Sunday, 28 November 2004

Equine to unveil plan for turf club in March



by David Tan



PENANG: Equine Capital Bhd’s master plan to redevelop the Penang Turf Club site in Batu Gantung will be unveiled next March, according to its group executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim Soo Kit.



Lim said the group was proposing a mixed development project comprising residential, commercial, and public amenities on the 256-acre Penang Turf Club site.



“Seven internationally renowned architects have submitted their proposals to develop the Penang Turf Club. These architects, who were specially invited, come from countries such as France, the United States, Germany, the Netherlands, and Japan,” he said in an interview.



The architects are Naserine Seraji (France); Hani Rashid, Michael Sorkin, and Thom Mayne (US); Almut Ernst (Germany); Ole Scheeren (Netherlands); Riken Yamamoto; and Tetsuo Furuichi (Japan).



“They spent several months in Penang, studying the culture and the needs of the locals before drafting their master plan. We have also partnered them with local architects to ensure that their drafts contain elements of Malaysian culture and heritage,” Lim said.



“Their drafts of the master plan incorporate the latest designs that take into consideration the need to preserve the environment, energy conservation, and the interaction between human beings and space. They were invited because of their work on modern urban development in their respective countries.”



Lim said the objective was to bring into the heart of Penang an iconic development project that contained solutions to issues for tomorrow’s cities.



“The plans are now undergoing a second round of fine-tuning and discussion,” he said.



Lim said the drafts contained designs of landscaping and buildings that would draw attention from people, enticing them to explore the project further.



“The interior and exterior of the buildings are designed, for example, to harness the forces of wind, light, and rainwater for cooling purposes, therefore reducing the usage of energy.



“Some of the drafts of the master plan contain designs of low-rise buildings that maximise the entry of light, reducing the reliance on artificial lighting.



“The landscaping is designed to be in harmony with the buildings, environment, and local surroundings, in other words taking into account of good feng shui.”



Professor Datuk Dr Ken Yeang from Asian Design Forum, an internationally recognised architect, headed the panel of seven judges, Lim said.



The other judges include internationally renowned architects and critics such as Professor Peter Cook from the Barlett School of Architecture & Archigram in Britain; Clifford Pearson, senior editor of Architectural Record, a renowned architecture journal in the US; and Professor Leon Van Schaik from RMIT Melbourne, Australia.



“The judges will select the best master plan for the Equine group to adopt,” Lim added.



Tim Christ, a senior architect from Morphosis, a California-based architecture firm, said their master plan draft incorporated the latest designs of landscaping to bring the legacy and heritage of Penang Hill into the redevelopment project.



“Our plan is to develop more buildings on a smaller area, so that there is space for landscaping and greenery. There will be a mixture of high and low-rise buildings. The low-rise ones would be designed to ensure there is cross ventilation of view from the interior to allow better penetration of natural light,” he said.



“The high-rise buildings would be designed to harness the forces of wind, rainwater, and light for cooling purposes. These designs are aimed at reducing the usage of energy,” he added.



Michael Sorkin, the principal from Michael Sorkin Studio in New York, said his draft master plan aimed at creating a self-sufficient community.



“We want to create a community where the residents can play, work, and shop at where they are living. The draft also allocates for an energy loop centre, which will distribute energy to the community, a transportation hub that will reduce traffic congestion within the community, and higher education and medical facilities,” he said.



Ole Scheeren, a partner of Office Metropolitan Architects in Holland, said his draft master plan contained designs that confined buildings to specific areas.



“Our design is also porous so that contemporary culture and heritage can claim space and existence in the project,” he said.



Source: The Star

http://penangskyscrapers.250free.com/news_files/equine_to_unveil_plan_for_turf_club_in_march.htm

Monday, 29 November 2004

Seven teams to design plan for turf club



PENANG: Seven Malaysian architectural firms have been short-listed to team up with seven international firms to participate in a competition on the redevelopment of the Penang Turf Club site in Batu Gantong.



Asia Design Forum chairman Datuk Dr Ken Yeang said the competition was held to achieve a visionary and financially viable master plan for the 104.8ha site currently occupied by the Penang Turf Club, which would be relocated.



The competition, he added, provided an opportunity for local firms to collaborate with and learn from international firms from the United States, France, the Netherlands, Japan and Germany.



He told a press conference that the competition began in June and the final presentation was made on Friday.



The competition is being organised by Asia Design Forum and sponsored by Equine Capital Bhd on behalf of its associate company Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd.



Dr Yeang also said the new master plan development sought to establish Penang within the Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand growth triangle (IMTGT).



He said the competing teams were expected to produce a high quality master plan that would set new standards in master planning and urban design.



According to the press release from Equine Capital, the master plan would optimise the existing topography and potential of the site, with consideration to the proposed Penang Outer Ring Road which would traverse the site.



The seven foreign participants are Morphosis, Michael Sorkin Studio, Atelier Seraji, Office for Metropolitan Architecture (OMA), Asymptote Architecture, Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop and Furuichi & Associates, and Ernst & Gruntuch Architects.



Their respective Malaysian team mates are ATSA Architects Sdn Bhd, Veritas Architects, Axis Architectural Partnership, Chee Ang Architect, Pakatan Reka Arkitek Sdn Bhd, RSP Arkitek Sdn Bhd and SA Architects Sdn Bhd.



Source: The Star

http://penangskyscrapers.250free.com/news_files/seven_teams_to_design_plan_for_turf_club.htm

DESIGN BY ATSA ARCHITECTS / MORPHOSIS

Greeting to our readers,
In June 2004, we were invited to participate in a design competition to propose a masterplan for the redevelopment of Penang Turf Club in Penang Island. We were partnered with Santa Monica based Architectural firm, Morphosis. 6 teams were also invited to enter the competition (6 local Architects with 6 Foreign Architects). The other teams were;
1) Axis Architect with Atelier Seraji, France
2) Pakatan Reka with Asymptote Architects, USA
3) SA Architects and Ernst & Gruntuch Architects, Germany
4) Veritas Architects with Micheal Sorkin Studio, USA
5) Chee Ang Architect with OMA, Holland
6) RSP (KL) with Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop Tetsuo Furuichi, Japan and Furuichi & Associates Japan.
The competition was organized by the client, Equire Capital and promoted by Asia Design Forum under Dr. Ken Yeang.
For this month e-news, we would like to feature our design competition submission together with Morphosis. The conceptual design of this scheme was caried out by Morphosis under the direction of their Principle Architect Mr. Thom Mayne.

Redevelopment of the Penang Turf Club Land Masterplan Competition

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-07a.gif
Penang and it's viciality

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-07b.gif
Map of Georgetown and the site

Location
The site is located within Section 2, Town of Georgetown, in the North-East District of Penang. It is situated at the intersection of Jalan Scotland - Jalan Batu Gantung and Jalan York. It is approximately 2 1/2 miles (4.0 kilometres) to the west of the city centre of Georgetown, Penang. The site is approximately 259 acres.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-07c.gif
Penang Island map.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-02.gif
Development Model 1

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-03.gif
Development Model 2

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-04.gif
Development Model 3

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-05.gif
Development Model 4

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-06.gif
Development Model 5

Massing conceptual model from initial concept to final concept design development model.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-08.jpg
Site plan of Penang Turf Club.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-09.jpg
Redevelopment plan proposal for the Penang Turf Club.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-10.gif
OPEN SPACE PLANE
Active Park Landscape
Passive Park Landscape
Semi-Private Residential Landscape
Natural Landscape
Water Element

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-11.jpg
PEDESTRIAN CIRCULATION

Walking Distances
Pedestrian Sidewalks and Trails
Vertical Circulation Cores
Public Park Space
Main Pedestrian Entry

Monorail Stop

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-12.jpg
VEHICLE CIRCULATION

Parking Garage Entry
Primary Streets
Funicular Railway
Future Monorail
Monorail Stop

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-14.gif
LAND USE PLAN

Residential
Education
Hotel/Convention
Religious
Medical
Cultural
Retail

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-15.jpg
DEVELOPMENT PHASING PLAN
Our redevelopment masterplan proposes an incremental phasing strategy that maximizes elasticity and flexibility and allows for a logical and organic development of the site.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-16.jpg
PROGRAM BREAKDOWN
Residential Development: The residential component of our scheme occupies the northern end of the site and employs three primary housing typologies: The Ribbon, The Tower, and The Courtyard.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-17a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-17c.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-17b.gif
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
1- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
4 Levels / 5,900 sm per level / 130 units / 185 sm avg.
2- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
5 Levels / 9,900 sm per level / 275 units / 185 sm avg.
3- RESIDENTIAL TOWER
35 Levels / 8 units per level / 280 units / 185 sm avg.
4- INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL COMPONENT
590 Gross sm at ground level

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-18a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-18b.gif
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
1- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
4 Levels / 17,200 sm per level / 365 units / 185 sm avg.
2- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
5 Levels / 16,000 sm per level / 435 units / 185 sm avg.
3- RESIDENTIAL TOWER
35 Levels / 8 units per level / 280 units / 185 sm avg.
4- INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL COMPONENT
590 Gross sm at ground level.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-19a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-19b.gif
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
1- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
6 Levels / 12,460 sm per level / 414 units / 185 sm avg.
2- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
5 Levels / 3,800 sm per level / 105 units / 185 sm avg.
3- RESIDENTIAL TOWER
35 Levels / 8 units per level / 280 units / 185 sm avg.
4- INTEGRATED COMMERCIAL COMPONENT
590 Gross sm at ground level.
5- RESIDENTIAL RIBBON
2 Levels / 16,000 sm per level / 435 units / 185 sm avg.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-20a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-20b.jpg
RESIDENTIAL UNITS
1- COURTYARD RESIDENTIAL
3 Levels / 12 units each / 153 units / 280 sm avg.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-21a.jpg

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-21b.gif
COMMERCIAL / CULTURAL
1- SHOPPING MALL 5- MOSQUE
3-5 Levels / 130,000 sm net area. 1,400 sm on periphery of park.
2- SHOPPING MALL 6- MEDICAL SPACE
2-4 Levels / 110, 000 sm net area. 9,290 sm at edge of commercial.
3- OFFICE PLAZA 7- POWER PLANT
Public plaza and connector. Below planted roof near porr exchange.
4- LANDSCAPED ROOF 8- COMMERCIAL/OFFICE SPACE
Extension of public park space. 2 Levels / 8,000 sm total area.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-22a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-22b.gif
CULTURAL / CONVENTION
1- 600-SEAT PHILHARONIC HALL IN THE PARK
5,600 sm gross area.
2- 2000 SEAT PLENARY CONVENTION CENTER
2 Levels 37,200 sm total gross area.
3- LANDSCAPED ROOF PLANE

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-23a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-23b.gif
COMMERCIAL / HOTEL
1- BOUTIQUE / ICONIC RESTAURANT AND HOTEL
30 Hotel rooms.
2- CABINS, COMPONENT OF BOUTIQUE HOTEL
72 Room cabins / 14 cabin rooms total.
3- HOTEL
1000 Rooms.
4- HOTEL
1000 Rooms connected to convention.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-24a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-24b.jpg
OFFICE
1- LANDSCAPED INTERMEDIATE OFFICE PLAZA
2- OFFICE BUILDING
40 Levels / 1,580 sm avg Floor area.
3- OFFICE BUILDING
44 Levels / 1,580 sm avg Floor area.
4- OFFICE BUILDING
35 Levels / 1,580 sm avg Floor area.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-25a.gif

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-25b.jpg
EDUCATION
1- GOVERNMENT PRIMARY AND SECONDARY SCHOOLS
17,200 sm gross area / 7-acre land area.
2- INDOORS SPORTS HALL
1,400 sm.
3- EXTERIOR PLAYING FIELD
Regulation size soccer field.

