GEORGE TOWN Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC) and the Penang government are considering the various options to conserve Dewan Sri Pinang.
Completed in 1972, Dewan Sri Pinang was one of the earliest examples of a tropical modernistic architecture in Penang.
GTCDC director Hamdan Abdul Majid said a conservation management plan was currently being undertaken to provide the state, facility managers, funders and users with guidelines for the future use of the building.
GTCDC is a tripartite partnership between the Penang government’s Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), Think City Sdn Bhd and Aga Khan Trust for Culture; set up to improve the public realm following the George Town Special Area Plan.
Hamdan said the Dewan Sri Pinang was governed under the George Town Special Area Plan and listed as a Category II heritage building.
“The aim is to rejuvenate Dewan Sri Pinang through conservation efforts. We have three renewal options,” he said.
Option One stated minimal intervention that includes reprogramming of existing spaces such as reinstating the library, enlarging the art gallery, creation of flexible auditorium space with an experimental theatre and box seating; and reinstatement of the former sea-facing balcony restaurant.
Meanwhile Option Two stated modest intervention that focuses on new spaces and circulation, notably a larger ground floor function space; creation of a flexible auditorium space with an experimental theatre and box seating; extension of the first floor facing the sea for a digital library; creation of a semi-outdoor foodcourt; an an option for a new foyer linking to the Town Hall and City Hall.
As for Option Three, it is an expanded version of Option Two that includes a further extension of the building towards the seafront, including a larger performing arts space and third floor space for office tenants.
“We are gathering feedback from the public. This display at the Dewan Sri Pinang will be available until the end of the State Legislative Assembly sitting.
“A second round of display will be held after the Hari Raya celebration,” he told a press conference at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said GTCDC was currently focussing on conservation works at the north seafront of George Town.
“The north seafront includes the Dewan Sri Pinang, Medan Renong foodcourt, Light Street, Fort Cornwallis, Jalan Tun Syed Sheh Barakbah and the Esplanade.
“Conservation works are now ongoing at the Fort Conwallis, the upgrading works for the Esplanade field has been completed two years ago, the seawall is also currently being restored. The old Fountain Garden has also undergone a facelift,” Chow said.
On plans for east seafront, Chow said GTCDC was working together with consultants and expertise to come out with a masterplan to conserve and develop the area.
“The east seafront includes the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, Pengkalan Raja Tun Uda ferry terminal, and some godowns in Weld Quay.
“The master plan will be introduced when it is completed,” he said.
Also present at the press conference were state executive council members Jagdeep Singh Deo and Zairil Khir Johari, and State Secretary Datuk Seri Farizan Darus.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Law Suun Ting
Video by Chan Kok Kuan