THE 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang, located on Burma Road, is set to re-open in 2026, coinciding with its 100th anniversary.
This milestone is made possible by a successful lease agreement signed between the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and Jetblue Sdn Bhd on Aug 1 this year.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, who witnessed a separate signing ceremony at Ascott Gurney Penang today, highlighted that the agreement is a significant step towards realising the Penang government’s vision of establishing the state as a premier tourism destination.
“With the signing of this 15-year lease agreement, with an option for an additional 15 years, it is hoped that Jetblue Sdn Bhd will transform the 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang into another iconic landmark in the tourism sector, blending modern renovations with the preservation of the hotel’s original elements,” he said in his speech.
The lease signing ceremony was officiated by PDC chief executive officer Datuk Aziz Bakar and Jetblue Sdn Bhd director Datuk Koay Shao Sheong, with the Chief Minister as a witness.
Aziz noted that the building last operated as a hotel in 2020 under a different management.
Koay shared that Jetblue Sdn Bhd has invested approximately RM20 million to preserve and enhance the heritage building.
Following the lease signing, Jetblue Sdn Bhd and The Ascott Limited also entered into a management agreement for the 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang.
The signing was carried out by Koay and Wong Kar Ling, The Ascott Limited’s chief strategy officer, who mentioned that the 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang would be part of Ascott’s The Unlimited Collection brand.
Chow mentioned that Penang is inseparable from its identity as a state rich in arts, culture, and heritage.
“Beyond offering natural beauty, culinary delights, and cultural arts, this administration is committed to highlighting and educating locals and international visitors about the state’s heritage buildings.
“In line with the Penang2030 vision, the state government has undertaken various initiatives, including funding allocations and engagement sessions, to ensure that all planning and development contribute positively to economic growth and quality of life without neglecting cultural values,” he said.
Chow emphasised that the Penang government had always welcomed initiatives like this, which not only helped to uphold cultural heritage but also contributed to the economic development and well-being of the local community.
“In 2022 alone, Penang welcomed 10 million domestic visitors, compared to 5.06 million the previous year.
“In 2023, Penang recorded nearly seven million tourist arrivals, a clear indicator that the resilience and appeal of the tourism industry will continue to drive the state’s economic growth.
“I am confident that through the collaboration between PDC and Jetblue Sdn Bhd, the 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang will become a model of success in implementing tourism projects that respect heritage while driving economic growth.
“May the 1926 Heritage Hotel Penang project become another source of pride for our state, bringing even greater success to Penang and its people,” he said.
Also present were Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, state Trade, Entrepreneurial Development and Rural Development Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol, Penang Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jason H’ng Mooi Lye and Balik Pulau MP Datuk Muhammad Bakhtiar Wan Chik, Bukit Tambun assemblyman Goh Choon Aik, who is also a PDC Board member.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis