Jalan Segget Facade Programme - OUR WORK

OUR WORK

Façade Upgrading

at Jalan Segget,

Johor

Bahru

Jalan Segget is named after the adjacent Sungai Segget. The row of shophouses along the roadside was built in 1940, according to the Building Inventory conducted by MBJB and IRDA in 2014. The most significant building in the area is Broadway Cinema, selected for a façade upgrading programme implemented by Think City in collaboration with MBJB.

In the early 1900s, there were three cinemas in the JB city center: Capitol Cinema, Cathay Cinema, and Broadway Cinema.

Broadway Cinema is the only remaining old cinema in Downtown JB. With the Sungai Segget rejuvenation project, passersby can now view this historic building. The buildings constructed in the 1940s are classified as Grade 2 heritage buildings by MBJB. The number of old shophouses and buildings in Downtown JB is limited compared to those in Georgetown and KL, making it crucial to preserve as many as possible.

The façade restoration at Jalan Segget is the first of its kind in Downtown JB, aiming to showcase and educate the public on the importance and methods of restoring old buildings in JB.

The Implementation

The Facade Upgrading at Jalan Segget (also known as Broadway) is part of the pilot façade upgrading programme in collaboration with MBJB. This programme aims to showcase the benefits of conserving heritage buildings with the right processes and materials, supported by research and technical support from a conservator.

Broadway Before

Broadway After

Restored Roof

The façades of 8 shophouses, including the Broadway cinema on Jalan Segget were restored to their original style and colour. Instead of merely repainting the façade, the restoration involves removing all additional structures and cement plaster to retain the building's original character and identity. This restoration works were guided by the dilapidation survey of the building and roof study by the appointed conservator.

A new discovery also emerged about Johor Bahru’sshophouse architecture – a dormer roof structure that improves air flow and circulation. This was restored on one of the rooftops as part of the grants programme. A knowledge sharing session workshop has been done in July 2017 to enhance awareness and knowledge on conservation practices. The workshop shared the method of conservation that has been done for Makam Dato Koyah in Penang. Attendees are contractors, conservator and local council.

The Outcome

8 old shophouses (including Broadway Cinema) and one roof were restored. This programme managed to showcase the benefits of conserving heritage buildings with the right processes and materials, supported by research and technical support from a conservator. As the shophouses are located along Sungai Segget, their restoration has complemented the Sungai Segget Rejuvenation Programme by IRDA, completed in 2021. The heritage appeal and renewed appearance of the shophouses enhance the overall impact of the rejuvenation efforts.

The right processes and materials

Supported by research

Technical support from a conservator

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