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Penang’s historic seafront stretching from Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) to Tanjung Metropolis Marina (TCM) is ready to endure a serious transformation below a long-term plan to create a business waterfront promenade, Transport Minister Anthony Loke Siew Fook mentioned.
Talking after the launch of the Penang Port Fee’s seventieth anniversary on the E&O Lodge, Loke mentioned the redevelopment goals to revitalise run-down areas together with TCM, Church Avenue Pier and outdated godowns alongside the waterfront.
Below the imaginative and prescient, cruise passengers arriving at SPCT will have the ability to stroll seamlessly alongside the seafront to Padang Kota Lama and onwards to TCM. The promenade will function cafes, al-fresco eating, meals and beverage shops, galleries and different visitor-oriented makes use of, turning the realm into an energetic public house.
Loke described SPCT as a “crown jewel”, noting that it’s the solely cruise terminal in Malaysia situated inside a metropolis centre and heritage zone. He mentioned the federal government intends to strengthen SPCT’s function as a house port for worldwide cruise liners, whereas enhancing the encompassing space as a welcoming promenade for each vacationers and locals.
The undertaking, nonetheless, would require shut coordination between a number of stakeholders, together with the Penang state authorities, PPC, the Transport Ministry, Railway Asset Company (RAC) and Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB).
Whereas the state authorities has already accomplished the promenade at Padang Kota Lama, Loke mentioned the subsequent step is to increase the walkway to SPCT, and ultimately to TCM and the ferry terminal to create a totally walkable waterfront. Nonetheless, he cautioned that the part linking SPCT to the ferry terminal can’t proceed till the seawall is strengthened to make sure public security, a course of that can require important capital expenditure.
Given the size of funding wanted, Loke mentioned the federal authorities will solely proceed if the undertaking presents viable business returns. To that finish, the non-public sector might be invited to develop the realm, though no everlasting buildings might be allowed as the location should stay inside a heritage zone.
Loke additionally revealed plans to redevelop the previous Menara Kastam constructing reverse TCM, which is owned by RAC, right into a boutique lodge. Describing the constructing as at the moment rundown, he mentioned approvals have already been signed, with additional bulletins anticipated quickly.
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