THE Penang government, through the Penang Development Corporation (PDC), has officially called for a Request for Proposal (RFP) to invite industry players to participate in the highly anticipated Weld Quay Waterfront Development.
The RFP submission closes at 12pm on March 30 this year, with a document fee of RM5,000.
Interested parties may obtain further details via www.pdc.gov.my or by contacting Seow Yijuan at [email protected] or Norhaizan Wan Abdul Rahman at [email protected].
The announcement was made during a special programme held today at Eastin Hotel Penang, where Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow outlined the vision and strategic importance of the project.
Chow said the proposed development site spans approximately 13.25 acres in Section 23 of the northeast district, located within the George Town Unesco World Heritage Site.
“Of this total, about 12.05 acres are state land, while the remaining 1.2 acres belong to PDC.
“Strategically positioned along the waterfront and facing the mainland, the site offers excellent accessibility.
“It is directly linked to the Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu Expressway, providing seamless access to the island, city centre and the Penang Bridge.
“This connectivity will be further enhanced by the future LRT station at Macallum, which will link the area directly to Penang Sentral and strengthen regional mobility,” he said.
Chow explained that the project is envisioned as a thoughtfully planned mixed development aimed at delivering sustainable and long-term benefits for the state and its people.
“It will provide a structured housing scheme that raises living standards, while optimising land value through responsible redevelopment that stimulates wider socio-economic growth.
“At the same time, it will reinforce George Town’s image as a progressive yet culturally rich city, with development that harmonises the built environment with its natural and urban surroundings.
“Given its proximity to the clan jetties and other historical landmarks, heritage sensitivity and contextual design will be central to the planning and implementation of this project. Growth must respect history, and modernisation must coexist with preservation,” he said.
To safeguard long-term value, Chow said the state government, through PDC, has set a reserve price for the land as a baseline valuation.
“However, tenderers are strongly encouraged to submit competitive offers that reflect the site’s strategic significance and development potential.
“They may also propose other forms of guaranteed consideration or contributions to PDC to further enhance the overall impact of the development,” he added.
Chow said beyond commercial objectives, the project places strong emphasis on social responsibility, particularly in improving the livelihoods of existing residents in the Weld Quay area.
Chow noted that the resettlement of Weld Quay and Cecil Residency squatters will be carried out in a structured and humane manner, with affected families relocated to the newly constructed Cecil Residency located near the project site.
“The Cecil Residency, developed by PDC Properties Sdn Bhd, is currently awaiting the Certificate of Completion and Compliance (CCC), expected within the next few months.
“This ensures residents receive proper housing within a familiar environment, preserving social networks and livelihoods while reflecting our commitment to inclusive development,” he said.
Chow also said that the Weld Quay Waterfront Development represents more than a physical transformation.
“It is a strategic undertaking that reflects Penang’s commitment to sustainable development, heritage preservation, social inclusivity and economic progress.
“Through this RFP, we invite capable, visionary and responsible developers to present proposals that are innovative, financially sound and sensitive to the historical and cultural significance of George Town.
“It is our hope that this development will become a landmark waterfront destination that enhances quality of life, strengthens Penang’s global standing and contributes meaningfully to the state’s long-term growth,” he concluded.
Also present at the event were Penang Housing and Environment Committee chairman Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Wong Yuee Harng, PDC deputy chief executive officer (operations) Roslan Hassan and PDC deputy chief executive officer (management) Abdul Latiff Abdul Aziz.
Story by Riadz Akmal
Pix by Muhammad Iqbal Hamdan
Video by Siti Nuratikah Rahmat