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-26.gif
MEDIUM-DENSITY ALTERNATE SCHEME

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-27.gif
HIGH-DENSITY ALTERNATE SCHEME

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-28.jpg
Aerial Perspective Looking Southwest

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-29.gif
Aerial Perspective Looking Northeast

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews/nov-dec04-30.gif
Section Looking South

http://www.atsa.com.my/enews_nov-dec04.htm
http://www.morphosis.net

DESIGN BY ASYMPTOTE / PAKATAN REKA ARKITEK

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/9885/untitled12rc.jpg

http://www.asymptote-architecture.com/

DESIGN BY MICHEAL SORKIN STUDIO / VERITAS ARCHITECTS

Penang Peaks
Penang, Malaysia, 2004

Penangs Peaks is an intensely mixed-use community, providing housing, offices, commercial space, medical facilities, a convention center, transit node, concert hall, schools, a campus for overseas universities and extensive recreational facilities. The project is designed to be highly sustainable, indeed, a model of best environmental practices: in both appearance and behavior, its architecture will be dramatically green and will be fully self-sufficient in water and waste management. The project is organized around a 20 hectare Great Park, intended to provide amenity for the city as a whole and linked to the Penang Hills via a land-bridge over the new Penang Outer Ring Road. The park is surrounded by residential buildings, connected by Kudalari Drive, an elliptical roadway that girdles the site and distributes its uses. The Drive is intended to become the city’s premier retail boulevard and to accommodate a legion of strollers and diners.

http://www.sorkinstudio.com/studio%20images/Penang.gif

http://www.sorkinstudio.com/Penang%20Peaks.htm

I have no ideas what the diagrams show.... look like abstract drawings.

I have no ideas what the diagrams show.... look like abstract drawings.

sorry...i can't copy the site exactly like it is in here. visit the architects' sites then ;)

29-11-2004: Equine to unveil Penang Turf Club master plan in March
By Regina William


The master plan for the re-development of the Penang Turf Club by Equine Capital Bhd will be unveiled to the public in March 2005.

Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said once implemented, the project would be an internationally acclaimed icon that Malaysians especially Penangites could be proud of.

Equine has flown in seven renowned architects, who have been paired with local architects, to present their proposals for the “Re-Development of Penang Turf Club Masterplan” competition.

Equine purchased the 153ha development site for RM488 million two years ago.

“This is a significant step forward in our endeavour to redevelop the Penang Turf Club.

“We are conscious of the weight of responsibility to create the landscape for the future and create a conducive atmosphere which will have a positive impact for society on the whole.

“The master plan will address the aspirations of Penangites, anticipate issues of the future and become a benchmark for reference worldwide.

“Hence, we have picked the best there is to offer worldwide to help us ensure that this master plan is one for all Malaysians.

“We want to ensure that problems faced by cities due to urbanisation will not be a concern for us as these people will anticipate the problems and solutions before they occur.

“We are planning tomorrow’s city today,” he said during a break in the final presentations by architects at a hotel in Penang.

Lim said Equine had gone through great pains including spending over RM4 million on the master plan competition to ensure only the best solution was offered for the redevelopment of the Penang Turf Club.

He added that the proposed development would blend with the natural surroundings and would stand the test of time and be of international standards.

“We will ensure that this icon is accessible to all Malaysians and be an interactive public ream.

“We are going beyond statutory requirements to ensure that this project is favourable and positive for everyone,” he added.
ends

the site
http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/84/penangturfclub19bp.jpg

another pic
http://img396.imageshack.us/img396/8418/penangturfclub24lx.jpg

For those who are wondering, the new turf club (Penang International Equestrian Centre) will be in Batu Kawan in the mainland and will look like this:

http://img127.exs.cx/img127/7566/kawan6kk.jpg

look here:http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=112091&page=2&pp=20

Good Lord!! :eek: that Micheal sorkins designs.. reminds me ofda Hanging Garden of Babylon.. but somethin different.. which ones d' u like?

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21025.html

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21026.html

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21031.html

Oh... have to wait another 1000 years for this project to become reality?

Good Lord!! :eek: that Micheal sorkins designs.. reminds me ofda Hanging Garden of Babylon.. but somethin different.. which ones d' u like?

Micheal sorkins design is unique but kinda impractical IMO

there's not enough pics and info to decide which one i like the best. besides, there's another 3 more designs which i still can't find on the net. how about you? you have a favourite design now??

Oh... have to wait another 1000 years for this project to become reality?

hopefully not!! this is a private company, so i guess they won't be as bad as the government

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21025.html

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21026.html

http://penangtalk.com/penangtalk/posts/21031.html

cool!! i didn't know about this....

Micheal sorkins design is unique but kinda impractical IMO

there's not enough pics and info to decide which one i like the best. besides, there's another 3 more designs which i still can't find on the net. how about you? you have a favourite design now??

well.. guess i'll hav to see wat the other 3 designs hs to offer first before i can "JUDGE" haha!! but currently.. the hanging garden of penang.. :lol: anyway, great update of the turf club at batu kawan! grounds clear.. guess the construction will start very soon eh!? hopefuli..

If the MICHEAL SORKIN's design become reality, i dunno what to say..i'll get a shock...with a super big eye...hehehe:D:D

^^ yeh well.. me too :lol: that design by ASYMPTOTE looks 'k too.. but.. the highrise r not tall enough.. maybe another +10 storeys wil do..

^^ yeh well.. me too :lol: that design by ASYMPTOTE looks 'k too.. but.. the highrise r not tall enough.. maybe another +10 storeys wil do..

yeah..but i believe all of the design up there..r very cool, impressive...i'm looking forward to the day when this project is completed:D

DESIGN BY MICHEAL SORKIN STUDIO

Penang Peaks
Penang, Malaysia, 2004

http://www.sorkinstudio.com/studio%20images/Penang.gif

http://www.sorkinstudio.com/Penang%20Peaks.htm

Wow... :eek2:

Love the last picture.

Feel like you are looking at couple of tornado coming down from the sky..but its green in color :D

Please vote for this one...n let them build this in KL :lol:

Based on the three designs, I personally prefer Asymptote's. It sort of give Penang a new character... look at the malls, galleries, museums (mebbe?)walkways etc...

Michael Sorkin's design is very weird... but I think it will be a great tourist drawer since it is very unique, I haven't seen similiar design anywhere else in the world, not in such big scale... it's either you like it or you hate it.

Hmm Atsa... too abstract lar... dunno what it wants also...

I'm looking forward to seeing the Japanese design too..

^^ Hanging Garden of Babylon.. or Penangalonia :lol:

^^ Hanging Garden of Babylon.. or Penangalonia :lol:

Penangalonia :lol: :lol:

Nice name ;)

^^ LOL!! sounds like pangolin

^^ LOL!! sounds like pangolin

Yup...people will definitely find themselves so confused.

Beside that thing also already look like a green pangolin from afar :lol:

Work on equestrian centre picks up pace
Thursday June 15, 2006
By ALEX TENG
TheStar

WORK on the RM375mil Penang International Equestrian Centre (PIEC) at Batu Kawan has taken on an urgent pace following the Cabinet's decision to build the second link under the Ninth Malaysia Plan.

Earthworks involving earth-filling, site clearing and excavation will be completed by the end of this month.

Earthworks started on Dec 16 last year.

Penang Turf Club (PTC) president Datuk Ong Eng Khuan said the project was going full throttle after a slight delay because of the earlier uncertainty over the proposed Second Link connecting Batu Maung to Batu Kawan.

“Now that the Second Link is confirmed, the project is back on track.

“The new club is expected to act as a catalyst to the development of Bandar Cassia new township in Batu Kawan,” said Ong.







http://www.thestar.com.my/archives/2006/6/15/north/turf.jpg

ULTRA MODERN:An artist's impression of the new
Penang International Equestrian Centre at Batu Kawan.







In Dec 2002, the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) board approved the sale of 300ha in Batu Kawan to Syarikat Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd.

According to its principal agreement dated Jan 16, 2004, about 180ha of the land are targeted for mixed development and the remaining 120ha for the proposed equestrian centre.

As for the land occupied by the present racecourse at Batu Gantung, Ong said that it would be transferred to the developer only when the PIEC was completed and handed over to the PTC.

He said one of the proposals was for a part of the Batu Gantung racecourse to be turned into a public recreational park.

“It’s all up to the developer but the intention of the committee is to retain a small off-course betting centre at Batu Gantung, subject to approval by the authorities,” added Ong.

The PIEC is scheduled to be ready by early 2009.

While waiting for the PIEC’s completion, the PTC committee is doing everything possible to draw crowds and to maintain a strong turnover at Batu Gantung.

Apart from raising existing cash incentives, the PTC is mooting several new schemes for owners and trainers in a move to check the decline of horse racing.

Senior PTC senior committee member Datuk Seri Teh Choon Beng said incentives such as increased stakes, freight subsidy, cash incentives and fodder subsidy were expected to cost the PTC about RM5 million each year.

He said the isolation complex at Batu Gantung where the 24 fully equipped stables were situated was to promote cross-border racing between Malaysia and Singapore.

“We’re doing all we can to improve the horse-racing industry. Cross-border racing between Malaysia and Singapore is for the betterment of horse racing.

“When we move to the new PIEC, some of the present facilities at the isolation complex will be transferred there,” Teh said.

The PTC kickstarted cross-border racing sometime last year under a RM1mil project funded by the Totalisator Board of Malaysia.

The Penang, Perak, Selangor and Singapore Turf Clubs are all governed by the Singapore-based Malayan Racing Association (MRA).

Teh said that geographically speaking, the PTC was not ideally located in the country.

“We’re situated too far up north. Horses will need to travel quite a distance to run in out-station centres.

“In my opinion, that’s one of the main reasons for the lower number of horses being housed in Penang,” Teh said, adding that this had resulted in the complex being under-utilised.

Teh said the increasing popularity of live football matches, the casinos and the declining world economic climate had contributed to some extent to the fall in popularity of the “sport of kings.”

“The general trend the world over is showing a decline in attendance.

“Bloomberg Markets recently reported that wagering at the US tracks dropped by 34% in nine years and average daily crowd in New York is down 75%.

“On top of that, the price of racehorses is surging, partly driven by higher stock prices worldwide,” Teh pointed out.

On the RM20,000 transport subsidy for each Ordinary Member which was reported recently, the PTC said it was to defray the additional cost and inconvenience of attending races at the new location at Batu Kawan.

He said the pay- ment was decided following the recommendation to relocate to Batu Kawan in November 2002.

http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/9254/ptc7cx.jpg
^^ the current Penang Turf Club site which will be redeveloped after it moves out

the area looks so residential!

the area looks so residential!

yeah! the north of the turf club is Jesselton Heights abd the south west is the residence of the dead

DESIGN BY TAK
http://www.tak.com.my/pturf_01.jpg

Located around the existing Penang Turf Club with the area of 263 acres, the project includes mix-use, commercial and residential developments. This will include a 30 storey building similar to the current Plaza Komtar.

found this pic:
http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/543/ole101029e7bvm3.jpg

and found this website: (nothing there though)
http://www.equine.com.my

posted by Baq:

DESIGN BY OMA / CHEE ANG ARCHITECT

nah korang...!

