About Us

HISTORY
& EVOLUTION

WE BELIEVE WORKING TOGETHER IS WORKING BETTER.

First established in 1952 as Art Printing Works, a commercial printing factory, in Lebuh Ampang.
APW then relocated to its present Bangsar location in 1965.
From the 60s to the 80s, Art Printing Works was one of the most prolific printers in Kuala Lumpur.
Since 2014, APW has been transformed under the idea of repurposing underutilised space.
The printing factory was soon reimagined into a creative space for entrepreneurs, artists, small businesses, and other events.
From a commercial printing factory to a contemporary lifestyle campus, A Place Where has evolved into a sanctuary for all.
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Milestones
Timeline

ESTABLISHMENT

1952

APW was established, focusing on printing comics, magazines, and textbooks.

CREATIVE CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION

2013

The transformation of APW began with Pulp by Papa Palheta (PPP) opening on 29 March 2014 in a former paper-cutting warehouse. Soon after, APW launched its first event space, Bookmark, in the main building’s former front office, paving the way for future creative collaborations.

CONVERSION OF
PAPER PLATES &
UPPERCASE

2016

The old printing storage area, known as “the loft,” was converted into Uppercase, a collaborative workspace for freelance writers, designers, and entrepreneurs. Additionally, new F&B ventures like Breakfast Thieves and Proof joined the Paper Plate section.

POCKET PARK
BY THINK CITY

2016

APW introduced Projek Poket Pokok, a pocket park created in collaboration with Think City. This urban green space offers a vibrant outdoor area for gatherings and relaxation, addressing the need for greenery at APW. The park also features a sophisticated lighting installation that complements its modern design.

BINDERY EXPANSION

2021

New spaces such as Bask, Unwined KL, Olivia Deli and other F&B joined the APW community, enriching the culinary experience.

COMPLETE FACTORY CONVERSION - CANVAS

2022

By November, Canvas was completed as the final area of the factory transformation. Canvas now features a diverse mix of fashion, beauty, homeware, and additional eateries.

COACH PLAY APW LAUNCH

2024

Coach Play APW and The Coach Coffee were introduced in October 2024

Vision

A PLACE WHERE GREW FROM A CREATIVE URGE, WITH ITS ROOTS IN PRINTING AND A SPACE SO INTRICATELY DESIGNED, WE WANTED TO INSTIL OUR VALUES INTO THE FOUNDATION OF A CONTEMPORARY LIFESTYLE CAMPUS.