Ranking 5* KLCC condos by walkability

Walkability can be defined as: “The extent to which the built environment is friendly to the presence of people living, shopping, visiting, enjoying or spending time in an area.” The closer an area is to amenities, the more ‘walkable’ the area is.

Picture credit Merit Dagli, Unsplash

Measuring Walkability for a KLCC condo

Launched in 2007, www.walkscore.com uses an algorithm to calculate an address’s walkability. An area is given a score between 0 to 100 depending on the number of amenities located within a one mile (or 1.6 kilometre) radius from an address. Destinations get maximum points if it is one quarter mile or less from the residence and record zero points if they are over one-mile away. The higher the score, the more walkable the area. Walk Score has included a list of amenities that improve a location’s walk score on its website:

– A Centre: Walkable neighborhoods have a center, whether it’s a main street or a public space.

– People: Enough people for businesses to flourish and for public transit to run frequently.

– Parks and public space: Plenty of public places to gather and play.

– Pedestrian design: Buildings are close to the street, parking lots are relegated to the back.

– Schools and workplaces: Close enough that most residents can walk from their homes.

– Complete streets: Streets designed for bicyclists, pedestrians, and transit.

The algorithm has turned an abstract idea into a measurable quality. A property’s walkability can now be compared to another property, neighbourhood, or city.

Source: https://blog.reincanada.com/2013-03-the-impact-of-walkability-on-real-estate-prices/

Source: WalkScore.com

Amongst all the KLCC condominiums around KLCC Park, Kirana Residence has one of the highest walkability scores - 96 out of 100 .The other two KLCC condominiums along Jalan Pinang within 100 metres from KLCC Park and with the same walkability score of 96 out 100 are OneKL and Marc Residence.

Kirana Residence is just 100 metres away to KLCC Park Source: Google Maps

EdgeProp Analytics shows Kirana Residence has a median PSF of 793 psf. One KL (RM1,083 psf) and Marc Residence (RM1,417 psf) median psf are higher than Kirana’s RM793 psf. In terms of construction quality, I rate OneKL launched at around RM900psf in 2009 as the highest, followed by Kirana launched at around RM550psf in 1999, and then Marc Residence launched at around RM450-500psf in 2007. Of the three 5* KLCC SUPER condominiums, which condominium do you think offers the Best Value in psf relative to construction quality?

Notes: I compared The Binjai on The Park to Kirana Residence in a previous post on 360 KLCC. According to Walkscore.com algorhymn, The Binjai’s walkability score is 89, very walkable but not as good as Kirana’s score of 96.

An Urban Sanctuary in KLCC - Kirana Residence

A modern metropolitan tower block of 22 storeys, Kirana Residence’s address at 7 Jalan Pinang, Kuala Lumpur 50450 has the 50 acre KLCC Park virtually at its doorstep- just 100m away. Five minutes brisk walk away from the iconic PETRONAS Twin Towers, a major transport hub-KLCC MRT station, the PETRONAS Philharmonic Hall -home of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra , Aquaria KLCC, Petrosains and designer brand shopping at Suria KLCC mall. And 12 minutes walk via an elevated air conditioned walk-way to Pavilion shopping centre and the retail and shopping hub of Bukit Bintang.

Wth only 66 units and 9 full time staff, Kirana Residents enjoy a level of service and privacy that is almost unrivalled amongst KLCC condominiums. Plus access to amenities residents of other KLCC condominiums can only dream of. For example, a restaurant literally at their doorsteps, an Asian themed spa on the 22F, a choice of not one but two pools (a roof top pool on the 22F shared with Ascott KL guests and another pool on 2F exclusively for Kirana residents and their guests).

Rounding up the list of exclusive resort-like amenities for Kirana Residents are a private dining area equipped with cooking facilities that can be reserved exclusively for residents and their guests (note separate charges apply and a deposit is required), a covered cabana with a bar counter and bar stools that offers the perfect venue for Kirana Residents to meet and enjoy refreshing cocktails, an onsite 24/7 convenience store, and a drivers waiting lounge equipped with a TV.