Gurney Wharf will be created on land to be reclaimed by Tanjung
Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD), a subsidiary of premier lifestyle
property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O).
A public exhibition themed “My Gurney Wharf” was held at a popular
retail mall here for the proposed concept masterplan through a series of curated images, photographs and illustrations.
“Acknowledging the importance of Gurney Drive and the emotional
attachment it brings forth in the hearts and minds of Penangites, the
State is proud to propose a masterplan concept to create a new iconic
waterfront destination for Penang, for the benefit of the people of
Penang, and one that Penangites would be proud to call their own,” said
Lim Guan Eng, Chief Minister of Penang.
E&O took the initiative to engage
award-winning international consultants at its own cost to prepare the
proposed masterplan concept. The consultants—GDP Architects for the
overall masterplan, Grant Associates for landscaping and Jerde for
retail F&B—all highly acclaimed designers and consultants with an impressive portfolio that
includes the Aga Khan-award winning Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (GDP),
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore (Grant) and Roppongi Hills, Japan
(Jerde).
“Drawing inspiration from some of the world’s best public spaces we
aspire to create a spacious, multi-functional public park-in-the-city
that is international in standard yet one hundred per cent Penang in
spirit.”
The proposed Gurney Wharf concept masterplan encompasses four
distinct character areas: Seaside Retail F&B, Water Gardens, Beach
and Coastal Grove.
The Seaside Retail F&B celebrates Penang’s vibrant seafront with a waterfronting public promenade, seafront dining facilities including the island’s famed hawker fare and a pier walk.
The Water Gardens area will be defined by lush gardens, ponds and
wetlands with its most distinctive feature being landscaped water
gardens with innovative storm water filtration systems. Modelled after
Singapore’s success with this at Gardens on the Bay, this is a
pioneering system in Malaysia which is aesthetically outstanding as it
is functional.
At the Beach precinct, Penangites would gain greater access
to the waterfront area that includes a public beach as well as a public
promenade. Nearly 400 meters of sandy beach will be specially created.
Within the Coastal Grove, a skate park for teens and youth, not far from the casuarinas lining the present Gurney Drive. The existing casuarinas are a trademark of Gurney Drive and will be mindfully preserved.
Lim Guan Eng rounded up by saying “In enabling easy access to the waterfront
for everybody, the proposed concept masterplan incorporates two
pedestrian retail underpasses with direct access from Pulau Tikus.
Conveniences such as underpass lifts and escalators, separate pedestrian
walkways and cycling paths as well as ramps for wheelchairs and
strollers have also be included in the design. There will also be close
to 1500 car park bays above and below ground level.
In compliance with regulatory requirements to ensure public safety,
fencing would have to be built along the perimeter of the development
site prior to commencement of works. Fencing works is anticipated to
start in end-February.”
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