SIA Boey Urban Park in the heart of George Town, Penang, is now officially open to the public.
The 1.024ha site is part of the Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project, which was launched on March 25 last year to transform Sia Boey into an area that facilitates the coexistence of development and heritage conservation.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said part of the long-awaited project had finally been completed and it was open to the public a week ago.
“Many people visited the park before the official opening ceremony to see the transformation and restoration work that was done.
“My old office was just across the road and I have been passing by and seen the development here for the past 33 years.
“Although the project has not been fully completed yet, I am glad that a big part of it is done now, ” he said during the opening ceremony on Saturday.
Chow said Sia Boey, which means “the end of town” in Hokkien, was once the trading hub of George Town.
“George Town began from Fort Cornwallis and Sia Boey was about 2km from the fort.
“Sia Boey was the end of town as it was considered far from Fort Cornwallis in the old times.
“Most of the activities surrounded the Prangin Canal where the 19th century Market Hall and shop lots were located last time, ” he said.
The Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project was launched to transform the site into an area of existing development as well as conserving heritage and green parks for sustainable development.
“The site is regarded as the buffer zone of George Town Unesco World Heritage Site and it is important that we retain its historical values.
“Although its land value is high, Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and the state government decided to not develop the area and instead turned it into a public sphere.
“I hope that the renovated Market Hall, which will be open for public use, will be fully utilised.
“People can also come here to shoot their wedding photos, ” he said, adding that part of the site would become the main station for the Bayan Lepas Light Rail Transit under the Penang Transport Master Plan.
Also located on the land is the Sia Boey Urban Archeological Park, which is the first in Malaysia.
Chow said the archaeological park would tell the story of George Town.
“The project is in line with Penang2030 to create a green park which is integrated with a network that will benefit biodiversity and also as a long-term strategy to fight climate change in Penang, ” he said.
It is learnt that the land value for phase one and phase two of the Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project is worth around RM110mil and the development of phase one cost over RM10mil.
Also present were state tourism development, arts, culture and heritage committee chairman Yeoh Soon Hin, the chief minister’s political secretary Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Air Itam assemblyman Joseph Ng, city mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang, PDC general manager Datuk Mohd Bazid Abd Kahar and PDC senior deputy general manager (implementation) Yeoh Lean Huat.
Already a subscriber? Log in
Get 20% OFF The Star Digital Access
Cancel anytime. Ad-free. Unlimited access with perks.
Sia Boey Urban Park in George Town, Penang. Pic by: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star/ 9 November 2019.
An old tree with gnarly and interlocking branches provides shade and an interesting backdrop for photos at the Sia Boey Urban Park.
Chow and his entourage interacting with some children playing on the rocking chairs at the Sia Boey Urban Park.
Visitors having fun at the playground during the official opening of the Sia Boey Urban Park in George Town, Penang. — Photos: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star
Another view of the Sia Boey Urban Park.
The old Prangin Canal has been transformed into a cleaner waterway where koi fish can be found swimming in the water.
Sia Boey Urban Park in George Town, Penang. Pic by: ZHAFARAN NASIB/The Star/ 9 November 2019.
Chow (fourth right), flanked by Mohd Bazid on his right and Yeoh on his left, cutting the ribbons together with other leaders to officially open the Sia Boey Urban Park.
