THE over-a-century-old moat of Fort Cornwallis, under the premier historic structure restoration project, is set to be reinstated before it is open to the public in 2025.
The moat, on the south and the east, will be restored to its former glory.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said the Fort Cornwallis restoration project was an important component under the ‘North Seafront Master Plan’.
“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.
“This project is developed through a public-private partnership (PPP), with the collaboration between the Federal Government and the state government.
“The restoration of the moat also includes the upgrading of a food court nearby Fort Cornwallis,” he said in his speech during the pre-launching ceremony today.
The initiative, Chow said, is being undertaken by the 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.
A mini gallery in Fort Cornwallis’ store room is scheduled to be completed in August this year.
Chow said a mock-up of the moat, measuring 200 square metres, 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 added.
When met by reporters, CMI deputy general manager Datin S. Bharathi said the overall cost incurred for the restoration of the moat and the upgrading of the nearby food court was about RM20 million.
Think City Sdn Bhd chairman Datuk Seri Dr Anwar Fazal said he was pleased with the development of the overall project.
Among those 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.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Adleena Rahayu Ahmad Radzi
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat