MELAKA: An elevated mechanical car park is among the proposals outlined by the business community of Taman Melaka Raya to revive the commercial hub.

       Melaka Raya Business Community Association (PPMR) president Datuk Chay Kam Yuin said the mechanical car park was among several suggestions made by his association to turn the area into a coveted lifestyle and commercial precinct.

       “My association first proposed an uplift and revival project some 33 months ago but our plans hit a snag due to the political instability in the state,” he said after the association’s AGM at Eco Tree Hotel here on Friday (Dec 17) evening.

       Chay said PPMR's main objective was to advocate for improved street landscaping and greater amenities for tourists and business owners in the area.

       He said other proposals made were the installation of decorative street lights, changing the street lighting to LEDs, night markets, decorative arches and widening sections of the footpath for landscaping and outdoor dining.

       Chay said the several prominent business brands and a hypermarket were expected to start operations at Taman Melaka Raya soon.

       “It’s crucial for us to make the area more attractive,” he added.

       Taman Melaka Raya is one of the historic city’s pioneer commercial hubs with modern architecture, developed on reclaimed land.

       However, the area gradually lost its lustre as a top business as well as entertainment epicentre when overtaken by new developments, especially at the Kota Laksamana reclamation site.