TTDI Market has no heritage value

MAKING WAY FOR DEVELOPMENT: Ahmad Fuad said City Hall wants to maximise the use of the land which is valued at RM60mil
Photo & story from: http://www.mmail.com.my/content/86900-ttdi-market-has-no-heritage-value (By MEENA LAKSHANA, 2/12/2011)
The 25-year-old wet market in Taman Tun Dr Ismail (TTDI) that is slated for demolition does not have an heritage value. Kuala Lumpur mayor Tan Sri Ahmad Fuad Ismail said this following objections from residents and traders on the proposal to have the market make way for new development.
This sparked an uproar among traders and residents who wanted the market spared and upgraded instead. The traders, who were relocated there from the former Central Market in Jalan Hang Kasturi, argued the market should be maintained for its sentimental value and history.
Stressing City Hall had not decided on the development at the market site, Ahmad Fuad said it would provide better facilities for both traders and customers. “The market has no heritage element. We want to maximise the use of the land, which is valued at RM60 million. The revenue we receive from the proposed development, when completed, would trickle down so we can provide proper facilities to traders and their customers. “Under the proposed development, there would be an extra 200 parking spots available for the public.” The mayor said City Hall was losing out on land capitalisation, as the market’s 300 to 400 traders were only paying RM10 in monthly rent for the past 30 years. Ahmad Fuad said the proposed development involved service apartments that would be linked to the proposed Sungai Buloh-Kajang Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) station nearby. He said City Hall had, however, imposed conditions on the developer for it to monetarily compensate traders or provide them an alternative business site. “We have already identified a 0.5-acre plot of land nearby but the developer has to get back to us with their decision.”
When contacted, TTDI Market Traders Association president Jenny Loo said City Hall should explain details of the plan to them. She said the market was being patronised by residents from Sungai Buloh, Hartamas and Kota Damansara. TTDI RA chairman Mohd Hatim Abdullah said they opposed the proposed development, pending its details. He said City Hall had yet to meet residents on the proposed development.