The Ascott Limited, the lodging arm of CapitaLand Investment (CLI), has signed a landmark hotel management agreement with Coronade Properties Sdn Bhd to develop a new flagship hotel at Coronation Square in Johor Bahru. Strategically located within the fast-growing Ibrahim International Business District (IIBD) and the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ), this development marks a significant milestone in cross-border hospitality cooperation.
This project is the first major hospitality partnership to emerge following the historic JS-SEZ agreement signed between Singapore and Malaysia in January 2025. The upcoming Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru will be a five-star property directly integrated with the Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link at Bukit Chagar, offering seamless connectivity between Johor Bahru and Singapore.
Strategic Expansion In Malaysia
Opening in the second half of 2029, the hotel will feature 207 rooms and a range of premium amenities, including an all-day dining restaurant, fitness centre, swimming pool, residents’ lounge, and meeting facilities. Guests will experience Ascott’s signature hospitality, elevated by curated design, personalised service, and bespoke lifestyle offerings such as themed suites and the Ascott Soirée—a cultural showcase celebrating local arts and community engagement.
The Johor Bahru project marks the debut of Ascott’s namesake brand in the city and its sixth such property in Malaysia, following successful launches in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Ascott now operates a growing portfolio of more than 40 properties nationwide, spanning brands such as Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, The Crest Collection, and others.
“With the JS-SEZ catalysing greater cross-border investments and the RTS enhancing connectivity, Johor Bahru is entering a dynamic new phase of growth,” said Ms Wong Kar Ling, Chief Strategy Officer and Managing Director for Southeast Asia, Ascott. “Ascott Coronation Square Johor Bahru allows us to introduce our flagship brand to this strategic market, positioning us at the heart of this transformation.”
Transforming Johor’s Urban Landscape
Coronation Square, a RM5 billion integrated development by Coronade Properties, is the first project spearheading growth in the 250-acre IIBD. The broader development comprises residential, commercial, medical, and retail components—including the 1.2 million sq ft Coronation Square Mall, scheduled to begin construction in 2026 and complete by 2030.
The hotel will occupy Tower 1 of the development, just 210 metres from the RTS station and CIQ (Customs, Immigration, and Quarantine) facilities, connected via an elevated walkway. The site will also include basement parking for 4,500 vehicles, with 700 bays reserved for RTS users.
At the signing ceremony, Datin Paduka Alinah Ahmad, Director of Corporate Relations at Coronade Properties explained that the company is proud to partner with Ascott on this landmark hotel, which will serve as a premier gateway for both business and leisure travellers. “This partnership marks an exciting new chapter in Johor’s hospitality and real estate landscape.”
The ceremony was attended by Johor Menteri Besar YAB Dato’ Onn Hafiz bin Ghazi and Singapore’s Minister of State for Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, underscoring the political and economic importance of the cross-border collaboration.
Looking ahead, Coronade Properties will also launch Coronade Twins—a branded residential development within Coronation Square—by Q4 2025, offering hotel-grade concierge services and further blurring the lines between hospitality and home living.
(Images: The Ascott Limited)
