From Horse Race Track to Amusement Park: Here's What 7 Famous Spots in KL Used to Be

Now, why don't we take a step back and take a trip down memory lane to recall what some of the famous spots in our city used to be?

1. The PETRONAS Twin Towers

Long before the iconic Petronas Twin Towers were built, the location was actually the site for Selangor Turf Club, a 100-acre horse racing track that was opened in 1896.

According to their website, the racetrack made a momentous decision to relocate in 1988 to a bigger site. Today, the Selangor Turf Club is located in Seri Kembangan.

A few years after the relocation, in 1993, the construction of the famous skyscraper was set in motion. Five years later, the PETRONAS Twin Towers were completed. As of today, the skyscraper held the world record for the tallest twin buildings at 451.9 metres.

2. Pavilion KL

Before Pavilion KL became one of the most popular shopping malls in Malaysia, the site was actually where Bukit Bintang Girls’ School (BBGS) used to be.

According to their website, Bukit Bintang Girls’ School was the oldest school in Kuala Lumpur. Founded in 1893 by European missionaries, the school was relocated, and the old buildings were demolished in 2000 to make way for the development of Pavilion KL.

Following the move, BBGS changed their name to SMK Seri Bintang Utara (SBU) and is currently located in Taman Shamelin Perkasa, Cheras.

3. REXKL

REXKL was previously one of the first few cinemas in Malaysia. The original REX Theatre officially opened on 28th July 1947. However, the cinema burnt down in 1972.

REX Theatre was then rebuilt by Golden Communications (now known as Golden Screen Cinemas) in 1976. Sadly, the popular cinema was once again destroyed by another fire, which led to its closure in 2002. The cinema was later converted into a backpacker hostel named Red Dragon Hostel in 2007, but another fire caused it to close down yet again.

Then, in 2018, a group of creative entrepreneurs revived the building, and it became the REXKL that we all know today.

4. LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC)

Known for being one of Japan's largest retail outlets, LaLaport Bukit Bintang City Centre (BBCC) was officially opened to the public in January 2022. But, before this mall came into the picture, the site used to be Pudu Jail, a notorious correctional and detention facility built between 1891 and 1895.

Due to a combination of factors like outdated facilities and security concerns, the prison formally closed in 1996, with inmates transferred to prisons in Sungai Buloh and Kajang.

Although most of the Pudu Jail structure was demolished, its main gate and a portion of the outer wall remain at the request of heritage conservationists and the public. Today, it has become one of the well-known landmarks of the area.

5. Sungei Wang Plaza

Did you know that back in the 1930s, the site where Sungei Wang Plaza in Bukit Bintang is now located was once an amusement park?

BB Park was built by Shaw Brothers Studios, and it was a popular entertainment hub from the 1930s to the 1970s. Aside from game stalls and exhibitions, BB Park was also known for its cabarets and dance halls.

In 1977, BB Park was demolished to make way for the construction of Sungei Wang Plaza.

6. Urban Skate Plaza

Before Urban Skate Plaza existed, the site at MRT Ampang Park Station used to be where Malaysia's first shopping centre, Ampang Park, stood.

Established in 1973, Ampang Park was a shopping mall that holds a special place in the hearts of many Malaysians for the sheer memories. In its heyday, the shopping complex catered to a variety of shopping needs, from fashion to household items.

However, with the evolution of KL throughout the years, Ampang Park started facing competition from newer shopping centres. Sadly, the mall officially closed its doors in 2017, and the demolition process began shortly after.

As of today, the site houses Kuala Lumpur Urban Skate Plaza, which is designed to accommodate various sports like skateboarding, rollerblading and more.

7. The Exchange 106

Back in the early 20th century, way before The Exchange 106 was built, the area between Jalan Imbi and Jalan Davis was once dotted with many bungalows. The area was known as Pak Luk Kan, which literally translates to ‘Land of the 106 Bungalows’.

As reported in NST, the bungalows in Pak Luk Kan used to be home to public service employees from the 1920s to 1980s. Then in the 1990s, the bungalows were replaced by Pasar Baru Bukit Bintang (Imbi Market) and the Pasarakyat development.