SHAH ALAM (Aug 20): If you find yourself in the vicinity of Setia Eco Park, a must-visit place is the D’Network F&B hub.

Located within the sprawling Setia Eco Park development, the main draw of D’Network would obviously be the gastronomical offerings, because it is not just the ordinary fare of fast food or run-of-the-mill meals. Instead, the culinary choices here include the Grand Ya Lim, known for its lobster and seafood; Chaba, serving authentic Thai cuisine; premium Japanese food at Hikari; and d’Global Cuisine by Chef Zubir.

“People associate shopping complexes with fast food, but D’Network is for proper dining,” said S P Setia Bhd deputy president and chief operating officer, Datuk Seri Koe Peng Kang while hosting the media on a tour of the F&B hub recently.

He said the open concept of D’Network is also post-pandemic-friendly as some people may want to avoid enclosed spaces typical of normal malls.

“We do not want to compete with other shopping complexes. They have their types of food. Here, we serve other offerings. Here, they can enjoy the open air,” said Koe.

According to S P Setia, one can enjoy a cooler environment of 1°C to 2°C lower compared to other places in the Klang Valley while dining al fresco by the lake at D’Network, especially in the early morning and late evening. This pleasant ambience is also contributed by its location right next to the Bukit Cerakah Forest Reserve.

For those who prefer to cook their own meals, the Garden Grocer is also located at D’Network, offering live seafood from lobsters to garoupa fish.

A different kind of sport

But it is not just food that is the main attraction. D’Network also has an International Pétanque facility – a good activity to work off those calories after enjoying the food there. Pronounced as “pay-tank”, the sport is akin to lawn bowling, albeit less formal.

Koe is of course a fan of Pétanque. “It is not an overly active and aggressive game… more of a thinking game. Surprisingly, it attracted a lot of people from around Shah Alam,” he said.

“It is suitable for all age groups. Like when I had my knee operation, I couldn’t imagine I could still play Pétanque even though I could not continue playing tennis then. Soon I will go back to tennis, but I will continue with Pétanque as I can meet the community here,” he added.

And the Setia Eco Park community was what inspired D’Network. “We have created a network together with the clubhouse, kindergarten and eventually we will also have a clinic.”

Visual spectacle

D’Network also hosts a visual spectacle in the shape of a solar-powered musical fountain, touted by the developer as the world’s first in a F&B hub. It can be illuminated through the night as the batteries are charged up via solar power during the day.

Up to 207kWp of solar power is used to power D’Network common areas, musical fountain, landscape and street lighting.

“Today, the patrons do not only come from Setia Eco Park, but from all over Selangor. People just like the environment and freedom for the family, and the important thing is that it is safe,” Koe added.

D’Network covers a land area of 3.16 acres with a gross floor area of 59,546 sq ft and net lettable area 42,883 sq ft. It currently has “15 dedicated tenants from various backgrounds gathered in a one-stop centre”.

Source: EdgeProp, 20 August 2022