Daily essentials, workplaces and healthcare are all close at hand for residents
KUCHING: Ibraco Berhad has launched NorthBank Business Exchange (NBX), adding 268 residential units, a neighbourhood mall and offices to The NorthBank as the developer positions the project to tap demand from the surrounding healthcare, education and employment catchment.
The development will also have a planned sheltered skybridge linking it directly to the future 300-bed Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching.
Ibraco Berhad group managing director Datuk Chew Chiaw Han said NBX would bring residential, commercial and lifestyle components together within the existing 123-acre integrated township.
“The residential component comprises 268 units ranging from about 537 sq ft to 1,160 sq ft.
“Residents will have access to a dedicated multi-storey residential car park separated from the mall’s public parking,” he said during the launching ceremony yesterday.
Chew said Ibraco sees potential rental demand from several employment and education centres surrounding the development.
These include professionals working within NBX and the adjoining SamaJaya High Tech Park, as well as teachers and families connected to Tunku Putra-HELP International School.
The new FAME International College campus at Tabuan Tranquility, expected to commence operations in 2027, could provide another source of demand from students and lecturers.
The future Regency Specialist Hospital Kuching is expected to further expand that catchment through doctors, healthcare professionals, employees and visitors.
The 300-bed hospital, to be developed and operated by HMI Medical, is targeted to commence operations in 2029.
“A dedicated sheltered skybridge is planned to directly connect NBX with the hospital,” Chew said.
He said the link would allow residents, hospital staff, patients and visitors to move between both developments while being sheltered from rain and heat and separated from surrounding traffic.
The hospital connection will also complement a distinctive part of NBX’s residential offering: elderly-friendly units designed for seniors who want to continue living independently.
Chew said residents would have access to groceries, dining, wellness services and social spaces within the neighbourhood mall, reducing the need to travel for everyday necessities.
“For seniors, it offers independence and reduces the concern of managing everyday needs, transportation and access to medical care,” he said.
He added that having a specialist hospital nearby would make routine appointments and emergency healthcare easier to access.
The arrangement could also provide reassurance to adult children whose parents want to maintain their independence while remaining close to healthcare, daily conveniences and social activities.
The neighbourhood mall will form the main retail and services component of NBX, with planned offerings including food and beverage outlets, groceries and essential retail, enrichment and wellness services, entertainment facilities and an indoor playground.
More than 1,000 basement parking spaces will be constructed to support the mall.
Chew said the proposed tenant mix was designed around recurring demand from residents, employees, students, families and visitors rather than relying solely on discretionary shopping.
“Rather than creating only another conventional shopping centre, our vision is to establish a convenient destination where residents, families, employees, students and visitors can meet their daily needs close to where they live, work and study,” he said.
Connectivity will also be supported by access to The NorthBank IBRACO ART Statio
xzn, while walkways and cycling paths are intended to connect different components of the township with public transport.
Chew said NBX benefited from being introduced within an established township rather than being developed as a standalone project.
The NorthBank already comprises residential neighbourhoods, educational facilities, a commercial hub, recreational amenities and landscaped green spaces.
Families are living within the township, students are attending school there and businesses are already operating in the area, while residents have access to The NorthBank Club for recreational and social activities.
Chew said the existing population and supporting facilities provided an established commercial base as more residential, retail and office components were added.
“This maturity is one of the greatest strengths of NorthBank Business Exchange,” he said.
