A DELEGATION from the Penang government will be seeking creative ideas from architecture and planning professionals for its Penang Bay project in the upcoming World Urban Forum 10 (WUF10) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
State Local Government, Housing, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said he himself would lead the delegation, accompanied by deputy State Secretary Datuk Azhar Arshad, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Rozali Mohamud and officers from Think City.
He said the WUF10, from Feb 8 to Feb 13, would see the launch of Penang Bay Ideas Competition in a bid to promote the project to potential investors.
“A six-member jury will select the top three winners and three additional honourable mentions. The results will then be made available for public viewing in the middle of this year.
“The Penang Bay Project is an ambitious, long-term vision for the waterfronts of Butterworth and George Town.
“The aim is to create a new, seamless, city core between Butterworth and George Town with an economy based on innovation synergies between technology and creativity.
“As Bayan Lepas propelled Penang into the high-tech manufacturing space, the Bay Project will be a game changer for the state leading towards a high-income status.
“The aim of our delegation is to secure investors’ interest for this project as well,” he told a press conference in Komtar today.
Penang Bay project is developed by Georgetown Conservation and Development Corporation (GTCDC). It is a partnership between state government and Think City.
Jagdeep said the project incorporates Gurney Wharf, light rail, Jelutong landfill, north of George Town, east seafront projects and waterfront development in Butterworth.
“It will deliver new opportunities for Penangites, including publicly-accessible waterfront promenades, education, lifestyle and transport amenity.
“The project has been selected from over 100 projects globally for the WUF10 Cities Investment Platform pitching session.
“It is among nine projects shortlisted to be showcased to global investor panel that includes leading financing organisations and urban technology players,” he added.
The two major components of the project will concentrate on George Town central business district (CBD) and Butterworth.
Also present at press conference were Rozali, Chief Minister of Penang Incorporated (CMI) deputy general manager S. Bharathi and Think City urban solutions programme director Dr Matt Benson.
Story by Edmund Lee
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud