Federal approval or not, Weld Quay redevelopment must benefit Penangites: rep

GEORGE TOWN – The redevelopment of the Weld Quay waterfront has been given the thumbs up, but must meet help the people and state get back on track from the pandemic’s adverse effects.

Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi said he welcomes the redevelopment but the plans must aim to conserve the site’s Unesco heritage status.   

“Whatever the redevelopment plans are, they should conserve the heritage status of the zone, and the contractor has rules and regulations to follow.”

Gooi was commenting on Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Tan Teik Cheng’s recent announcement on the development of the northeastern seafront along Weld Quay, which will soon be home to world-class food, sports and education facilities.

This will take place once MPDT Capital Bhd upgrades three old port warehouses and part of the Tanjung City Marina.

“There was an earlier plan where Pakatan Harapan engaged a contractor for the redevelopment plan, however, it did not take off due to a change of government.

“The Transport Ministry has engaged a new contractor to carry out the redevelopment plan but it has to observe the George Town Special Area Plan, which is the conservation management plan for the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site,” he said.

Although the redevelopment plans are centred in Padang Kota, it is adjacent to his constituency.

“The redevelopment project is a federal government project and was recently announced by Tan. It has yet to be briefed to the state,” he said.  

With an investment of RM120 mil, the project dubbed MPDT 1880 Heritage Reborn on 24,956sq m within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site will complement Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, in line with the Experience Penang campaign.

On top of chic, new food and beverage outlets by the sea, there is set to be a vehicle showroom, an e-sports arena, and a flight simulator training centre, as well as various other recreational and entertainment facilities.

“As foodies, we’re really looking forward to the 5,000sq ft restaurants above the sea! Besides that, the flight simulator training centre certified by the Civil Aviation Authority Malaysia will occupy a vast 46,000sq ft area to house Level-D full-flight simulators and Level 2 flight training devices.

“There’ll also be a photography studio, event studio, co-working space, and many more attractions,” said Tan, adding that the project would take between 18 and 24 months to complete. 

“Meaning to say if all goes well, we’ll get to meet a brand-new Weld Quay Penang by 2023.”

The George Town Special Area Plan is the conservation management plan for the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site. 

The special plan is a reference for the community, building owners and public, especially those living in the heritage site, for better care and management of heritage buildings. It contains management strategies and action plans to protect the Outstanding Universal Value of the site. – The Vibes, August 13, 2021