Rhythm Avenue Project in USJ19 Finally Revived
I was mildly surprised to read this article in today’s Star Metro (17 April 2006, page M2) entitled ‘Stalled apartment project gets new lease of life’. The article was focusing on abandoned project Rhythm Avenue apartment project in USJ19. Residents who frequently pass the main road leading to Shah Alam and Putra Heights would know this project, as with those who have heard stories of this place.
I used to follow the proceedings of this project keenly via this local community forum, unfortunately the archives for that website was wiped out due to some problems. Anyway, the project has been a massive heartache for the 1000 or so buyers, who have invested in the 277 retail and 1,039 apartment units. Over 100 meetings have been held over the past 6 years, involving assemblymen, bankers, project receivers, lawyers, local council officers, etc.
The latest news is that the project will be revived by Ambank, who have appointed Mahasalam Group of Companies as the turnkey contractor for the project. According to the article, desperate housebuyers have even lodged police reports, wrote to the then Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for help as well as complain to Bank Negara, Board of Architects (PAM) and the Bar Council for ‘suspected foul play over architectural, engineering and construction approvals granted to the project. They even considered suing the original developer for a refund of the money invested.’
This is a rare success story among many other abandoned projects, at least the families who have invested money in this project and have paying the bank all these years can look forward to the revival of the project. Maybe one day, the same can happen to these cases…
Further reading:
RM100 million (95% progress payment) collected, but project stops…
Hwa Beng’s moves now being watched
Attempts fail to disrupt buyers’ meeting
From the website of CASSA (Consumer Association of Subang and Shah Alam)
Rhythm Avenue buyer threatened with bankruptcy suit
Collection of articles from assemblyman’s website (Plenty of archived documents, in chronological order)
Happy to know that this project is being revived - really an eyesore in USJ. Any idea about another abandoned project near Rhythm Avenue ie the one next to the USJ21 commercial area facing LDP?
Comment by Anderson — April 27, 2006 @ 8:45 am
Oh, that one.
some years back, some big time contractors tendered to revived that project, but apparently nothing came out of it. such a waste.
frankly speaking, when it comes to reviving abandoned projects, it sometimes helps to have ‘important’ clout.
Comment by Administrator — April 27, 2006 @ 2:45 pm