Area Plan bids to rejuvenate George Town

THE implementation of the BIDS (Business Improvement District Scheme) will result in a cleaner, safer and more accessible George Town.

Think City Sdn Bhd, which introduced BIDS to stakeholders around the Komtar area in December 2009, has come up with an Urban Design Guideline and an Area Plan for the redevelopment of the city, said its senior fellow Dr Neil Khor Jin Keong.

“At the time, each of the stakeholders approached the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) with their own (separate) plans, wanting to contribute towards a better and more connected environment.

“The council was unable to adopt any one plan so we proposed BIDS — an innovative way to achieve the regeneration of the area.

“The Area Plan we showed was a community proposal and we have included ideas for programmes and events after rounds of consultations with the stakeholders, a public exhibition and surveys were conducted,” he said.

George Town BIDS Sdn Bhd was incorporated recently as a special purpose vehicle to implement the BIDS Area Plan.

Dr Khor said a manager and executive would be hired by next month to oversee the implementation of the BIDS Area Plan recommendations.

“The implementation of George Town’s BIDS will be the first in Asia covering a boundary area of 34.5ha. It is expected to improve connectivity through creative methods like green corridors, shaded walkways and a shuttle service which will result in a cleaner, safer and more attractive business and family-oriented district.

“Connectivity, a prerequisite as it ensures accessibility, will work in concert with a strategy to turn green spaces and urban plazas into congregational spaces,” he said.

Among the recommended measures are the use of green technology and sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting, composting for businesses with organic waste and harnessing solar power at pedestrian shelters.

Dr Khor added that BIDS must recognise heritage values and be inclusive and people friendly.

Think City is the secretariat for BIDS. Feedback on BIDS can be sent to bids@think-city.com.my. - The Star