DEWAN Sri Pinang, which is located in the northseafront of the George Town World Heritage Site, has been considered for a conservation management plan.
The state government, together with the George Town Conservation & Development Corporation (GTCDC), are currently looking into the possible options of ‘revamping’ the iconic building.
“As you know, the Chief Minister (Chow Kon Yeow) had announced during the state assembly meeting that public views are needed before undertaking the project.
“We have completed a preliminary survey on this last week at the state assembly meeting.
“Hundred over respondents comprising assemblymen, state exco members and civil servants took part in the survey where the possible options of the upgrading work were also displayed,” said state Local Government,Housing, Town and Country Plannng Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo during a press conference held at Dewan Sri Pinang today.
According to Jagdeep, the results of the survey showed that 87% of the respondents agreed for the building to be made as the Arts and Cultural centre for Penang, 78% wanted it to be upgraded while 61% agreed for a facelift and further extension of the building, such as a library and a larger performing arts space.
“We need the input and feedback from the members of public regarding the project, thus we will be conducting another round of survey.
“A public display will be held at Dewan Sri Pinang and also at Komtar (3rd floor) starting from today for one month.
“The public can come over to Dewan Sri Pinang and Komtar to take part in the survey
“The majority views of the public will be given paramount importance,” added Jagdeep.
The Datok Keramat assemblyman also expressed his view on using the Dewan Sri Pinang as the permanent venue for the state assembly meeting.
“In tandem with the Penang governor’s request regarding the relocation of the state assembly, I would like to suggest Dewan Sri Pinang to be used as the new state assembly building upon its refurbishment.
“Before, we had twenty-eight state assemblymembers but now we have ‘expanded’ to forty. That makes the place congested.
“I have also suggested for the state assembly building, which is currently undergoing an upgrading work, to be used as a museum as it holds a significant heritage value.
“It is only used twice in a year, so I feel that it needs to be fully utilised,” said Jagdeep.
Jagdeep also said that Dewan Sri Pinang needed to be enhanced of its purpose and its use.
“I would like to see it (Dewan Sri Pinang) becoming the international icon of Penang,” he added.
Also present during the press conference was Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI) deputy general manager S. Bharathi.
Story by Tanushalini Moroter
Pix by Alvie Cheng