A New Era for Wisma KFC
Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd has redefined Jalan Sultan Ismail’s skyline with the transformation of the iconic Wisma KFC into the Hyatt Centric City Centre Kuala Lumpur. This project underscores Hap Seng’s commitment to creating innovative and value-added developments in Malaysia’s property market.
Four years after acquiring the property for RM190 million, Hap Seng unveiled the hotel, which seamlessly blends Kuala Lumpur’s historical essence in tin mining with contemporary art and design, according to Manfred Weber, director of property management at Hap Seng Land Sdn Bhd.
A Legacy Reimagined
Originally built in the 1990s, Wisma KFC served as KFC Holdings Malaysia’s headquarters and spans a gross floor area of 342,145 square feet on a 0.5-acre freehold plot. The building was purchased from Singapore’s Royal Group, which had initially planned to repurpose it into a luxury hotel after securing approval from Dewan Bandaraya Kuala Lumpur (DBKL).
With Hap Seng’s acquisition through Sunrise Spring Sdn Bhd, the vision materialized into the Hyatt Centric City Centre KL, now the second Hyatt Centric property in Malaysia, following the first in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Hap Seng’s Broader Vision
Integrating Developments
Weber emphasized Hap Seng’s strategy of evolving properties into destinations that blend hospitality, office spaces, retail, and lifestyle offerings.
For example, Plaza Hap Seng—a 730,000 square foot development—is now a multi-purpose hub with nearly 90% occupancy in its office spaces and a variety of retail and lifestyle options.
“We aim to create destinations, not just buildings. Our developments integrate hospitality, retail, and office spaces to deliver more value,” Weber stated.
Future Developments
Hap Seng is actively pursuing two major projects to solidify its presence in Malaysia’s property landscape:
- KL Midtown Development
Located near MITEC, this ambitious mixed-use project will feature:- A retail mall
- Office towers
- Residential units
- A new hotel set to open by mid-2025
- Jalan Kia Peng Hospitality Project
A stand-alone hotel project scheduled for completion in 2025.
Optimism for Malaysia’s Growth
Weber expressed optimism for 2025, citing factors like:
- Malaysia’s robust economic performance
- A recovery in tourism across East and West Malaysia
- The upcoming ASEAN chairmanship, which is expected to boost investment and economic activity.
Conclusion
The transformation of Wisma KFC into the Hyatt Centric City Centre KL is more than just a physical redevelopment—it is a testament to Hap Seng’s vision of integrating history, innovation, and value creation.
With upcoming projects like KL Midtown and Jalan Kia Peng’s hospitality development, Hap Seng continues to set benchmarks in Malaysia’s property sector, paving the way for a dynamic and interconnected urban future.
