JB Waterfront City

“Location, location, location.” Those are the three famous words that real estate agents always use to encourage prospective buyers to buy a property at an exceptional area. After all real estate is finite, and it is a real asset that holds it value especially if it is at the right area.

Right across from the Republic of Singapore and along the Straits of Johor lies the abandoned JB Waterfront City project. Launched in July 1996, the project is near Johor Bahru’s Central Business District. It is convenient to the Customs Immigration and Quarantine Complex which makes it, in turn, close to Singapore. Unfortunately, the grandiose plans never materialized. The “mini city” was only partially completed. The development was a big bust.

Today, evidence of the project scars the landscape. Multiple steel and concrete pilings from the project is an eyesore to the Straits of Johor.

The structure does look fine in the distance, but do not let that fool you. In this case looks are deceiving. Nobody is around.

Closer inspection reveals the truth though. The mall’s sign at the side of the road is fading and falling apart.

Trash and debris fill the loading dock.

And a utility box is open and exposed to the elements. Metal strippers have taken all the metal.

Undoubtedly, the abandoned JB Waterfront City project is an eyesore. Hopefully, a developer with the vision and resources can one day complete, convert, or tear down this structure. Only time will tell.

Copyright 2011 Wilbur Su, manymilesmanyplaces.com, all rights reserved.

Tags: Malaysia, malls