Aerial

http://img442.imageshack.us/img442/6862/p10100326iq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Aerial lagi
http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/1515/p10100274jg.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Aerial lagi lagi
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/1861/p10100281wn.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nice
http://img503.imageshack.us/img503/2424/p10100441yq.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Nicer

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/8413/p10100411co.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

PTC
http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/433/p10100316fv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

BEST AERIAL!
http://img354.imageshack.us/img354/4273/p10100295fv.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ole Scheeren himself
http://img355.imageshack.us/img355/4674/p10100308pa.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

could this be part of the redevelopment??

lookie what i found here:

MUTIARA COMPLEX
http://img249.imageshack.us/img249/754/clipvu3.jpg

http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/8146/clip2iu9.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/7724/clip3so0.jpg

http://img175.imageshack.us/img175/2497/clip4vj4.jpg

http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2839/clip5fi4.jpg

some shots of the video:
http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/2465/clip6sx4.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/3949/clip7xk5.jpg

http://img157.imageshack.us/img157/8914/clip8ik1.jpg

http://img167.imageshack.us/img167/7638/clip9mg1.jpg

http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/5782/clip10yv2.jpg

http://img301.imageshack.us/img301/7802/clip11aa8.jpg

http://img148.imageshack.us/img148/1600/clip12yz9.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/1081/clip13zh2.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1259/clip14xv1.jpg

http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/402/clip15ye4.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/5761/clip16cd9.jpg

see the video the architects' website: www.asymptote.net

^^ i think this is the penang turf club's site but the masterplan on their website is dated 2005 and Mutiara complex is dated 2006. so, different?? same??

and i forgot to post this just now:

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/272/clip17bq9.jpg

why great projects always has no news:(

why great projects always has no news:(

coz it's top secret??

but i don't know lah, when i first read the news about this a few years ago, they said the plan will be published the year after that. but until now, nothing... but recently, there's an article about penang's properties which mentioned about it. hopefully we'll see the final design soon

DESIGN BY GRÜNTUCH ERNST ARCHITECTS / SA ARCHITECTS

Masterplan Penang Turf Club
Malaysia

Competition 2004/05, 2nd Prize

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1912/179qh4.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/1672/54560992he2.jpg

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/8015/92525637ad2.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/3063/60113406gm2.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/2160/18962422bk9.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/5963/73476986cg1.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/1010/11zc8.jpg

hmm..who won the first prize?
haiz...when this project carry out and completed...porbably have to wait for my next generation..hehehe

hmm..who won the first prize?
haiz...when this project carry out and completed...porbably have to wait for my next generation..hehehe

OMA / Chee Ang Architect won it i think. coz it's in magazines :D

so, now, we've seen all the designs except for 2 more:

Axis Architect / Atelier Seraji and RSP (KL) / Riken Yamamoto & Field Shop Tetsuo Furuichi, Japan and Furuichi & Associates

DESIGN BY TAK
http://www.tak.com.my/pturf_01.jpg

Located around the existing Penang Turf Club with the area of 263 acres, the project includes mix-use, commercial and residential developments. This will include a 30 storey building similar to the current Plaza Komtar.

BTW, how come this company have a design?? they are not in the compatition list.

...and it is the ugliest :lol:

DESIGN BY GRÜNTUCH ERNST ARCHITECTS / SA ARCHITECTS

Masterplan Penang Turf Club
Malaysia

Competition 2004/05, 2nd Prize

http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/1912/179qh4.gif

http://img243.imageshack.us/img243/1672/54560992he2.jpg

Wah liew!!! Sai mu sai oh...so over futuristic. Those buildings look like invisible. Overall very nice. 2nd place huh....

^^ it is just a rendering, after it was buit, the building is not invisible;)

^^ Oh..wat if those buildings really like invisible...can see through...you wan work inside there? When you go toilet...maybe everybody can see you...

i love the canals in that German design. just like Dubai he he....

invisible buildings are possible actually, but it will not be using see through glass but mirrors. so when you look at the building, the mirrors will reflect the sky and it looks like it's invisible

^^ Yeah...is good to have these kind of "invisible" buildings. Look so like a reflective city though.

Hopefully got at least one 200m building, at least to complement KOMTAR.....

Hopefully got at least one 200m building, at least to complement KOMTAR.....

another 200m building will make the skyline look funny, i prefer a 300m :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

OOMGG ... Penang projects seem to be more interesting than KL!!!

^^ Only the Penang Turf Club Redevelopment project:D...and it is hard to find any information bout that project too...

But, my feeling tell me that, this project will not dissapoint me:D

^^ i think it's hard to find info coz the turf club have not moved out yet. so let's hope the Penang International Equestrian Centre (PIEC) is completed fast, so that the turf club will get their butt off that area :D

BTW, anyone have construction updates of PIEC??

^^ I dun get it..What kaitan PIEC wit the turf club?

Btw...wat is PIEC?? Hehehe...

^^ I dun get it..What kaitan PIEC wit the turf club?

Btw...wat is PIEC?? Hehehe...

the Penang Turf Club which is on the site of this project was affected by the Penang Outer Ring Road which cuts through the back part of their land. so, they have to move. there are also other reasons like lack of space for expansion etc. the turf club then plans to move to a new site in Batu Kawan (at the mainland) the new turf club is called PIEC (Penang International Equestrian Centre). after they move out, the land at the current site will be empty, so, there is a proposal to redevelop that area. ;)

sounds a little like the history of KLCC huh?? :D

^^ Hmm...wat you mean is the turf club need to move to Batu Kawan coz it's current site is not suitable...now, the real turf club located at Batu kawan la.

^^ yupe...and the current Turf Club always cause the traffic jam;)

^^ Hmm...wat you mean is the turf club need to move to Batu Kawan coz it's current site is not suitable...now, the real turf club located at Batu kawan la.

no, the turf club is still on the island coz the one on the mainland is not completed yet ;)

any news? have they completed the replacement racecourse in Batu Kawan?

any news? have they completed the replacement racecourse in Batu Kawan?

i don't think so since there's no news....:(

i think i want this project than a monorail...hehehe...cos it is something different which can be another landmark for penang :D

right. But i prefer to have both. Reminding me of KLCC development. Shifting away city center from colonial looking Georgetown to new site at Batu Gantong where we can build more tall building without height and structural restriction.

MUTIARA COMPLEX PENANG by ASYMPTOTE HANI RASHID - one of the bids for the Redevelopment of Penang Turf Club

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/876/mutiaracomplexpenangprong8.jpg

I like this!!!!

i like michael sorkin's better. Because the design is a sure eye catching and cannot be copied easily anywhere in the world. They should build his project. Concrete and glass building is fast becoming obsolete in 10-15 years.

MUTIARA COMPLEX PENANG by ASYMPTOTE HANI RASHID - one of the bids for the Redevelopment of Penang Turf Club

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/876/mutiaracomplexpenangprong8.jpg

I like this!!!!

Yeah wait for another 100 years for it to be built

This project is on hold? Not going to happen? I like ASYMPTOTE!!!!

i think i want this project than a monorail...hehehe...cos it is something different which can be another landmark for penang :D

oh, this might be built before the monorail....:lol:

This project is on hold? Not going to happen? I like ASYMPTOTE!!!!

i'm not too sure but i think they are waiting for the Turf Club to move out and the Turf Club is waiting for the Penang International Equestrian Centre in Batu Kawan to be completed.

and Penang Internation Equestrian Centre is waiting for government's approval... and the state government is planning... right? hahaha

if they took 6 years to approve butterworth bus terminal rebuilding it gonna take 10 years for koh tsu koon to take a look at the redevelopment plans.

and Penang Internation Equestrian Centre is waiting for government's approval... and the state government is planning... right? hahaha

is it still awaiting approval? i thought it started construction already? someone posted the groundbreaking or whatever in the forums some time ago??

if it is true that we have to wait for the government then.... :bash:

Do you GUYS Believe IT?

市局接获马会申请　槟马场欲变身城中城
2007-6-28 0:08:23


■ 槟城赛马场变身是否成功，州政府尚未作出定夺。（档案照）


（槟城27日讯）槟岛市政局于2006年杪接获槟城马会提出的申请，即把槟城赛马场变身为类似吉隆坡城中城（KLCC）概念的“槟城城中城”大型发展计划。

市政局主席拿督再纳拉欣披露，马会提出的申请是，把目前位于巴都眼东的马场变身为多元化大型发展用途的“城中城”，即打造成类似吉隆坡城中城（KLCC）的概念。

他是于周三早上与巴都兰樟区州议员吴□安巡视青草园组屋对面停车场后，受记者询及有关市政局何时接获马会所提出的上述申请一事时，如是回应。



州政府正研究有关申请

他补充说，州政府目前正着手研究上述申请，而市政局目前仍处于考虑阶段。“马会的申请仅属一般的发展计划申请，若州政府的定案出炉后，市政局将以4个月时间作出相关定夺。”


被征用建外环公路　赛马场将迁至威南

槟城赛马场建于1864年，是全国历史最悠久的马场。州政府征用赛场约1.8公顷的土地，兴建外环公路，因此，赛马场即将搬迁到威南巴都加湾新地点。

http://img412.imageshack.us/img412/9787/bw200762716pz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

i cant read chinese....translate please

Penang Turf Club in year 2006 submit an application to MPPP for changing the Batu Gantong turf club (after it move to Batu Kawan) to something like called PGCC, follow the footstep of KLCC.
Huh... sound unbelieveable. KLCC mean they will buit a big park and big shopping center with a PG tallest or Malaysia tallest building??????

Penang Turf Club in year 2006 submit an application to MPPP for changing the Batu Gantong turf club (after it move to Batu Kawan) to something like called PGCC, follow the footstep of KLCC.
Huh... sound unbelieveable. KLCC mean they will buit a big park and big shopping center with a PG tallest or Malaysia tallest building??????

Would love to see the world's tallest building in Penang hahahaha

Would love to see the world's tallest building in Penang hahahaha

As a proud and egoistic KLIte... I am against this..make sure it's shorter tha PTT.

Anyway, build tallest building for what, is there a demand?

build first and let's see if there's gonna be any demand for it. But my personal opinion is leave all the tall skyscraper in KL alone, let Penang continue their leisurely pace lifestyle and old charm instead of building mega structure. I prefer if they build mike sorkin's hanging garden there.

Im not into high density highrises. People may like it but heck there's no enough room to breath. I prefer huge open space. That's why we live in landed property hehehe. And that's why our family choose Penang instead of KL. ohhh i'm so proud of Penang...

tall building does not necessarily result in better life quality.

build first and let's see if there's gonna be any demand for it. But my personal opinion is leave all the tall skyscraper in KL alone, let Penang continue their leisurely pace lifestyle and old charm instead of building mega structure. I prefer if they build mike sorkin's hanging garden there.

Im not into high density highrises. People may like it but heck there's no enough room to breath. I prefer huge open space. That's why we live in landed property hehehe. And that's why our family choose Penang instead of KL. ohhh i'm so proud of Penang...

tall building does not necessarily result in better life quality.

:applause:

As a proud and egoistic KLIte... I am against this..make sure it's shorter tha PTT.

Anyway, build tallest building for what, is there a demand?

Ya, i am super ego also, but i also say should be shorter that PTT lar, cause .....
you already request ma.

But tell you what, PG is always got "adult" (politician) that throw sweet to children (rakyat PG)... they thought we are still small...
NAH 010

Ok just imagine this your visiting penang for the very first time!Lets say u planing to stay for 3 nights!What do u do ,where do you go?From my own experience not much!Shopping is the last thing on my mind!What i am trying to say here is that penang has to create new attractions to give people to want to visit.Once the turf clunb moves the last thing i want to see more condos or apts i wish they could turn this last green belt into a theme park
a mini version of lets say "Disneyland" malaysian version with lots of fun roller coaster rides,out door concert venue,"Tapak Pesta that open all year round the list can go on and on!Lets give something back to the people and not let these selfish devolopers continue ruining penang with all these half empty if not empty buildings IMHO thats all!!

Ok just imagine this your visiting penang for the very first time!Lets say u planing to stay for 3 nights!What do u do ,where do you go?From my own experience not much!Shopping is the last thing on my mind!What i am trying to say here is that penang has to create new attractions to give people to want to visit.Once the turf clunb moves the last thing i want to see more condos or apts i wish they could turn this last green belt into a theme park
a mini version of lets say "Disneyland" malaysian version with lots of fun roller coaster rides,out door concert venue,"Tapak Pesta that open all year round the list can go on and on!Lets give something back to the people and not let these selfish devolopers continue ruining penang with all these half empty if not empty buildings IMHO thats all!!

:applause:

^^ Amen to u all! :cool:

Abad Naluri to undertake RM20b property project
By Marina Emmanuel
marina@nstp.com.my

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BT/Wednesday/Frontpage/pgcc.xml/Article/Current_News/BT/Images/btgraph2/abad.jpg

August 1 2007

ABAD Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate of Equine Capital Bhd, plans to build some RM20 billion worth of properties over 15 years to redevelop the Penang Turf Club site in George Town.

The Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) will be marketed as one of the world's first zero-carbon cities where pollution will be kept to a minimum.

It will also offer tax breaks to technology firms which wish to set up shop there as PGCC will have Multimedia Super Corridor status, Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said yesterday.

"This new city centre for Penang will incorporate many technology and ecology-based components and will be modelled along the lines of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre," he told reporters at a briefing.

