These include an MSC Cybercentre, PHTP Industrial Park, forest arboretum park, innovation centres of excellence, residential, commercial and government precincts, wilderness park and river trails, eco-tourism and wellness valleys, education hub and public amenities that will take shape on 8,000 acres.

Among the first projects to be undertaken is a 156-room boutique hotel called BioD CasuarinaHotelSuites@MeruRaya, a 40 acre shopping haven called BioD FactoryOutlets@MeruRaya, and the Bungalow@Gerbang Meru residential enclave with 137 green homes.

The state government hopes the development will provide Ipoh with a main growth centre under the Ipoh Local Plan 2010-2020.

Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Dr Zambry Abd Kadir said the project is in line with the state’s initiative to shape a new economy for the future.