THE Penang government is looking forward to a new public promenade for visitors to enjoy the scenic view of Weld Quay in the proposed East Seafront Project.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the East Seafront Project was undertaken by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC). It also undertakes the North Seafront Project.
GTCDC is a tripartite partnership between the Penang government’s Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Think City Sdn Bhd and Aga Khan Trust for Culture; set up to improve the public realm following the George Town Special Area Plan.
“The East Seafront Project will include the upgrading of the cruise terminal, the setting up of a cultural district, the refurbishment of godowns, creating a new public promenade, and a mixed-use transport hub and business district.
“We also have plans to have a new central business district in Seberang Perai. The connection from the Penang island and the mainland by sea starts here,” Jagdeep told a press conference today.
He said that GTCDC together with CMI would be asked to conduct a design competition to invite talents to share their ideas about the proposed East Seafront Project.
Jagdeep added that the project is in the core zone of the Unesco World Heritage Site.
“It is utmost important to note that any development in the area must comply with the Unesco World Heritage listing guidelines,” he said.
Meanwhile, Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Jeffrey Chew said the cruise terminal expansion work was scheduled to begin in September and it will take about a year to complete.
“The current length of the terminal is 545m. It will be expanded northwards and will have a length of 793m after the expansion project.
“The terminal will still be open during the expansion. We are expecting an increase in cruise visitors after the expansion project,” he said.
Chew added that the RM155 million expansion project was funded by Penang Port Sdn Bhd and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Chew said the development surrounding the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) – namely SPCT A, SPCT B and SPCT C – were part of the proposed East Seafront Project.
“The development of SPCT A (about 1.5acres) is still in discussion. There are old warehouses, an open space car park and an old building there. It can be developed into a parking and cultural area.
“As for SPCT B, the development will cost approximately over RM100 million. The development is to be funded by the private sector. We are still in the midst of discussion,” Chew said.
Jagdeep said SPCT B (over 2acres) would comprise of residential, commercial and a new cultural district; welcoming cruise passengers that arrive at the pier.
Chew said the RFP deadline for the revival of Tanjung City Marina (SPCT C) is Dec 11 this year.
“A lot of the pontoons have floated away. The area needs help,” he said.
Among those present at the press conference were CMI deputy general manager S. Bharathi, Think City programme director urban solutions Dr Matt Benson, Penang Island City Council engineering director A. Rajendran and George Town World Heritage Incorporated Department of Built Environment and Monitoring manager Muhammad Hijas Sahari.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Chan Kok Kuan