He was present at the launch of the Penang package of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi in Butterworth, Penang.

The PGCC, on a 104ha site, will be developed by Abad Naluri, 25 per cent owned by Equine.

Lim said the groundbreaking ceremony will take place in eight to 12 months, and the project will be carried out in phases. The PGCC is one of five high-impact projects for Penang under the NCER. :banana:

The others are the Penang airport and port expansion, an integrated public transport system and a micro-electronics centre of excellence to be based at Universiti Sains Malaysia.

"We expect to announce full details of the PGCC by September," :cheers: Lim said, adding that award-winning French firm Atelier Seraji will develop the master plan, while New York-based Iranian architect Hani Rashid will work with local architects.

The eco-city development is expected to include a 10.4ha public park, which will be linked to the Penang Botanical Gardens.

There will also be two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, retail outlets, two office towers, residential properties and a world-class convention centre.

"We want this project to serve as an extension and deepening of Penang's role as a centre for information technology-based companies, and PGCC will serve as a lifestyle project where people not only live but also do business, albeit in a creative manner," Lim said.

Once the eco-city is completed, an estimated 20,000 people will be working there.

Abad Naluri has several financing options for the project. It may get partners or raise funds from the capital market, including a bond sale.

"We are talking to a whole spectrum of financiers although our preference would be to deal with local financial institutions," Lim said.

On the new Penang International Equestrian Centre in Batu Kawan, which Abad Naluri is also developing, Lim said construction works will be in tandem with the Second Penang Bridge since the centre, which will also house the Penang Turf Club, about 1km away from the new bridge.

15 years to complete RM18b Penang City Centre

By DAVID TAN

BUTTERWORTH: The RM18bil Penang City Centre (PCC) project by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd, will take 15 years to complete.

Equine holds a 25% stake in Abad Naluri, which is developing PCC on the 260-acre site where the Penang Turf Club is presently located.

The PCC is one of the projects highlighted in the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) blueprint.

Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said two award-winning architects, one each from New York and Paris, would design the project.

“Hani Rashid from Asymptote Architecture in New York will design the architecture, which includes two iconic towers, while Nasrine Seraji from Atelier Seraji in Paris will design the master plan,” he told reporters after the launch of the NCER Penang portion blueprint by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi yesterday.

Lim said the PCC master plan would be unveiled in September while the project would be launched in eight to 12 months.

The first phase would involve the development of a 26-acre park, and road infrastructure to smoothen the traffic flow for the project, he said.

“The park will be connected to the Botanical Garden. We will use the technologies such as thermal treatment, to develop PCC into a carbon-free city,” he said.

“We want to make PCC the first such city in the world. Shanghai is planning to be carbon free, but we are ready to implement the technologies to make it happen in PCC soon.”

Lim said the PCC project would have two five-star hotels, commercial and residential properties, and a state-of-the-art cultural centre.

Lim said there were many options to fund the project, including joint ventures and issuing capital bonds.

“We are also applying for MSC status to attract information and communications technology companies to set up regional offices at the park.”

On the Penang International Equestrian Centre in Batu Kawan, Lim said Abad Naluri would start work on the centre once construction work commenced on the second Penang bridge.

Sounds exciting!!!

零污染•零廢排
檳城中城打造無碳城市

(北海訊）預料將在未來12個月內推展第1期工程的檳城城中城（Penang City Centre），在結合生態環境與未來科技為一體之際，也會成為全球第一座無碳城市（Zero Carbon City）。

上海崇明島、阿布扎比馬斯達城等都有意打造提倡零污染、零廢排的無碳城市，甚至從廢排中吸取再生能源。但是，主導檳城城中城規劃與設計的怡觀資本集團執行主席拿督林樹傑卻對檳城城中城將領先其他城市，打造世界首座無碳城市充滿信心。

他週二（7月31日）在北馬經濟走廊特區推展禮後接受媒體訪問時說，很多無碳城市仍在構思中。但檳城城中城的規劃和設計已經進入最後階段，相信最快可在今年9月推出全盤計劃的詳情。

儘管各地有不少綠肺城市。但是，無碳城市卻以另一種不同的概念和方式呈現。無碳城市不可以有任何廢排污染。所以，我們必須把一些廢排如冷氣機形成的溫室效應等化為其他能源或經過特別處理。

他說，特別處理廢排或許要花費更多金錢。但是，為了人類的下一代，保護環境已經成為所有人的責任。

馬場易名檳城環球城中城

在這之前將變身為檳城城中城的峇都眼東檳城馬場，週二在檳城的北馬經濟走廊特區推展禮上，易名為檳城環球城中城（Penang Global City Centre或PGCC）。

首相阿都拉在推展禮上透露檳城城中城將擁有2座象徵性的高樓、國際劇院、會展中心、高檔購物中心等。檳城城中城的工程需耗時15年，並製造2萬個工作機會。

城市設計規劃
美法頂尖高手負責

林樹傑指出，檳城城中城由2006年在檳城馬場規劃大藍圖設計比賽中勝出的美國紐約的阿辛托德（ASYMPTOTE）操刀。城市規劃則由法國巴黎的ATELIER SERAJI負責。

上述兩家都是頂尖的建築公司。阿辛托德社長是埃及裔的哈尼拉昔，ATELIER SERAJI創辦人則是伊朗裔的納絲琳瑟拉吉。這兩名擁有回教背景的建築師，將創造出適合我國宗教與文化的建築物形態。

他透露Abad Naluri有限公司擁有檳城馬場的地段，怡觀資本則持有Abad Naluri的25%股權。所以，怡觀資本在發展檳城城中城主要角色是規劃與設計。

http://www.sinchew-i.com/images/photo/2007/08/01/0039.jpg
■納絲琳瑟拉吉，1957年出生，其建築事務所Atelier Seraji位於巴黎。

http://www.sinchew-i.com/images/photo/2007/08/01/0040.jpg
■哈尼拉昔，1958年出生，1989年與麗莎安娜聯合成立阿辛托德。他也是著名傢俱設計師卡林拉昔的哥哥。

http://www.sinchew-i.com/images/photo/2007/08/01/0041b.jpg
■檳城城中城的兩座地標將成為吸引遊客的重點。

工程長達15年
可帶來200億生產總值

建築工程長達15年的檳城城城中城完成後，將估計會對檳州的國內生產總值帶來180億至200億令吉。

首相在北馬經濟走廊特區提及的檳城城中城將有2座地標的設計構想圖，曾在7月27日《星洲日報》北馬地方版封面曝光。

林樹傑希望人們不要把檳城城中城的雙高樓，與吉隆坡城中城的國油雙峰塔帶扯上一起。

無論是從建築物的形態或結構來看，檳城城中城的2座高樓與國油雙峰塔完全不一樣。而且，2座建築物也出自不同的設計師。

不過，他表示這兩座建築物的共同點是成為最具象徵性的地標，也能夠吸引遊客前往參觀。

或通過聯營籌措
尋求適當融資方案

林樹傑透露怡觀資本還在尋求適當的融資方案，全面地發展檳城城中城。

他不排除未來會有聯營或通過債券籌措資金的方案。但目前決定仍言之過早，因為檳城城中城詳情最快是今年9月公佈。

設計圖晉最後階段
馬場搬遷決定工程進展

檳城馬場何時被批准搬遷到峇都交灣，將對檳城城中城的進程起著決定性作用。在檳城馬場搬遷後，結合生態科技城和休閒公園的檳城城中城也會展開第一期工程。

林樹傑透露峇都交灣的馬場設計圖也進入最後階段，也會在未來8到12個月內動土。

他說，峇都交灣馬場與檳城城中城的設計和規劃都是同步展開。但是，檳城城中城必須在即將成為國際馬術中心的峇都交灣馬場完成主要建築物後才能搬遷。

無碳城市概念
對氣候變化無負面影響

《新華網》今年5月的一篇報導指出，阿聯酋首都阿布扎比的新城市馬斯達城和上海崇明島東灘，都有意發展成不生產二氧化碳的城市或零碳城市。

根據林樹傑的說法，很多無碳城市還是處於構思階段。但檳城城中城的無碳城市已經接近出爐。所以，檳城將擁有全球第一個無碳城市。

無碳城市指城市對氣候變化不產生任何負面影響，最大限度是減少溫室氣體排放，並源自羅馬俱樂部（Club of Rome）提出的經濟零增長理論。

儘管真正要做到的經濟的零增長、溫室零排放都是不可能。但作為人類環保的一個理念和目標，卻有積極、現實的意義。

根據北卡州立大學和佐治亞州大學的科學家統計，2006年的城市人口首次超越農村人口。人口的增加將導致生活質量受到威脅，就出現了發展新城市的規劃法，以保持永續的發展。

（部份資料摘自知識產品採購中心） （星洲日報•2007.08.01）

PGCC pusat pameran antarabangsa

BUTTERWORTH 31 Julai – Pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara (Koridor Utara) bakal menyaksikan pembangunan pusat persidangan dan pameran antarabangsa (MICE) dikenali sebagai ‘Penang Global City Centre’ (PGCC) yang ketika ini merupakan Kelab Lumba Kuda di Jalan Bukit Gantung, Pulau Pinang.

Perdana Menteri, Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi berkata, pembangunan PGCC itu adalah antara tumpuan pembangunan sektor pelancongan Koridor Utara peringkat Pulau Pinang yang tertumpu kepada usaha memanjangkan tempoh percutian pelancong selain menyediakan produk unik untuk meningkatkan perbelanjaan mereka.

“Walaupun pelancongan merupakan aktiviti yang tidak asing bagi negeri ini, tetapi cabaran utama kepada industri pelancongan di Pulau Pinang dan Koridor Utara adalah untuk meningkatkan hasil yang dikutip daripada para pelancong,” katanya dalam ucapan ketika melancarkan Koridor Utara peringkat Pulau Pinang di sini hari ini.

Perdana Menteri berkata, program pembangunan industri pelancongan yang akan dilaksanakan khusus bagi Pulau Pinang termasuk mempromosi negeri ini sebagai destinasi MICE, selain mengukuhkan kedudukannya sebagai sebuah hab pelancongan perubatan serantau.

Beliau berkata, pusat itu akan direka bentuk dengan dua menara ikonik serta mempunyai kompleks beli-belah unggul dan sebuah panggung kesenian yang canggih.

“Projek ini juga akan melibatkan pembangunan sebuah taman di pusat bandar Pulau Pinang yang akan menghubungkan Taman Belia dan Taman Botani.

“Projek ini telah direka oleh para arkitek yang terulung dan akan mewujudkan 5,000 peluang pekerjaan pembinaan serta 2,000 peluang pekerjaan perkhidmatan sampingan,” ujarnya.

Mercu tanda

Abdullah berkata, pembangunan projek itu dijangka mengambil masa 15 tahun dan apabila siap, ia akan menjadi mercu tanda penting bagi Koridor Utara.

Dalam pada itu, Perdana Menteri berkata, bidang pelancongan perubatan akan dipertingkatkan dengan pembangunan Pulau Jerejak sebagai pusat pelancongan perubatan terulung di rantau ini.

Menurutnya, bagi meningkatkan kualiti dalam industri hospitaliti, sebuah kolej khusus dalam pelbagai bidang industri pelancongan akan dibuka di Balik Pulau.

Abdullah turut menekankan bahawa usaha peningkatan sektor pembuatan akan dilaksanakan melalui peningkatan keupayaan pekerja tempatan dalam sektor elektrikal dan elektronik (E&E) dengan mengukuhkan kebolehan inovasi serta penyelidikan dan pembangunan (R&D) mereka.

Bagi mencapai matlamat itu, katanya, sebuah pusat kecemerlangan mikroelektronik akan ditubuhkan di Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) yang merupakan perkongsian antara sektor awam dan sektor swasta.

Sementara itu, Pengerusi Eksekutif Equine Capital Bhd. (Equine), Datuk Patrick Lim Soo Kit berkata, PGCC akan menjadi kawasan bebas karbon yang pertama di negara ini seperti beberapa bandar besar di Amerika Syarikat dan China.

