For most Petaling Jaya folks, the A&W restaurant located along Lorong Sultan is a nostalgic building as it holds countless memories of birthday celebrations and families spending time together.
However, in 2014, news of the restaurant getting demolished to give way to another development broke out and many locals flocked to the iconic building to visit the place for one last time. However, the demolition was since put off for years until recently.
Now, according to The Star, it has been confirmed by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) that the 0.4 hectare land where the restaurant currently sits on, has been approved for development.
This means that the fate of the restaurant is sealed and it will probably be torn down soon to make way for an upcoming office tower.
KUB Group which owns the franchise of A&W in Malaysia and Thailand, has received the green light from authorities to redevelop the site. Bukit Gasing assemblyman, R.Rajiv stated,
“I am deeply saddened that this iconic building is going to be torn down and I really wish that they didn’t have to do it.”
“However, we also have to respect that this is a private land and the owner is allowed to develop the land in accordance with the guidelines and law.”
Initially, KUB Group had planned to build a 36-storey building but MBPJ reduced it to 20 storeys. The office tower will include a 4-storey car park space upon completion.
Currently, KUB Group has yet to issue an official statement regarding the development. Guess we’ll have to wait to find out whether the restaurant will be relocated to another place, then!
We certainly hope the restaurant will be part of the new building. What are your thoughts on this, guys? Let us know in the comments below!
Also read: Malaysia’s FIRST McDonald’s Branch Just Got a Huge Makeover and It’s Amazing!