Tan (left, seated) and Brannan (right, seated) posed with the appointment ceremony documents while Yee (standing) looked on.

PETALING JAYA: Tropicana Corporation Bhd (Tropicana) has announced the appointment of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), an acclaimed architecture, engineering and urban planning firm to transform the masterplan of Lido Waterfront Boulevard (Lido). According to Tropicana, the partnership is set to accelerate Lido into a dynamic and world-class metropolis in the southern region. 

Tropicana founder and group executive vice-chairman Tan Sri Tan Chee Sing said the Lido is tapping into Johor’s accelerated growth phase and with its proximity to the upcoming RTS Link and Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ). 

“This is our second collaboration with SOM. Our first was the successful and iconic W Kuala Lumpur and The Residences located within the Kuala Lumpur City Centre. With their impressive track record and global talents, the LIDO masterplan design was awarded to SOM with our collective aim to set new standards for sustainability and innovation in the continually growing Johor Bahru city,” Tan said.

SOM partner Douglas Voigt said the firm is excited about the partnership.

“Lido Waterfront Boulevard has the potential to become one of Malaysia’s most intriguing cultural and civic destinations—a place that celebrates the nation’s heritage and values while prioritising livability, resiliency and connectivity. We’re excited to reimagine urban life through a vibrant public realm, welcoming both locals and visitors, as well as strengthening the social and cultural fabric of Johor Bahru,” he added.

SOM’s global portfolios include Chicago’s John Hancock Center, Saudi Arabia's Hajj Terminal, the famous Burj Khalifa—completed as the world’s tallest building in 2009 and One World Trade Center, a defining structure that replaces the towers lost on 11 September. In the Asia Pacific region, SOM has helped shape the urban landscape of cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, Bangkok, Manila and Ho Chi Minh City and has delivered major developments across China. In Malaysia, SOM’s recent work on the Bandar Malaysia Master Plan—a major transit-oriented, mixed-use project in Kuala Lumpur. 

Also present was Tropicana southern region managing director Jeffrey Yee and SOM Asia Pacific Leader Peter Brannan. 

Stay ahead of the crowd and enjoy fresh insights on real estate, property development and lifestyle trends when you subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.