Populous releases designs for redevelopment of Malaysia's Shah Alam Sports Complex

Populous, in collaboration with Malaysian practice HIJJAS Architects + Planners, has released design concepts for the new Shah Alam Sports Complex in the Malaysian state of Selangor.

Anchoring the Kompleks Sukan Shah Alam (KSSA) masterplan, the venue sits at the heart of a 76-hectare redevelopment led by Populous that aims to transform the site into a major public and civic destination.

First opened in the 1990s, the Shah Alam Stadium has been a significant venue in the country's sporting history but is now reaching the end of its lifecycle.

The new proposal retains the original stadium's silhouette while introducing contemporary architectural and technical upgrades to support current and future needs. Redevelopment works, including the demolition of the ageing structure, will see seating capacity reduced to just over 45,000, with a fixed roof made from double-layered ETFE cushions to allow natural light into the venue, while a sliding pitch system will enable a range of sports and entertainment configurations throughout the year.

Aiming to meet FIFA standards, works are planned over 48 months, with completion targeted for 2029.

Introducing the design concept, Populous Senior Principal and Director - APAC, Brett Wightman stated "the revitalised Shah Alam Stadium will draw on the latest trends in stadium development to create a world-class football venue that will be multifunctional and adaptable so that it can be used by the community all year round. The new stadium will be part of a landmark active and thriving community development where people can live, worship, work, and play."

The wider KSSA is designed to function as a major public destination for Selangor, aligning with the city's broader low-carbon goals. Approximately 60% of the site will be allocated to new sporting infrastructure, including facilities for football, badminton, rugby, and hockey. The remaining 40% will be developed into a public park, with spaces for recreational sports such as basketball and volleyball, in addition to a 5-kilometre jogging track. The plan incorporates three primary access points: an LRT station to the southeast, a new park to the southwest, and a mosque to the north. These elements are connected by an outdoor concourse that serves as a pedestrian corridor across the site.

The stadium sits centrally within this framework, with commercial, community, and sporting programs extending outward. The redevelopment also introduces new amenities to support the surrounding neighbourhoods. A second mosque will be built on the northern edge of the site, while commercial and community facilities will be concentrated in the northeast. A new LRT station is planned to improve public access and reduce traffic volumes in the area.

Click here for more information on the project.

Images courtesy of Populous.