'Olympic House can rise ahead of schedule'
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has urged developer Malaysian Resources Corporation Bhd (MRCB) to ensure the project progresses faster than planned.
Olympic House, which will replace the present OCM headquarters on Jalan Hang Jebat, Kuala Lumpur, is scheduled for completion within 24 to 36 months.
Norza said the OCM was relieved to have completed the initial phase, marked by the project's groundbreaking ceremony in Bukit Jalil on Thursday.
"As we know, the project requires a design and Development Order (DO) approval process, which we will work closely with MRCB to expedite," said Norza.
"That process typically takes six months or more, but with the leadership of Sports Minister Hannah Yeoh, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, and Kuala Lumpur Mayor Datuk Seri Maimunah Mohd Sharif, we may be able to accelerate it.
"Once that is done, the construction period should take between 24 and a maximum of 36 months. We will provide regular updates, as a monitoring committee led by OCM secretary-general Datuk Nazif and supported by Squash Racquets Association of Malaysia president Gerard Monteiro is overseeing the project."
The Olympic House, which will span 5.38 acres with a gross floor area of 140,973 square feet, is designed to bring together all 58 national sports associations (NSAs) under one roof, fostering closer collaboration and improving governance in sports administration.
The purpose-built facility will include modern amenities such as an auditorium, resource centre, gymnasium, museum, gallery, café, surau and more.
Norza said the Olympic House would serve as a symbol of progress for Malaysia's sports community, especially for the younger generation.
"We can't remain stuck in the nostalgia of the past. To modernise sports, we need a proper structure to house the 58 NSAs," he said.
"A museum should be interactive — a place people are drawn to. If it's just a space with outdated concepts that doesn't appeal to the aspirations of young people, no one will visit."
"That's why we are strongly committed to making this a landmark project. If you visit Lausanne today, you'll see how the International Olympic Committee (IOC) building and museum are designed to inspire. We want to create something along those lines.
"Our KL Sports City will soon feature another iconic building that future generations can look to with pride — one that embodies the aspirations of Malaysian sports."
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