A ROW of eight heritage shophouses along Lebuh Aceh will be transformed into a cultural heritage hub under a RM10mil project aimed at strengthening heritage conservation and the creative economy within the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Penang Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Cultural Heritage Hub (CH2) project marked a significant milestone in efforts to safeguard and revitalise George Town’s cultural heritage through collaboration between the state government and the private sector.
He said the project, spearheaded by the George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), demonstrated the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in preserving heritage assets while creating new opportunities for cultural and economic activities.
“This is an excellent paradigm and a major milestone in the joint efforts between the Penang government and a non-governmental organisation to safeguard and revitalise cultural heritage.
“It fully demonstrates the powerful effectiveness of public-private partnerships,” he said during the Cultural Heritage Hub project kick-off ceremony at Lebuh Aceh today.
The ceremony was held in conjunction with the 18th anniversary of George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The project involves eight Category II heritage buildings — Nos. 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 and 43, which are Early Penang-style shophouses, and No. 43A, which features the Southern Chinese Eclectic architectural style.
The properties, owned by Lim Kongsi Toon Pun Tong, were leased to GTWHI in 2024.
The initiative was first announced by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow during the 17th George Town Heritage Day celebrations last year.
After a year of planning and preparatory work, the project officially commenced and is expected to be completed within two years.
Wong said the completed development would serve as a vibrant centre for cultural heritage, creative activities and community engagement.
He added that the project would further reinforce George Town’s position as a living heritage city by balancing conservation efforts with contemporary cultural and economic needs.
Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said the organisation was seeking at least RM10mil to realise the project and invited corporations, organisations and individuals to contribute.
“CH2 will develop into an ecosystem rich with cultural heritage potential.
“We invite the private sector to participate. This is not only an opportunity to fulfil corporate social responsibility commitments, but also a platform to coexist and thrive alongside George Town’s World Heritage status,” she said.
Ang said interested parties could contact GTWHI to explore collaboration opportunities.
She added that the project would be developed together with architect Johnny Ooi, with placemaking forming the core design concept.
Under the proposal, the historic shophouses will be adapted into a vibrant hub for creativity, collaboration and cultural exchange, while preserving their heritage character.
The design includes the activation of the rear lane into a communal public space, enhanced connectivity between the buildings and the creation of gathering areas for locals and visitors.
Upon completion, the CH2 project will comprise three main components.
The first is the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre, which will showcase the city’s history, culture and architecture through exhibitions and interactive displays aimed at enhancing public appreciation of heritage conservation.
The second component is the Creative Economy Incubation Centre, which will provide support, mentorship and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs and creative practitioners to develop products and services inspired by George Town’s cultural heritage.
The third is the Cultural Practitioner Interactive Space, a flexible venue for exhibitions, workshops, seminars and community programmes focused on transmitting and preserving cultural heritage knowledge and skills.
GTWHI previously spent about RM1.8mil on preliminary stabilisation and repair works on the fire-damaged buildings, with further restoration works to be carried out as the project progresses.
Also present were Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) general manager S. Bharathi, Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, and Lim Kongsi Toon Pun Tong president Datuk Lawrence Lim.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi