ASTAKA Kota Selera at Fort Cornwallis has been named the Building of the Year 2026 and received the Gold Award in the Commercial Low-Rise category at the Pertubuhan Akitek Malaysia (PAM) Awards 2026.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the recognition reflects Penang’s commitment to delivering quality public developments that balance architectural excellence, heritage conservation, environmental sustainability and community needs.
“This recognition is not merely about celebrating an award. It demonstrates that high-quality public development can successfully balance architectural excellence, heritage preservation, environmental sustainability and the needs of the community,” he said during the PAM Awards 2026 presentation ceremony for the project at Astaka Kota Selera today.
Chow congratulated Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), the project owner, and EA Architects Sdn Bhd for the achievement.
He said the success of Astaka Kota Selera was the result of long-term planning efforts that began in 2017 through the North Seafront programme of the Strategic Master Plan George Town.
“With a construction cost of approximately RM3.35 million, Astaka Kota Selera proves that even a modestly scaled project can create a significant impact when guided by a clear vision,” he said.
The project was redeveloped as part of the Fort Cornwallis Moat Restoration and Conservation Project, transforming a public food court into a more organised, comfortable and conducive facility while preserving the historical character of the surrounding area.
Astaka Kota Selera now houses 26 food stalls and can accommodate up to 224 diners. It is equipped with facilities such as a surau, public toilets and disabled-friendly access.
According to Chow, the project’s low-rise architectural concept was carefully designed to complement the heritage setting of Fort Cornwallis and George Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The use of red brick elements preserves the visual continuity of the historic surroundings, demonstrating that modern development can progress hand in hand with heritage conservation,” he said.
The project also incorporates a green roof under the Penang Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), led by Think City, an initiative aimed at reducing the urban heat island effect and strengthening climate resilience.
Chow said the award-winning development demonstrates the capability of local architects and professionals to produce designs that combine functionality, aesthetics and heritage preservation.
He expressed hope that Astaka Kota Selera would serve as a benchmark for future public development projects in the state.
“I am confident that through close collaboration between the state, CMI, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) and our strategic partners, more high-quality development projects can be realised to further strengthen Penang’s position as a progressive, liveable and sustainable state,” he added.
Also present were MBPP mayor Datuk A. Rajendran, CMI general manager Datin S. Bharati, Think City Sdn Bhd managing director Datuk Hamdan Majeed, Astaka Kota Selera Small Traders Association chairman Datuk Dr Shahul Hameed, EA Architects Sdn Bhd director Liou Hung Woei, Projek Jayamas Property Construction Sdn Bhd director Kenny Ooi Wei Boon and MBPP councillor Foo Yu Keong.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat
Video by Law Suun Ting