Loke (third from right) launching Penang Port Commission’s 70th anniversary celebrations in George Town. — Photos: CHAN BOON KAI/The Star
There are plans to revitalise the waterfront stretch from Penang’s Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal to Tanjung City Marina into a commercial promenade.
Transport Minister Anthony Loke said Tanjung City Marina, the old and run-down godowns along the stretch, and Church Street Pier would be transformed.
“We will push forward to ensure that the entire development plan is realised as soon as possible.
“Cruise passengers walking out from Swettenham Pier will be able to walk to Padang Kota Lama or Tanjung City Marina.
“Along the way, there will be food and beverage outlets, including al fresco cafes, galleries and other attractive features,” Loke said during a press conference after the launch of Penang Port Commission’s 70th anniversary in George Town.
He said Swettenham Pier was a “crown jewel” not only for Penang but for the country as it was the only cruise terminal located within the city and heritage zone.
“This is an important asset not only for Penang but for Malaysia.
“This is why there is a long-term vision to develop the cruise terminal as a home port for international cruise liners.
Penang Port Commission staff with the organisation’s commemorative 70th anniversary gold coin.
“We do not only want to provide a port facility, but to also turn the entire area around it into a nice promenade.
“This is where the state government, Penang Port Commission, Transport Ministry and all other related agencies including the Railway Asset Corporation and Penang Port Sdn Bhd must hold a meeting and come together to realise this vision,” he said.
According to Loke, the state government had completed the transformation of the promenade along Padang Kota Lama.
“We want to expand that walkway to connect to the Swettenam Pier Cruise Terminal.
“They can then expand it all the way to Tanjung City Marina and the ferry terminal to make the entire area walkable.
“No walkway has been built yet from the cruise terminal to the ferry terminal, as the seawall needs to be strengthened first to ensure public safety.
“We want to invite the private sector to develop that area into a commercial area, with galleries, food and beverage outlets and other shops,” he said.
Loke said there would be no construction of permanent structures as the entire area has to be maintained as a heritage zone.