Katnya, pembangunan PGCC akan menggunakan teknologi dan reka bentuk binaan terkini dilengkapi dengan segala kemudahan yang mengutamakan sistem ekologi.

“Perunding Asymtote dari New York ialah syarikat arkitek terkenal yang akan mereka bentuk bangunan PGCC yang kita jangkakan unik dan terkini,” katanya.

Soo Kit berkata, Abad Naluri Sdn. Bhd. dianugerahkan sebanyak 75 peratus projek PGCC sementara Equine pula sebanyak 25 peratus.

Time for change.....

waaa....such a nice buildings should be built in KL lah! not penang....

btw, the name GLOBAL city is like something in manila...'bonifacio global city'.
omg...my ears feel itchy!

i suspect at least 50+ storey :banana:

Finally! So ole schereen's design lost...i have to see the new plan!

waaa....such a nice buildings should be built in KL lah! not penang....

btw, the name GLOBAL city is like something in manila...'bonifacio global city'.
omg...my ears feel itchy!

why KL only? Penang also wants to taste development.

The first proposal of PGCC designed by Asymptote.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1190/mutiaracomplexpenangprodq8.jpg

:)

like MEGATRON in disguise...haha ;)

From the previous Penang Turf Club Redevelopment thread:

DESIGN BY ASYMPTOTE / PAKATAN REKA ARKITEK

http://img272.imageshack.us/img272/9885/untitled12rc.jpg

http://www.asymptote-architecture.com/

Based on the three designs, I personally prefer Asymptote's. It sort of give Penang a new character... look at the malls, galleries, museums (mebbe?)walkways etc...

Michael Sorkin's design is very weird... but I think it will be a great tourist drawer since it is very unique, I haven't seen similiar design anywhere else in the world, not in such big scale... it's either you like it or you hate it.

Hmm Atsa... too abstract lar... dunno what it wants also...

I'm looking forward to seeing the Japanese design too..

Hehe :banana:

why KL only? Penang also wants to taste development.

I agree... well afterall its still a design... let's see when the building is ready... just kinda lack confidence on the local government...

PGCC expected to pull in more conventions, exhibitions

By ANTHONY TAN

PENANG: The proposed Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project here will provide the impetus for many good things to come for the state, including making the state a venue for international conferences.

Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Penang chairman Ann Tan said it would also provide the much needed exhibition space for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) which was lacking in Penang.

She said huge exhibitions and conferences were now held in Kuala Lumpur as Penang did not have enough exhibition space for such events.

“It is high time that we have an exhibition centre for MICE. There is so much we can do if we have such a centre,” she said when asked to comment on the PGCC project which will be developed on a 105.2ha site where the Penang Turf Club here is presently located.

When launching the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) initiative for Penang on Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi had said that PGCC would be developed as an international exhibition and conference centre.

It was reported Wednesday that the RM18bil project would have, among others, shopping complexes, two five-star hotels, commercial and residential properties, a state-of-the-art cultural centre and a 10.5ha park. It is expected to take 15 years to complete and create 5,000 construction jobs.

With a proper exhibition centre, Tan said MICE organisers could transform the venue for theme events such as jungle or kampung nights.

She said exhibition organisers now had to use the Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa) although it is a stadium because it was the only spot here which could hold big events.

But she lamented that even Pisa was not big enough for some events, adding that Matta had to turn away some exhibitors for the recent Penang Matta fair at Pisa because of insufficient space.

On the proposed 10.5ha park at the PGCC, Tan said it would provide locals with another spot for exercise and recreation as existing parks such as the Penang Municipal Park was congested during weekends.

why KL only? Penang also wants to taste development.

i mean the design...a good design give to KL lah....
for penang, Menara MARAN or Menara Bank Muamalat-look a like is enough what...?:lol:

ohh the bad design goes to penang laa...what a joke of today laa u post here. haa haa haa haa

^^ hanya second hand for penang eh ? :lol: :bash:

i mean the design...a good design give to KL lah....
for penang, Menara MARAN or Menara Bank Muamalat-look a like is enough what...?:lol:

what is this man! It's Penang's turn! :p

hmm..I dunno bout this one, look great but ya know how local goverment ... launch this and that and then gotta go tru all kinda tapes and end up abadoned. FIRST they gotta get the Penang monorail going first then I'll have some faith...and the damn bridge, how is it going? ...everything janji janji and then tersangkut, what da....

waaa....such a nice buildings should be built in KL lah! not penang....

btw, the name GLOBAL city is like something in manila...'bonifacio global city'.
omg...my ears feel itchy!

:lol:

why KL only? Penang also wants to taste development.

You are very right.
If go to KL also no used, because most of the building there are empty.
SO built more mean empty more.

lets collect money and build supertower 1000 mtr ++ at penang. i like it:nuts:

&othmm..I dunno bout this one, look great but ya know how local goverment ... launch this and that and then gotta go tru all kinda tapes and end up abadoned. FIRST they gotta get the Penang monorail going first then I'll have some faith...and the damn bridge, how is it going? ...everything janji janji and then tersangkut, what da....

don't worry...read this news...

Terminate Services Of Contractors Who Don't Deliver, Says Abdullah


KOTA BAHARU, August 2 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said Thursday that contractors who do not complete their projects on time should have their services terminated.

The prime minister said that this was to ensure that there were no delays in projects planned by the government, especially those under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP).

"I agree with the Works Minister's (Datuk Seri S.Samy Vellu) warning that if contractors cannot complete their work on time, their services should be terminated.

"We want to ensure that all projects are completed according to schedule," he said when performing the ground-breaking ceremony for the second Sultan Yahya Petra bridge here.

Present were Samy Vellu, Higher Education Minister Datuk Mustapa Mohamed and Kelantan Umno liaison chief Datuk Seri Annuar Musa.

The second bridge will have four lanes with two each on either side of the original bridge which was built in 1960. It is expected to be completed in December 2009.

The 811m bridge is the main route for the residents of Tumpat, Pasir Mas and Rantau Panjang to get to the town centre.

Abdullah, who is on a two-day visit to Kelantan, said that to ensure that a project was completed on schedule, the work must be done carefully so that problems would not arise later.

"It must be done fast, I agree, but the work must be tidy and nice so that one or two years down the road we need not repair things that have broken down," he said, to applause from the 5,000-strong crowd.

He said the government was committed to developing the infrastructure facilities nationwide to make the people's lives more comfortable.

"The government acknowledges that there are many things that make the people anxious and uneasy, among them lack of infrastructure facilities.

;(That's why) the government will ensure that the development like the construction of roads and bridges continues to provide facilities for the people," he said.

Abdullah said an efficient and comprehensive transportation network was important to ensure smooth running of the government's bigger agenda like developing the East Coast Corridor which involves Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang.

"An efficient transportation system is necessary when we launch the East Coast Corridor. Congestion cannot become an obstruction so priority must be given to building proper infrastructure facilities," he said.

Meanwhile, Samy Vellu told reporters later that the move to terminate the services of contractors who do not complete projects on time was a last resort by the government to avoid the wrath of the people.

"This is a new regulation. Some contractors ask for additional time of two months, four months, eight months, a year or two years and the people don't scold them. They scold us.

"Everyone is angry at me, even the cabinet ministers scold me," he said.

He said the ministry would impose a new regulation to fix the percentage of work that needed to be completed monthly.

It would also have more engineers to monitor the projects to ensure that they were completed according to schedule.

"We want to monitor the projects from day one, not investigate only when problems arise.

"There are many contracts that we cannot terminate immediately. We have to investigate, give them notice before taking further action," he said.

-- BERNAMA

零污染•零廢排
檳城中城打造無碳城市


首相阿都拉在推展禮上透露檳城城中城將擁有2座象徵性的高樓、國際劇院、會展中心、高檔購物中心等。檳城城中城的工程需耗時15年，並製造2萬個工作機會。



amazing design..I like it..:)
I hope the design will incorporate a very proper music hall and theatre. Penang needs an art centre for it's well educated work force and also to provide a more livable lifestyle for expatriates

so, atelier seraji won... have not seen that design...

hey, this project now has 3 threads!! he he....

lets collect money and build supertower 1000 mtr ++ at penang. i like it:nuts:

:banana:
I support you.

the site?

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/84/penangturfclub19bp.jpg

New projects a boon for Penang
Updated : 02-08-2007
Media : The Star


PENANG: The proposed Penang Sentral and Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) projects will be a boon to tourism, Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Penang chairman Ann Tan said.

The proposed RM2bil integrated transport hub and the RM18bil city centre projects under the Northern Corridor Economic Region will provide better connectivity and convenience for tourists, she said.

The PGCC would also provide the much needed exhibition space for meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) which was sorely lacking in Penang.

She said the PGCC would make Penang the venue for international conferences and conventions.

¡§It is high time that we have an exhibition centre for MICE as huge exhibitions and conferences are now held in Kuala Lumpur as Penang does not have enough exhibition space,¡¨ she said.

The PGCC project will be developed on a 105.2ha site where the Penang Turf Club here is currently located.

It will have, among others, shopping complexes, two five-star hotels, commercial and residential properties, a state-of-the-art cultural centre and a 10.5ha park.

It is expected to take 15 years to complete and create 5,000 construction jobs.

¡§It is also good to modernise the transport hub on the mainland,¡¨ she said of the Penang Sentral project which will integrate rail, ferry, monorail and land transport modes.

The 12ha project, which will also have commercial, retail and residential development, is expected to take off next year.

When launching the NCER initiative for Penang on Tuesday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said that the PGCC would be developed as an international exhibition and conference centre.

Tan said exhibition organisers now had to use the Penang International Sports Arena (Pisa) here because it was the only spot where big events could be held.

But she lamented that even Pisa was not big enough for some events, adding that Matta had to turn away some exhibitors for the recent Penang Matta fair at Pisa because of insufficient space.

so many projects near the election......

that why, i think if Pg lost to Keadilan or DAP, then Kedah to PAS, will the projects still carry on?

that why, i think if Pg lost to Keadilan or DAP, then Kedah to PAS, will the projects still carry on?

dream on :lol:

the site?

http://img374.imageshack.us/img374/84/penangturfclub19bp.jpg

yep nazrey! thats the side.. it'll be sad to see the turf club gone.. :( dont understand why wanna build somethin like this while KOMTAR is.... i donno.. dont care..

space is a premium on the island i saw the racetrack is such a waste of space. It's better to build iconic building to bring life into the area. They're not building just towers and convention center but also housing area.

yeah.. lets hope something outstanding there....

penang needs another city center afar from Georgetown's old town, we don't want penang to be like KL during 70's. one by one old buildings had been torn down for development since government didn't relocate new development away from existing city center especially around masjid jamek and petaling street....

osh is right, leave Komtar and surrounding area alone because the area is home to many prehistoric building. We need to build another urban centers away from central Georgetown. And i see the Batu Gantong Racetrack is a waste of space.

yup, you guys are right.

http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/1190/mutiaracomplexpenangprodq8.jpg

Equine bina dua jejambat RM140j ke PGCC


EQUINE Capital Bhd, menerusi syarikat sekutunya, Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, akan membelanjakan RM140 juta bagi membina dua jejambat menuju ke Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) di Jalan Scotland, Georgetown, Pulau Pinang.

Pengerusi Eksekutif Equine Capital, Datuk Patrick Lim, berkata pembinaan jejambat bertingkat itu bertujuan mengelak kesesakan lalu lintas di laluan berkenaan pada masa depan yang akan menghubungkan PGCC.

Katanya, keputusan pembinaan jejambat dibuat selepas kajian mendapati jalan itu sering sesak dan dikhuatiri menjejaskan kelancaran laluan ke PGCC, iaitu mercu tanda Pulau Pinang yang antara lain menempatkan Pusat Persidangan dan Pameran Antarabangsa (MICE).

Pembinaan jejambat itu akan bermula tahun ini dan dijangka mengambil masa sehingga tiga tahun setengah untuk disiapkan yang merangkumi susur masuk dan keluar ke PGCC serta laluan bawah jejambat.

“Apabila siap, tiada lagi lampu isyarat di jalan terbabit kerana kenderaan yang hendak keluar dan masuk ke PGCC akan melalui jejambat, manakala kenderaan dari atau menuju pusat bandar melalui laluan bawah,” katanya selepas taklimat media mengenai projek pembangunan PGCC di Pulau Pinang, semalam.

