Malaysian property developer Cahya Mata Sarawak Berhad (CMSB), has won the right to build the proposed RM308m (US$105.8m, €93.4m, £69.5m) Sarawak Museum Campus and Heritage Trail in Kuala Lumpur.

The project, awarded by local government for the Sarawak region, comprises design, construction, fitting out and exhibit design for the 30,000sq m (323,000sq ft) museum development. PPES Works – a subsidiary of CMSB – has signed a design and build negotiated contract with the local government. An adjoining annexe will house an administration area, storage and international-standard conservation facilities.

The museum’s brief calls for a design focused on improving linkage with the existing museum, which was first built in the 1800s. Scheduled to be completed by early 2020, a heritage trail in central Kuching is planned as part of the development, in addition to conservation work being carried out on the site’s three existing historical buildings and its pavilion.

“The Sarawak Museum was founded in 1891 and contains one of the world’s finest collections of Borneo material within a complex of historically important heritage buildings,” said Dato’ Richard Curtis, group managing director of CMSB.

“We are confident that PPES’ long experience in developing iconic buildings in the State, including the Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building and the award-winning Borneo Convention Centre Kuching, will enable us to deliver this project in line with the State’s objective of restoring the Sarawak Museum to its status as one of the region’s leading museums.”

In its efforts to deliver a world-class museum project, PPES will work with several leading museums on implementation and execution of its plans. Among those included will be the UK’s British Museum and Natural History Museum, which were both involved in the original founding of the museum.

“We are honoured to have been entrusted with this project and recognise that its successful execution will greatly support nation building, education and research into Sarawak’s rich natural, cultural and historical heritage as well as increasing cultural tourism,” added Curtis.

The project will be developed in phases starting in 2015 and is expected to be completed by 2020.