Revival ideas welcome after demolition at Komtar Walk

Demolition work in progress at the entrance of Komtar Walk beside Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong in Penang.

THE demolition of structures at Komtar Walk beside Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong in Penang is 80% completed and is expected to wrap up by end of this month.

Workers are now busy tearing down partition panels while heavier structures such as steel beams are being dismantled by skilled contractors at the site measuring about 150m long.

Among the demolished structures are seven units of double-storey retail outlets, nine units of single-storey dining outlets, a single-storey food court and a tourist information counter.

Earthworks to clear its surroundings are included in the project and workers have erected hoardings around the perimeter.

Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng said as no unforeseen difficulties were encountered, work on the demolition costing about RM300,000 was going at full speed since last month.

“After being abandoned for almost two years, we are seeing hopes for rejuvenation of the area.

“All structures will be torn down but the walkway and canopy above will be retained.

“After demolition is done, the site will be handed back to Penang Development Corporation (PDC) for future plans.

“I propose that the area serves as a gateway to The Top, Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) and Komtar building itself, ” he said.

Teh said it was decided that the area be torn down following legal issues between Komtar Walk’s operator with PDC despite some business doing well.

“With new development to come, I welcome any proposal to revive the area, ” he said.

Komtar Walk was opened in 2009 and it once had a performance stage, water features and soft landscaping.