Patrick berkata, perbincangan dengan Lembaga Lebuhraya Malaysia (LLM) sedang berlangsung mengenai bagaimana hendak mewujudkan laluan yang mudah ke PGCC, sama ada dari Jalan Lingkaran Luar Pulau Pinang (PORR) atau Jalan Scotland.


Beliau turut memberi jaminan pembinaan jejambat itu tidak akan menjejaskan premis dan bangunan berhampiran, terutama Sekolah Menengah Union di tepi laluan itu.

PGCC, bandar pertama di dunia yang bebas karbon, mempunyai nilai pembangunan kasar (GDV) antara RM18 bilion hingga RM20 bilion. Ia akan dibangunkan secara berperingkat di kawasan seluas 104 hektar di tapak Penang Turf Club.

space is a premium on the island i saw the racetrack is such a waste of space. It's better to build iconic building to bring life into the area. They're not building just towers and convention center but also housing area.

isn't that area super congested (traffic) rite now? I remember lots of old trees and colonial style bungalows....it'll be a pity if those go

Thursday August 30, 2007

Equine associate to build RM140m flyovers at PGCC

By DAVID TAN

PENANG: Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate of Equine Capital Bhd, is spending about RM140mil to build two flyovers to connect the RM25bil Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project with the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR).

Equine holds a 25% stake in Abad Naluri, which is developing PGCC on the 260-site where the Penang Turf Club is now located.

Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said the flyovers would come with underpasses.

“We are working with MHA (Malaysian Highway Authority) to determine how the flyovers, which are part of our traffic infrastructure project, could complement PORR and three other chain roads in smoothening traffic flow,” he told a media briefing.

Lim said construction work on the traffic infrastructure, which forms the first phase of PGCC, would start next year.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/8/30/business/p8=penangglobalcitycentre.JPG
Datuk Patrick Lim with an artist impression of the Penang Global City Centre

“The phase will take about three years to complete,” he said, adding that its cost would be disclosed later.

Lim also said Abad Naluri would commit a substantial portion of the gross development value of PGCC for the creation of a green environment.

“About 40% of the project would be green and open spaces,” he said.

Abad Naluri would build facilities in PGCC to reduce carbon monoxide, recycle heat and treat waste, he said, adding: “These facilities will be put in place as we want to make PGCC a carbon-free city.”

Lim added that PGCC would be a “city of tomorrow”.

“We will not have the biggest or tallest tower in PGCC. We want PGCC to have good values and iconic buildings that will give it a unique identity.”

Scheduled for completion in 15 years, PGCC will have two five-star hotels, commercial and residential properties, and a state-of-the-art cultural centre.

Lim said the PGCC project would be officially launched on Sept 12.

hi dengilo....i agree to you...but one thing , the developers are actually doing a good job in penang...unlike government...for penang the developers are the saviour....about the nature u were talking about..i think penang always maintains a good environment...new parks are actually coming up...latest one is the tropical spice garden...plus now their hiking trails are much more organized for tourists and locals...plus taman negara is doing well in teluk bahang...anyway no matter what happen...we all should remember...penang is not like any other state..penang is one of a kind..one of the most unique places......love penang....

awesome project..great!!
perghhh....

BizFocus:
Equine's ambitious plan to bring new shine to Penang
By Marina Emmanuel
marina@nstp.com.my

September 3 2007

THE face of Penang island is set to change with the entry of property player Equine Capital Bhd.

The company, via associate Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, wants to create a world-class and self-contained city in George Town where eco-living, architectural icons and high technology rule.

The "Penang Global City Centre" (PGCC), with an estimated gross development value (GDV) of RM25 billion, will be sited on a 104ha plot where the Penang Turf Club currently stands.

It is billed as the largest commercial development in Penang. Equine Capital holds a 25 per cent stake in Abad Naluri.

"We want to offer solutions for tomorrow's city and enhance the Penang brand name," Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said.

"This new city centre for Penang will incorporate many technology- and ecology-based components, and will be modelled along the lines of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre."

The project will be marketed as one of the world's first zero-carbon cities where pollution will be kept to a minimum.

It will offer tax breaks to technology firms wishing to set up shop as PGCC will have Multimedia Super Corridor status, Lim added.

While Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates is slated to emerge as the world's first zero-carbon city by 2009, other countries around the world which are developing similar cities include China and the US.

The eco-city development on the island is expected to include a 10.4ha public park which will be linked to the Penang Botanical Gardens and the Municipal Youth Park.

There will also be two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, high-end retail outlets, two iconic towers, residential properties and a world-class meeting and convention centre.

Plans are also in place to promote medical tourism in the state through specialist clinics at the PGCC.

"With an estimated 2,000 tourists visiting Penang annually for elective surgery, we think we can add value to the medical tourism promotional effort by offering state-of-the-art healthcare residences for these visitors," Lim said.

Also in the pipeline are urban and international schools and a monorail service.

Abad Naluri has appointed international architects for the project.

French architect Nasrine Seraji is the overall master planner. The New York-based Asymptote Architecture will design the iconic Penang Towers, with an estimated GDV of RM8 billion, which will be a focal point of the PGCC.

The PGCC's public realm will comprise a combined 34.4ha of parkland, including a 10.4ha 1km-long linear park, and about 24ha of a hill site which cannot be developed.

Close to 40 per cent of the PGCC will be dedicated to being "green" in the form of parks and open spaces, Lim added.

Other proposed measures include devising ways to collect and reuse rainwater, the construction of a central cooling plant and a waste-management system.

Lim is also mindful of concern that the project is likely to add to the island's long-standing and worsening traffic problems.

"We are working with the Malaysian Highway Authority on how our road infrastructure will complement three chain roads and the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) which will cut through the PGCC," he said.

Abad Naluri will invest RM140 million to build two flyovers to mitigate traffic congestion from George Town's Jalan Scotland to the project site.

"We have also conducted traffic impact studies with a consultant, not only for this project but also for the whole island, and have alternative solutions for traffic in the event that the ring road project is delayed."

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is expected to launch the PGCC project on September 12, at which event he will announce special investment incentives.

The project will be carried out in phases over 15 years and will break ground in a year.

UOB Kay Hian, in an investors' report, said that plans were in place for a new integrated transport hub to be set up at the PGCC.

"The hub will host a major interchange for the Penang monorail's two lines.

"In addition, the 17km PORR will run through the new city centre, with its proposed route from the Penang International Airport to Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi," it said.

kalau mcm klcc, two iconic tower tue kena lepasi paras 400+m

Shot in the arm for PGCC
Wednesday September 5, 2007
By DAVID TAN
TheStar


PENANG: Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd, is investing approximately RM40mil into the development of a 40ha Metropolitan Park in the 104ha Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) development.

Equine Capital holds a 25% stake in Abad Naluri, the developer of the RM25bil PGCC which is located at the present Penang Turf Club site.

The state government had recently approved the conversion of the 104ha PGCC land for mixed-development use.

The PGCC, patterned after the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, will feature two five-star hotels, a performing arts centre, high-end retail outlets, two iconic towers, residential properties and a world-class meeting and convention centre.

Equine Capital executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said in an earlier interview that the Metropolitan Park would be linked to the Youth Park and Botanical Garden.

“The state government will acquire some additional land to link the Metropolitan Park with the Youth Park and Botanical Garden to form one contiguous park,” he said.

“In the Metropolitan Park, we plan to put in place public recreational facilities, water features, garden pavilions and amphitheatres.

“To maintain PGCC as a carbon-free city, there will be facilities built to reduce carbon monoxide. Solar lighting will be used at night.

“With such environmentally friendly technology, the carbon footprint of our park will be minimised, all of which will contribute to our quest to build one of the first zero-carbon developments in the region,” he said.

Lim said that the development of PGCC would create some 5,000 construction jobs.

“Once completed, PGCC will potentially employ about 37,000 workers, required by corporate offices, the medical services, the retail sector, and the hotel and MICE (Meeting Incentives Convention Exhibition) industries,” he said.

According to Raine & Horne (Penang) senior partner Michael Geh, the Metropolitan Park would boost the PGCC’s land value beyond “the current peak net value of RM250 per sq ft (psf) of net for commercial development land.”

Penang’s current (peak) prices are only a quarter of those of the current prime commercial redevelopment land prices in Kuala Lumpur’s golden triangle and near the Kuala Lumpur city centre, which are over RM1,000 psf.

Oh yes, looking fwd to the launch by PM on 12th sept! If I remember correctly, the site is close/next to the hills that form the central spine of the island. I wonder if the planned park will incorporate nature/hiking trails up into the hills.. that would provide a nice panoramic view of that part of the island. Or better still.. a cable car attraction to the hills.. Also wondering what happened to plans to have a cable car link Penanh hill to Batu Feringghi/Telok Bahang...

Article from NST (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20070910081942/Article/index_html)

SpotLight: Building a healthier future

Nasrine Seraji says state authorities should help developers through policymaking

The mammoth Penang Global City Centre (PGCC), with an estimated gross development value of RM25 billion, will be sited on a 104ha plot where the Penang Turf Club stands.

It is also being marketed as one of the world’s first zero-carbon cities where pollution will be kept to a minimum. The following is an excerpt from an interview by LEE KENG FATT with French professor of architecture Nasrine Seraji, who is the master planner for the PGCC. Seraji, 50, teaches at Princeton University in the United States and the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna

Nasrine Seraji says state authorities should help developers through policymaking

The Penang Turf Club will make way for the main podium block of the PGCC.

Q: How does an area/city achieve zero-carbon status?
A: Zero-carbon emission is not a status, it is a concept. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is a colourless, odourless gas that exists in the atmosphere. A zero-carbon development is one which does not add to the existing carbon dioxide. An area or a city achieves this when its nett production of CO2 is zero.

Q: How can the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) achieve this?
A: By constructing intelligent buildings built with intelligent materials and intelligent techniques and having a ratio of green areas, which neutralises the built-up area.

Q: How does it benefit consumers and residents?
A: Every person that I know would like to live healthier and longer. Every person would like to leave something worthwhile for his or her children.

Q: How will it benefit Penang?
A: Penang is a beautiful island with a prosperous past and promising future. Its environment is what everyone cherishes. We want to keep this and we are attempting to let this be as durable as possible.

Q: How many cities have achieved zero-carbon emission?
A: None yet. The first masterplan development taking on the challenge is in Abu Dhabi under the Masdar ("source" in Arabic) Initiative. We are aiming to challenge it with our PGCC masterplan.

Q: What does zero-carbon mean to the layman?
A: It means natural light, green buildings, vast parks, clean air, recycling policies and natural ventilation. A better life, a healthier environment.

Q: Does it incur extra cost to residents and taxpayers?
A: Not necessarily. It can also be a tax incentive. The politicians need to make an effort in policymaking.

Q: Does it mean reducing vehicular traffic and promoting recycling?
A: Yes, it means more electric cars, alternative energy and recycling .

Q: Is this the latest trend in property development?
A: I don’t like the word trend. Trends die very fast. This is the only way of the future. The Earth is a small place and we need to keep it for the next generation. Durability is the key of the future.

Q: How can the state authorities help the developer to achieve this?
A: State authorities should help through policymaking. They should allow for better dissemination of information and educate the public. In Europe, children learn about recycling from the age of 3.

Q: Will this remain a slogan to placate environmentalists?
A: This is not a slogan; this is a challenge we are setting out for the future. If every development achieves 50 per cent of the goal towards a better environment, we will reduce global warming considerably.


Performing arts centre set to open in 3 years

THE Penang Performing Arts Centre (PenPac), one of the components of the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC), is scheduled to be operational in three years’ time. This is when the main podium block of the PGCC is expected to be completed at the present site of the Penang Turf Club.

The PenPac will boast a main auditorium with a 500-seating capacity, a state-of-the-art rigging system and fly tower, dance studios, sound studios, workshop and a resource centre.

It will also cater to a variety of performing arts such as experimental theatre, plays, musicals, classical symphonies, operas and the dondang sayang. It is also designed to be cost efficient.

