A mock-up of the moat, measuring 200sq m, had been completed for the contractor’s reference.
THE Fort Cornwallis moat reinstatement project is expected to be completed in 2025, said Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
He said the moat would be open to the public upon being restored to its former glory.
He said the premier historical structure restoration project was an important component under the North Seafront Master Plan that starts from Dewan Sri Pinang (to the west) to Fort Cornwallis and the entrance to Swettenham Pier (to the east).
“This project shows the state government’s commitment to upgrading the historical place, establishing a centre to gather historical information and developing it into a famous tourism spot.
“The restoration of the moat also includes the upgrading of a food court near Fort Cornwallis,” he said in his speech during the pre-launching ceremony.
Chow said the project was being developed through a public-private partnership between the Federal Government and the state government.
The initiative is being undertaken by George Town Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC), which is a tripartite alliance consisting of the Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Think City Sdn Bhd and Aga Khan Trust for Culture.
Chow said a mock-up of the moat, measuring 200sq m, had been completed for the contractor’s reference.
“It is important to ensure the contractor, who will be appointed soon, is adhering to the Unesco World Heritage Site guidelines,” he said, as quoted by state publisher Buletin Mutiara.
Meanwhile, CMI deputy general manager Datin S. Bharathi said the overall cost incurred for the moat restoration and upgrading of the nearby food court was RM20mil.
Think City Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal said he was pleased with the development of the overall project.
Also present were state local government, country and town planning committee chairman Jagdeep Singh, state tourism and creative economy committee chairman Yeoh Soo Hin, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi, Pulau Tikus assemblyman Chris Lee and state financial officer Zabidah Safar.
