A new masterplan for IPOH Sentral will redefine city living in Malaysia
Global architecture and design practice BDP has been appointed to lead the masterplan and urban design of Ipoh Sentral, a catalytic new development spanning 27 hectares in the heart of Ipoh, Perak.
Commissioned by Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB), transit-oriented development is poised to transform the city into a vibrant commercial, mixed-use residential, and cultural hub anchored by the upcoming Ipoh Sentral integrated transport hub.
Designed as a gateway destination, Ipoh Sentral celebrates the city’s unique geology, heritage, and aspirations. Fifteen distinct urban parcels form the backbone of the masterplan, hosting a dynamic mix of retail, hospitality, residential, cultural, and commercial spaces, all stitched together by a pedestrian-first, car-lite strategy. Wide footpaths, shared streets, and dedicated cycling routes promote sustainable movement and urban walkability.
Strategic interventions focus on creating a sense of place, including implementing a green park, a culturally inspired civic plaza, and active ground-level retail that energises the public realm. These are supported by resilient infrastructure systems such as water-sensitive urban design, permeable pavements, rain gardens and natural ventilation. Elevated and underground retail corridors enhance last-mile connectivity to transit systems, while pedestrian bridges and multimodal drop-off zones reduce surface congestion.
The new design recognises the importance of heritage conservation, ensuring the KTMB station remains untouched while the surrounding area undergoes development. The design exemplifies a people-centric approach to contemporary urbanism and it supports the state government’s long-term goals to elevate Ipoh’s connectivity, liveability, and economic potential while promoting social inclusion and cultural expression.
“Ipoh Sentral is a transit-oriented design for a new city centre core that exemplifies our commitment to creating cities that are bold, responsive, and deeply rooted in local identity. We believe cities can be good for us and this is a concept that proves that places across Asia can evolve with climate resilience, mobility, and civic vitality at their heart.”
“The Ipoh Sentral masterplan has been designed with close attention to its setting, its landscape, its heritage layers, and the interactions of people who live and work there.
“We want to create a place that feels familiar yet renewed, where spaces invite people in and allow them to flow between neighbourhoods, public amenities, and transport connections.
“This design is about reinforcing Ipoh’s history and character and emphasising a sense of ownership and belonging."
