PEDESTRIANS and cyclists in the Komtar vicinity could enjoy a pedestrian-friendly area with much-needed shade when the Business Improvement District Scheme (BIDS) project at Jalan Gurdwara is completed on Sept 10.
Penang Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the main feature of this initiative was trees planted along the 800 metres of the pedestrian walkway and bicycle lane.
He said the project, which started on Feb 20 this year, was set to be the catalyst for state’s goal of becoming a walkable and green city.
“Planting more trees in the city can reduce temperatures in the inner city. A total of 56 trees will be planted along the stretch.
“Since Jalan Gurdwara BIDS is a pilot project, a similar project can be expanded to other streets to turn the city into a greener place,” he told a press conference before attending the trees planting programme in front of Gama Supermarket Departmental Store in Jalan Gurdwara today.
The project in Jalan Gurdwara is meant to widen the public space for an accessible and connected uniform pedestrian walkway and bicycle lane.
It is also to reposition the Komtar’s surrounding area as a new shopping destination while adding value to George Town’s city status.
Jagdeep added that this was a community engagement project planned together with building owners along the road.
“Delegates in the upcoming Asia-Pacific Urban Forum (APUF7) will be visiting the site this October to witness the steps taken to make the city more pedestrian-friendly,” he said.
The project will also cover Jalan Magazine, Lebuh Noordin, Lebuh Presgrave, Lebuh Tye Sin, Lebuh Macallum, Lebuh Katz, Lebuh Cecil and Lebuh Herriot.
Also present were Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk Yew Tung Seang and Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Ahmad Adil Muhamad