Plans for Heritage Square in Penang

GEORGE TOWN: The state government and Penang Development Corporation (PDC) plan to transform a 1.82ha plot of land, including the old Sia Boey market here, into Penang’s new heritage enclave.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the new enclave would be known as Heritage Square, a project under the Komtar Phase Five development.

He said the move was in line with George Town’s World Heritage Listing and would complement the revitalisation of Komtar as a socio-civic centre and business hub of the state.

“It will be a complete makeover and it will predominantly be used as a public space,” he said after visiting Sia Boey in Lebuh Tek Soon yesterday.

Lim said the project had five major elements – restoration and expansion of Sia Boey (Prangin Market), creation of urban spaces, a heritage celebration square and an iconic George Town heritage centre, reinstatement and adaptive reuse of old shophouses and restoration of the Prangin Canal.

“The square and centre will restore the cultural vibrancy of George Town by promoting living heritage and street life as well as green the city to ensure balanced development in the area,” he said.

Lim, who is also PDC chairman, said the draft plans would be open to the public next week.

“The draft is subject to changes. We want to make public viewing available before Hari Raya Aidilfitri,” he said.

The revitalisation would include a visitors’ centre, crafts and souvenir retail areas, flowers and food hubs.

“PDC will build an adjacent market to complement the existing one. It will be a “dry” market instead of “wet” one,” Lim said.

He said existing shophouses along Maxwell Road would undergo adaptive reuse into cafes, coffeeshops, teahouses, handicraft centres, mini museums, boutiques and B&B hotels in line with the heritage ambience and theme of the area.

A five-storey building would be erected to add to the vibrancy of the square.

Lim also said that the restoration of the Prangin Canal would include plans for a hawker street food zone and street furniture in well-landscaped areas. - The Star