As it is, Penang has a strong performing arts tradition and culture. However, it lacks the facilities to support it.

The Dewan Sri Pinang at the popular Esplanade is already three decades old. The PenPac will be the perfect venue of international standards to showcase local talents. It will also help to nurture, promote, develop and enrich the performing arts tradition and culture.

I would say that is one of the most important information I have come across about PGCC yet. It is great that the project has a master planner who at least holds a professorship in architecture. I was in the preconception that this project is going to be an all-talk-no-action thing. I am not entirely sure how they are going to achieve the carbon neutral promise.

The Masdar Initiative (http://www.masdaruae.com/) looks much more promising.

September 10, 2007 19:21 PM

Abdullah To Launch PGCC Master Plan On Wednesday

PENANG, Sept 10 (Bernama) -- Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi is scheduled to launch the master plan of the multi-billion ringgit Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) in Batu Gantung on Wednesday.

Billed as one of the high impact projects of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) the PGCC will become the new landmark for Penang island.

To be developed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Equine Capital Berhad, on a 104ha site, the first phase involving the construction of roads and a public park, is expected to kick off within the next 12 months.

Equine Capital Berhad executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim, in a media briefing recently, said the PGCC would have five-star hotels, a Penang Performing Arts centre (PenPAC), high-end retail outlets, two iconic towers, residential and commercial properties and a world-class meeting and convention centre.

He said the project would generate 40,000 job opportunities, and the whole development was scheduled for completion in 18 years.

On the first phase, Lim said the company would invest RM70 million to build two flyovers to connect the centre to the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) and an underground tunnel to mitigate traffic congestion from Jalan Scotland to the project site.

He said the public park would involve the development of 40ha for greenery, comprising a 10.4ha one-kilometre linear Central Park and another 29.6ha of hilly land called Penang Hill Park.

The 40ha in the public realm will be linked to the existing Municipal Youth Park and Penang Botanical Garden with pathways to create a whopping 344ha of park lands, one of the biggest in the country, on the island, which is tentatively named Penang Metropolitan Park.:banana:

"We wanted to make these parks like the Kuala Lumpur City Centre (KLCC) park and the Central Park in New York, a place where the people can always look forward to going to. We want to make these parks one of the great public parks where the residents can benefit from the recreational activities there, which they can be proud of.

"The state government will be making some land acquisition to link all the four park lands to form one contiguous park. Non-evasive tracks or pathways for public access to some of previously inaccessible areas will be built to promote a healthy lifestyle and eco tourism," Lim said.

He said the development of the Central Park alone will cost around RM40 million. It would have, among others, a children's playground, fitness stations, multipurpose outdoor courts, jogging path, children wading pools, garden pavilions and an amphitheatre.

He said recycled storm water would be used for the ponds and irrigation system in the park area and solar energy would power the lighting.

With all these environment-friendly technologies in place, the carbon footprint of PGCC would be minimised,:banana: and would contribute to its quest to be one of the first Zero Carbon developments in the region, he said.

On the 15,000 sq m PenPAC, Lim said it would consist of a main auditorium, which can accommodate 500 persons at any one time, with state of the art rigging system and dance and sound studios to provide a flexible venue to cater for a variety of performing arts.

"Designed with multi-use and cost-efficiency in mind, all sections of the society can afford to enjoy the many cultural events and it is helping Penang to become one of the premier cultural tourism destinations of the region," Lime said.

-- BERNAMA

Architect outlines concept of the RM25b Penang Global City Centre

By DAVID TAN

PENANG. The RM25bil Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project will feature architectural themes that synthesise local symbolism and historic forms with contemporary-style designs.

Asymptote Architecture principal Hani Rashid said he spent over a year researching Penang’s culture, history, social patterns and way of life before designing the project.

“We design the buildings to blend with the surrounding hills and greenery,” he told a media briefing on Tuesday.

Rashid and his team, comprising about 60 architects, engineers, and technicians from London, New York and Hong Kong, spent four years designing PGCC, which is developed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd on the present 260-acre Penang Turf Club site.

Abad Naluri is an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd.

“The buildings are also designed to save power, harnessing the forces of nature, such as sunlight and wind, for natural lighting and ventilation purposes.

“They must fit into a carbon-free city scheme.

“We have six environmental engineers from Atelier 10, a reputable environmental engineering company with offices in New York and London, working on the plans for PGCC,” he said.

Rashid said the PGCC project had caught the attention of his colleagues in the architectural circle in the US.

“They are paying close attention to the project. The last time a project from Malaysia had caught their attention was the Multimedia Super Corridor,” he added.

Rashid, who has been working from an office in Kuala Lumpur on PGCC for the past two years, said he would establish an office in Penang soon to monitor the project.

Born in Cairo, Rashid holds a Masters in Architecture from Cranbrook Academy of Art in the US, and has been lecturing at the Columbia University School of Architecture and Planning since 1989.

Among the projects he is presently involved in include the World Business Centre in Busan, Korea, the Luxury Residential Tower and Guggenheim Contemporary Art Pavillions in UAE, and Alessi Flagship Store in New York.

will PGCC transform the urban landscape of Penang island like klcc in kl, could well be. looks like exciting times for the island :) its going to to be an exciting ride for penangites

next thing we know the whole island is like manhattan.

i hope it wont...they said they spent years researching penang. me personally think that the design will reflect slow-paced(or relaxed..which one is more suitable?) life in penang. But if they have grand plans i dont hesitate it either hahaha

it makes me wanna stay in penang...in fact my next master program would be in USM...

One question - Why there isn't any new waterfront development announced for Penang in the NCER? I thought that would be the most sensible thing to do to make Penang a beautiful city. Almost all beautiful cities in the world are located waterfront. And Penang has it all.

One question - Why there isn't any new waterfront development announced for Penang in the NCER? I thought that would be the most sensible thing to do to make Penang a beautiful city. Almost all beautiful cities in the world are located waterfront. And Penang has it all.

:applause:

it makes me wanna stay in penang...in fact my next master program would be in USM...

SHIT!

-edit-

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/12/business/leadpicpgccpg3i.JPG
PGCC REVEALED!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Original news from here (http://www.ipsnews.net/news.asp?idnews=39227)

ENVIRONMENT-MALAYSIA: Mega City Project Robs Common Green
By Anil Netto

PENANG, Sep 12 (IPS) - Alarmed civil society groups are coming together to oppose a massive urban development project that could result in 33 tower blocks of over 40 storeys each being built on one of the last huge green spaces left on land-starved Penang island.

Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi is to launch the masterplan for the 25 billion ringgit (7 billion US dollar) Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project on the 105-hectare plot of land, currently used by the Penang Turf Club, on Wednesday. The club will move to a new racecourse, currently under construction in Batu Kawan on mainland Penang.

PGCC is being developed by Abad Naluri, a 25 percent-owned associate firm of Taman Equine, which in turn is wholly owned by developer Equine Capital. Equine's executive chairman is Patrick Lim, widely seen as one of the most influential businessmen in Malaysia.

Former premier Dr. Mahathir Mohamad , himself often accused of cronyism during his 22-year tenure at the helm, has reportedly referred to Lim as ''Patrick Badawi'', alluding to the perceived close ties between Abdullah and Lim.

''The project has been on the drawing board for four years but they have not consulted the public until the eleventh hour,'' says Mohd. Nizam Mashar, coordinator of Friends of the Earth, Malaysia (SAM). ''The saddest part is that this green space -- the only potential area that can be given to the people of Penang -- will now be largely destroyed.''

The PGGC developer has hired a new but well-connected local public relations firm, Fox Communication, whose key staff are former senior journalists from the English-language Malaysian mainstream press.

Fox Communication and the mainstream media have tried to counter the major sources of concern by highlighting the PGCC's green credentials. These include a "zero carbon" target and 40 ha allocation for recreational parks, including a 10-ha narrow kilometre-long ''Central Park''.

But they have not highlighted the 33 tower blocks. ''The destruction of the turf club environment and the construction of all those buildings is going to produce carbon emissions -- not cut carbon,'' contends academic Andrew Aeria, who grew up in Penang. ''If Equine are serious about zero carbon emissions or greening the earth, they would be better off turning the place into a park.''

To allay concerns over traffic congestion, the developer has also pointed to the building of a road underpass and a couple of flyovers to link up to the proposed Penang Outer Ring Road, itself a controversial project. The alignment of the ring road cuts through the site and there are also plans for a Penang monorail system.

But that has not convinced many. The roads bordering the Turf Club in Batu Gantung are heavily congested during peak hours. The two main parks nearby -- the Botanic Gardens and the Penang Youth Park at the foothills of Penang Hill -- are often overflowing with people and a much larger new park would have been welcome.

In fact, the PGCC has a stupendous proposed built-up area of 2.5 million sq m and will include 7,000 upmarket homes as well as hotels, commercial areas, a performing arts centre and ''two iconic towers''.

But it obviously caters only to the well-heeled. Even the project's master planner, Teheran-born Nasrine Seraji, expressed disquiet. ''The developer only wants luxury housing. We say you can’t just have luxury housing because then it becomes a gated community,'' she said in an interview with Canada.com last November. ''You need to also have social housing. These are the negotiations that take place in order to allow integration of different income levels of society.''

She added that the developer had originally wanted a density that would have been twice that of Hong Kong, but she persuaded him otherwise.

Under existing official quota requirements for developers, the PGCC developer would be required to build a couple of thousand lower-cost apartments. But the word is that these lower-cost flats would probably be located outside the project area.

The move to rezone the existing Penang Turf Club land from 'open space' to 'mixed development' was initiated in November 2002. Last year, residents of the quiet upper-class residential area in neighbouring Jesselton registered their objections to the rezoning.

In November 2002 as well, Penang Turf Club members were persuaded to vote in favour of a new racecourse on the mainland.

As part of the quid-pro-quo of the PGCC deal, Equine will build a 375 million ringgit euphemistically named ''Penang International Equestrian Centre'' on the mainland in Batu Kawan -- even though the horse racing industry faces an uncertain future. A racecourse on the mainland would draw gamblers to a site that is just a few dozen km south of the Kepala Batas parliamentary constituency of Prime Minister Abdullah.

Earthworks on the new racecourse began in late 2005 after the government announced it was going ahead with plans to build South-east Asia's longest bridge, a 3 billion ringgit (800 million dollar) 24-km link between Batu Kawan and Penang Island.

Equine has another major project, Crescentia Park, which would turn 180 ha of land in Batu Kawan into Penang's third satellite town at a gross development value of over 800 million ringgit (230 million dollars).

Both Crescentia and the new race course are located close to the site of the proposed bridge, turning Equine's land bank on the mainland into a gold mine.

It is not clear how the PGCC developer actually paid for the Turf Club land on the island. One report said that Abad Naluri had bought the land for 488 million ringgit (140 million US dollars) in 2002. The Penang Turf Club, established in 1864, acquired the land in 1935.

According to another report, the Turf Club land would only be transferred to the PGCC developers once the Batu Kawan racecourse is completed in 2009.

Whoever owns the Turf Club land on the island stands to profit handsomely from a leap in land valuation if the rezoning to ''mixed development'' is confirmed. In rezoning the land, ''the state has enabled some land speculators to make literally billions of ringgit of profit,'' when it could have acquired the land for the benefit of the people of Penang, lamented heritage conservation activist, Ahmad Chik.

It's a long news but it's worth a read. As oppose to all the ass-kissing-all-positive news of Malaysian media, this is certainly a refreshment.

I am all for development, but I am all against unsustainable development, and developers who are just there for pure profit. The red highlighted parts in the article is what I am trying to say, and the red AND bold part are the evidence that most developers are stupid and ignorant.

I don't oppose such project entirely, I just want to make sure they have the correct procedure and more transparency. I am sure all of you guys here wish to see development, but I still see a lot of unsustainable development particularly in Penang.

Again, regarding the Masdar Initiative zero carbon city, at least the first thing they wish to do is to build solar panels to utilise the energy instead of fossil fuel (which produces CO2) and to offset the carbon they release while construction is going on.

