Despite the temporary suspension of construction works in March 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions, The Exchange TRX remains on track for completion, with the retail segment expected to be completed next year and TRX Residences by 2023, according to the project developer.

Previously known as the Lifestyle Quarter, the 17-acre retail-led mixed development within the Tun Razak Exchange (TRX) in Kuala Lumpur is a 60:40 joint venture between Australian developer Lendlease and TRX City Sdn Bhd, reported The Malaysian Reserve (TMR).

Lendlease CEO of Asia Tony Lombardo shared that all available units at Tower A of TRX Residences have been sold, while sales for Tower B “have been very well received”.

“The non-Bumiputera units of Tower A have also been taken up,” he told TMR in a recent interview. “We continue to make positive sales for our latest launch, Tower B, since last September and we expect this positivity to grow.”

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On the development’s retail component, over 50% have been leased or is under negotiation, said Lombardo.

“We continue to receive strong interest from potential partners and tenants for The Exchange TRX retail component,” he said.

“We are confident and remain committed to make The Exchange TRX as a lifestyle destination that brings socially immersive experiences to people in KL and believe that when we open our doors to the public, our experience-led destination will be able to come alive and be enjoyed by all.”

In fact, more key flagship experience stores are expected to be introduced at the integrated supermall next year, which includes flagship statement stores, experiential dining, new market brands as well as entertainment and leisure concept stores.

“We are also looking forward to featuring five food and beverages precincts, which will offer unique local and international culinary experiences with an exclusive luxury dining space on the rooftop park. We will be making more announcements on the launches in the third quarter of the year,” said Lombardo.

Aside from its business and leisure offerings, The Exchange TRX has also been designed with climate-resilient buildings and supporting infrastructure.

“The threats of climate change are real and escalating, especially so in urban cities where the population is dense; stress on resources is high,” he said.

“It is important to access and approach the design of buildings according to these factors. For example, looking at the tropical climate and heat in Malaysia, the use of energy has a lot to do with air-conditioning.”

Lombardo noted that the government has set an ambitious target to lower carbon emissions by 45% comes 2030, adding that their agenda is “pretty much aligned” with such target.

According to him, the group has identified features aimed at mitigating four key areas of concern such as urban flooding, wildfires, heatwaves and water scarcity.

With this, the hotel, residences and office facades within the development will be equipped with high-performance glazing in order to reduce solar penetration in the building, while site-wide water strategy has been developed to lower water consumption.

“We are targeting to reduce potable water demand by 50%, through the selection of water efficiency measures, maximising onsite rainwater retention and water recycling systems to recover over 80% of wastewater,” he said.

“Recycled water produced by the plant will be used for toilet flushing, landscape irrigation and cooling tower make up.”