CHIEF Minister Chow Kon Yeow today announced that a long-dormant heritage building at the junction of Gat Lebuh Acheh and Lebuh Victoria will finally be restored and transformed into a regional learning and education centre for heritage, following the resolution of a court case that had delayed its development for years.
Speaking at the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025 community appreciation ceremony, Chow said the Penang government has allocated RM11 million for the restoration of the former godown, which the state previously acquired for heritage-related purposes.
It will be called the George Town Heritage Research, Education, and Learning International Centre (GTH-Relic).
“Now that the court case has been resolved, George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) will take over the building and turn it into a learning and education centre for heritage, for the original acquisition.
“Some preliminary works have been done, and we are ready to continue.
“It is important we have such a centre, not just for Penang but as a platform for knowledge exchange between residents, artisans, NGOs, professional bodies, and heritage centres from around the world,” Chow told reporters during a brief media conference earlier.
He also praised the GTWHI saying it has earned recognition as one of Southeast Asia’s best heritage site managers.
The new centre, he said, would serve not just as a local hub, but also as a learning facility for the wider region.
Meanwhile, GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee confirmed that preparations are now underway.
“We are in the process of securing permits, and hopefully by next year, we can begin full restoration works,” she said.
In addition to the education centre, another major project in the area is the Cultural Heritage Hub, which will see the restoration of eight shophouses along Lebuh Acheh.
Once rejected, the proposal has now been revived and will receive RM4 million in funding. The site is set to become a hub for Penang’s creative economy, offering opportunities for creative entrepreneurs.
“We aim to complete this project by the first quarter of next year.
“As for any fees to be imposed, they will be sustainable and reasonable,” Ang said.
She also shared updates on GTWHI’s Relics Project, which features four main heritage elements. Work is expected to be completed by the end of next year.
At the same ceremony, Chow extended his heartfelt appreciation to GTWHI and its 40 community partners for their unwavering commitment and creativity, which contributed to the success of George Town Heritage Celebrations 2025.
The three-day celebration, held from July 5 to 7, attracted over 20,000 visitors, many of whom actively participated in the cultural programmes, engaging with the city’s stories, traditions, and community spirit.
Since George Town’s inscription as a Unesco World Heritage Site in 2008, GTWHI has spearheaded a community-driven heritage conservation approach, channelling over RM18.5 million into repair incentives for 52 Category One and 323 Category Two heritage buildings. Other initiatives include the installation of AED units across the heritage zone.
Also present earlier were state Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai, Deputy Finance Minister and Tanjong MP Lim Hui Ying, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, and Penang Island City Council (MBPP) mayor Datuk A. Rajendran.
Story by Kevin Vimal
Pix by Muhamad Amir Irsyad Omar
Video by Noor Siti Nabilah Noorazis