring a sky water play zone, or gliding down a glass sky slide expected to be among Malaysia's longest. Such experiences, typically linked to world-class tourist destinations, will soon become part of modern urban living at KL360 Menara GD, a RM1.37 billion gross development value (GDV) mixed-use project in Kuala Lumpur's central business district (CBD) along Jalan Tun Razak.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, strategically located next to the Raja Uda Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station, the project marked the revival of an abandoned development that had been stalled for nearly a decade, rekindling hope for buyers who had waited years for progress. Originally launched as M101 Skywheel in 2017, the development was halted by a series of challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, prolonged construction delays, and post-pandemic financial constraints, affecting 337 buyers with a total Sale and Purchase Agreement (SPA) value exceeding RM306 million.

Now revived under GD Properties, which stepped in as a white knight, the project is being rescued with the support of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) and close collaboration among key stakeholders, paving the way for a fresh chapter for the affected buyers and the surrounding community. Speaking at the groundbreaking ceremony here today, GD Properties Group deputy chairman Datuk Wong Seng Tong said the company firmly believed public-private collaboration was key to driving positive social impact, in line with KPKT's target of achieving zero abandoned housing projects by 2030.

Wong added that the growing support from the banking sector reflected financial institutions' confidence in the project's positioning and long-term potential. 'We are also pleased to share that discussions are currently ongoing with several other financial institutions and we are optimistic of welcoming an additional 8 to 10 banking partners to join our end-financing panel in the near future," he said.

Meanwhile, GD Properties Group chief executive officer Ng Khoon Haur said the project's revival marked a turning point for a site that had symbolised uncertainty and disappointment in the capital for almost a decade. Ng noted that KL360 Menara GD was more than just a development, expressing hope that the tower would stand not only as a physical landmark but also as a symbol that, with the right commitment and people, even a challenging project could be given a new future.

'We believe this project will be a meaningful addition to the Kuala Lumpur skyline, and a development the city can be proud of,' he said, thanking KPKT and strategic partners including Bank Rakyat and China State Construction Engineering (M) Sdn Bhd (CSCEC Malaysia) for their support. Meanwhile, CSCEC Malaysia general manager Xu Xiao Bing said the company is committed to delivering the project to international standards.

'KL360 must be built to the highest international standards. We will maintain strict quality control throughout every stage of construction, uphold the spirit of craftsmanship, and ensure that every detail reflects excellence,' he said in remarks delivered in Mandarin and translated into English.

Meanwhile, Housing and Local Government Minister, Nga Kor Ming, in his opening speech, said the project proved that development that was once abandoned could still be restored through strong political commitment, strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors, and the commitment of all stakeholders. "Today is not just the beginning of construction work. It symbolises the restoration of confidence, the rebuilding of trust and the implementation of responsibilities that have been delayed for too long. Each restored project represents a real family, a real aspiration and a future renewal for homeowners," he said.

Envisioned as an architectural and tourism landmark alongside iconic Kuala Lumpur structures such as the Petronas Twin Towers, the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX), Merdeka 118, and the KL Tower, KL360 Menara GD will be one of the city's tallest mixed-use developments. The project will comprise 785 serviced apartments, 221 office suites, and 20 retail units, accompanied by 40 curated wellness, fitness, and lifestyle facilities. These facilities were designed to cater to a wide range of activities, including pickleball, basketball, yoga, and CrossFit, with the project expected to be fully completed in 2030.