Kota Kinabalu will have a new attraction, Jesselton Docklands, which is being developed with several eco-friendly features. Jesselton Docklands is being built at a location about 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and is being developed to revitalize the old port area as a cultural and community hub.
The project was designed by Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, which took inspiration from local fishing villages while integrating organic layout elements, ventilation and natural shelter. Among the design elements used are bioswales that filter rainwater using plants and the use of landscaping to control flooding, especially during the typhoon season.
Jesselton Docklands will have five zones, namely The Bedrock, The Enclave, The Reef, The Tides and The Holm. The Bedrock will house shopping spaces and boutique hotels. The Enclave will house a ferry terminal, luxury hotels and parks. The two towers in The Enclave are inspired by the peak of Mount Kinabalu.
The Reef houses plazas, floating gardens and public spaces. The Tides will be a port and terminal for cruise ships. Finally, The Holm will house a residential area with a river and also schools.