HOW TO REVITALISE KAMPUNG JAWA (MELAKA NEWCHINATOWN) AREA
Since the demolition of the Central Market in 1988, the Kampung Jawa area commercial activities have been on a decline.
Some efforts were made over the past years. Night markets were held over before the Chinese New Year period. Once there was a Disco stage at Jalan Kee Ann for revellers to enjoy themselves. In 2019, Kee Ann Food Street was opened. It lasted about 1 year before closing down in 2020 due to Covid 19 pandemic. It is still not revived in 2023.
It is about time to revitalise Kampung Jawa ( Melaka New Chinatown ) as another place visitors and locals to enjoy.
Vedromall by the River as a modern 4 storey air-conditioned shopping complex can be marketed as the main magnet to draw crowds here. An anchor tenant like NSK Pasar Segar, Village Grocer, Mr. DIY or ACE Hardware should be approached by /Vedromall management. Owners who have invested in lots at Vedromall should also assist by offering low rental rates to entice anchor tenant(s). Create a win-win environment to bring in tenants and visitors to Vedromall.
For Jalan Kee Ann, the Kee Ann food street concept though focussed on open air street dining, it can be rebranded to Kee Ann Walk. Instead of focussing on food and open dining, more stalls selling fruits, souvenirs, handicrafts and other wares can be incorporated. Visitors can dine in open air or just browse around the walk for souvenirs or handicrafts.
Furthermore, if they are tired of walking in the open air, just relaxed in the nearby airconditioned Vedromall. Jonker Walk has NO airconditioned shopping complex there.
During the festive seasons, special activities can be held to celebrate Happy New Year, Happy Chinese New Year, Ramadhan and Adilfitri, Dumpling and Dragon Boat, Merdeka and Malaysia Day, Mooncadke Festival and Merry Christmas.
It is about time that Kampung Jawa be brought back to prominence,
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