Penang unveils plans for new Gurney Wharf waterfront

The Penang government today unveiled plans for a new seafront public park at its popular Gurney Drive, to be known as Gurney Wharf.

Spanning close to 60 acres, Gurney Wharf will be created on land to be reclaimed by Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD), a subsidiary of property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O).

“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 Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng at the launch.

“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 100% Penang in spirit,” he said.

The proposed Gurney Wharf concept masterplan comprises four areas that will feature a seaside retail food and beverage area, a water garden, a beach and a coastal grove.

The seaside retail area will consist of a public promenade and seafront dining facilities including the island’s famed hawker fare and a pier walk.

The water gardens area will include a landscaped water garden with innovative storm water filtration systems, and is modelled after Singapore’s Gardens By The Bay.

There will also be a skate park for teens and youth at the park.

“In enabling easy access to the waterfront for everybody, the proposed concept masterplan incorporates two pedestrian retail underpasses with direct access from Pulau Tikus," said Lim.

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, he added.

There will also be some 1500 car park bays above and below ground level. – February 23, 2016.

- themalaysianinsider-