PGCC will be iconic
CHU JUCK SENG

PENANG: New York-based Asymptote Architecture, which is designing the RM25 billion Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) has promised that the structures will be iconic, modern and striking; combining Penang’s heritage and modern conceptual architecture. Asymptote founder and partner Hani Rashid, who described the buildings in the PGCC as “beautiful, poetic, sensitive and logical”, said they will put Penang at the forefront of world-class cities. “I can say that the buildings are so contemporary that they might become heritage in the future,” Rashid said in press conference yesterday.
“The thing that will immediately catch one’s attention when the PGCC is launched tomorrow is how the buildings will be sculptured against the hills of Penang,” he said. “If a city should want to move forward, it must take from
the past but drive it into the future,” Rashid said, adding that the challenge was to discover Penang’s urban footprint and then conceptualising it into a
modern structure.
“The buildings in the PGCC are attention grabbing and designed to inspire the people around them just as what the Eiffel Tower means to Parisians,” he said.
Rashid said a team comprising about 80 foreign and local experts would be roped in to develop the buildings. — By Jonathan Chen

It all comes down to what do penangnites want for their city, nearly all land in the main city is built up. To let the turf club remain as a green park with no development or to build on it. A city that potentially can be at the front of economic development in this country with all it entails or to remain an old world charm with its beaches and retirees. Penang at this point is seriously lacking in economic development, young people are leaving for jobs elsewhere, it is in need of a tremendous boost, basically Penang you cannot have a modern economy and not develop highend living and lifestyles. Singapore made its choice long ago, penang is already very late.

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2007/9/12/business/leadpicpgccpg3i.JPG
PGCC REVEALED!

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

speachless.. :colgate: is it surpass 400m ?

It all comes down to what do penangnites want for their city, nearly all land in the main city is built up. To let the turf club remain as a green park with no development or to build on it. A city that potentially can be at the front of economic development in this country with all it entails or to remain an old world charm with its beaches and retirees. Penang at this point is seriously lacking in economic development, young people are leaving for jobs elsewhere, it is in need of a tremendous boost, basically Penang you cannot have a modern economy and not develop highend living and lifestyles. Singapore made its choice long ago, penang is already very late.

I agree that Penang is losing out, but we still need to balance between environmental protection with economic development. Sacrificing one for the other is unacceptable. Due to to virtually lack of city planning, Penang has been plagued with numerous problems ranging from traffic jams to severe river pollution.

Take river pollution for example: had the authorities learn from the more developed countries years ago, educating the people, enforcing environmental law and all day, today we need not spend hundreds of millions cleaning it up. This hundred of millions could be then channelled to development in other areas.

Again, I should say I am not anti-PGCC. I am just anti unsustainable development. I still hope PGCC could be developed, although I hope they are more open with their carbon neutral plan, instead of concentrating too much on profit as I said.


PS: Yes I know I sound like some 70's environmentalist hippies.

I initially supported the PGCC based on pre-launched artist impressions and the fact that the project is environmental-friendly. But, after knowing that they are going to build 33 blocks of towers, I would say "No way". I think Penangites have been deceived by their tactics. Before the launching of the project, they used zero-carbon city + garden city concept as a "weapon" to ward off any criticisms and objections from NGOs. Now, they suddenly come up with 33 blocks of towers after the launching.

For me, few blocks is OK but not 33. Can someone verify whether that is true? If that is true, I hope our NGOs can do their best to stop that project or at least ask them to change their master plan through dialogues.

Original article from here (http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v3/news.php?id=284700)

PGCC Will Propel Penang Into World-class Logistics Hub - PM

PENANG, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Penang will emerge as a world-class regional logistics and services hub when the RM25 billion Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project in Batu Gantung here is completed.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said with the modern building features that gave importance to environmental safety, people's well-being. socio-economic and socio-culture development, the PGCC provide the impetus for Penang to the prime mover for the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER).

"After making a name and gaining recognition as the Silicon Island for the electrical and electronics industries for over 30 years, Penang will take on an added role as a world-class logistics and quality services hub," he said when launching the PGCC master plan at a hotel here Wednesday.

Abdullah said port and airport facilities in Penang have turned the state as the main gateway to the northern region and to the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) region.

"All this while Penang has been known as the Silicon Island for its electrical and electronics industries. In the years ahead, I believe Penang will become an advanced and well-known logistics and services hub, with Penang providing services of top quality, No. 1 and the best," he said.

Abdullah was happy that the planning of the PGCC took into account all aspects of a congenial human living, applying the knowledge and skills of world-class designers, architects and engineers.

Among them are designer Hani Rashid from the United States and architect Prof Nasrine Seraji from France, who is also an environment activist.

"This will make PGCC as among the projects that will meet Penang's needs as a catalyst to the NCER. It will also be an attraction to foreign investors to open offices or start businesses in this state," he said.

The prime minister hoped the PGCC would be implemented according to schedule without being delayed by approval procedures.

He also thanked the Penang Turf Club for agreeing to relocate its operations to Batu Kawan to make way for the mega project which would have high impact on the NCER development and the country.

The 184ha PGCC is being developed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Equine Capital Berhad. It will be the world's first "zero-carbon" township when it is completed in phases over 18 years.

The first phase, expected to start in 12 months, entails construction of infrastructures, access roads and a 10.4ha public recreation park that will be known as "Taman Central".

A five-star hotel, twin towers, a convention and arts centre, shopping complexes, condominiums and recreational parks will be built in subsequent phases.

The massive project, expected to create 40,000 jobs, will be a boon to Penang's tourism industry.

At another function in BUTTERWORTH, Abdullah handed Ramadan contributions to 202 mosques in Penang.

In his speech, the Prime Minister urged Muslims to be grateful and thankful to God for the peace and prosperity enjoyed by the nation.

He also reminded Malaysians to drive carefully when returning to their hometowns to celebrate Hari Raya Aidilfitri with their families and loved ones.

-- BERNAMA

Original article from here (http://www.nst.com.my/Current_News/NST/Monday/National/20070910082114/Article/index_html)

Controlling traffic a joint project

THE traffic study for the proposed redevelopment of the Penang Turf Club has recommended that any upgrading to cater for the future traffic volume of the mammoth mixed development should be a joint project between the authorities and the developers.

Although the development is expected to have some impact on the traffic volume in the area, the study stated that it was the culmination of the growth of the existing traffic as well as the contribution of traffic volume from all the other developments in the area.

The study, conducted by Perunding Trafik Klasik Sdn Bhd, also indicated that there would be a few new access roads for the development of the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC).

There will be two access points from the Penang Outer Ring Road to the proposed development.

The existing Jalan Batu Gantung will be widened and become a dual four-lane carriageway and intersect with Jalan Scotland and Jalan York to form a new interchange.
An elevated flyover, together with an elevated U-turn and an underpass, are among the new access roads which will be constructed.

PGCC is modelled along the lines of the Kuala Lumpur City Centre and is being developed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd.

Based on the trip-generation exercise, it is estimated that the development will produce 4,137 vehicular trips and attract 6,469 vehicular trips during the morning peak hour.

During the evening peak hour, it is expected to produce 8,457 vehicular trips and attract 8,055 vehicular trips.

Universiti Sains Malaysia’s School of Civil Engineering dean Associate Professor Dr Ahmad Farhan Mohd Sadullah said a sustainable approach would ensure a better future for the transportation system in Penang.

"We should ensure that this mixed development upholds the sustainable transport aspirations," he said.

Ahmad Farhan said any development, especially in an already congested area, would need a proper traffic study to forecast the impact on the surrounding areas.

Depending on the forecasted impact, Ahmad Farhan said mitigation measures could include traffic management schemes, the provision of infrastructure or both.

"One obvious change will be that traffic will be generated on a daily basis instead of during the weekends when there are races at the turf club.

"The proposed PGCC will attract and generate trips, so we must estimate the trip-generation and then distribute and assign the traffic volume to the road network surrounding the development."

Ahmad Farhan said it was necessary for traffic planners to design road and junction systems which would be able to accommodate the increase in traffic volume after the proposed development reached its operational maturity.

"They must ensure free flow into and out of the development.

"The road around this development is already congested, so the traffic study must propose a system which will be able to accommodate the additional traffic."

He added that a critical consideration was the integration of the public transportation service into the planning.

Original article from here (http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/9/13/nation/18872244&sec=nation)

PGCC boost for Penang

By ZARINAH DAUD

PENANG: Three decades after being dubbed the “silicon island”, Penang is set to move on to the world stage as a global city centre.

The RM25bil Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) masterplan, covering 104ha at site of the Penang Turf Club, was unveiled yesterday by Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi.

The project will comprise, among others, hotels, condominiums, commercial centres and a central park.

The Prime Minister, a Penang boy, said this would be a “meaningful” project to the state and country.

“As Prime Minister, I know that it will contribute significantly to the national economy,” Abdullah said.

“While Kuala Lumpur has its KLCC (Kuala Lumpur City Centre), Penang will have its very own PGCC. Both make me proud.

“PGCC is a high-impact project to complement the Northern Corridor Economic Region. I know Penang will do well,” he said when unveiling the masterplan at a hotel here.

Also present were Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon, Equine Capital executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim and Abad Naluri chairman Datuk Seri Kamal Hashim.

Abad Naluri, an associate company of Equine Capital Bhd, will undertake the project.

http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/n_pg04global.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/n_pg04global.jpg)
Futuristic appearance: An artist’s impression of the Penang Global City Centre.

Abdullah, who is the Finance Minister, said PGCC would offer excellent facilities to foreign investors and an alternative avenue for them to set up offshore offices beyond the Klang Valley.

“This project will make the northern region viable for economic development. I hope this project will be implemented as soon as possible after getting the necessary approvals from the relevant authorities,'' he added.

Abdullah thanked the Penang Turf Club for allowing the development of PGCC.

http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/n_pg04launch.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/n_pg04launch.jpg)
In it goes: Abdullah inserting a crystal key to mark the launching of the Penang Global City Centre project at a hotel in Penang yesterday. With him are (from left) Kamal, Dr Koh and Lim.

“If it is not for them, this will not happen,” he remarked.

Abad Naluri bought the land for RM488mil in 2002 when the Penang Turf Club committee felt that the existing facility could no longer cope with the demands of modern-day racing.

In Butterworth later, ZULKIFLY MOHAMAD reports that Abdullah presented Ramadan aid to 22 mosque representatives at the Seberang Jaya mosque.

He also dispensed some important advice to the people: “Drive home safely for the Hari Raya break.”

Reminding everyone that the festive period was a time when many road fatalities occurred, Abdullah said he wanted to remind them of this on the first day of the fasting month itself.

“I hope parents will advise their children to drive carefully when they return home to celebrate Hari Raya.

Abdullah also called on mosque committees to organise more activities during Ramadan to foster closer relations among Muslims.

ENVIRONMENT-MALAYSIA: Mega City Project Robs Common Green
By Anil Netto

Alarmed civil society groups are coming together to oppose a massive urban development project that could result in 33 tower blocks of over 40 storeys each being built on one of the last huge green spaces left on land-starved Penang island.


Oh my God! where are these monkeys came from? if you don't wanna live in urban area, go back to jungle, be orang utan! don't ask other people to follow your dickhead.

damn these eco-terrorists, f*ck these retard hippies groups...

btw, who is Anil Netto? Indian? Punjabi? or Penan? perhaps a Jakun...

Oh my God! where are these monkeys came from? if you don't wanna live in urban area, go back to jungle, be orang utan! don't ask other people to follow your dickhead.

damn these eco-terrorists, f*ck these retard hippies groups...

btw, who is Anil Netto? Indian? Punjabi? or Penan? perhaps a Jakun...

What's wrong with Anil Netto??? can elaborate???

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2007/09/13/1_1.jpg
许子根：将比隆城中城更美丽

首长丹斯里许子根博士说，在10年前，吉隆坡的城中城被视为大马地标，然而，随着槟城环球城中城2座地标建筑的落成后，相信它将比前者更美丽。

他表示，在这项计划下，它将包括交通建设、环境、人文文化，而发展商也特别保留了40%绿地，以作为城中的绿肺。两座超现代新地标为“槟城之翼” 这两座靠山而建的超现代化新地标号称为“槟城之翼”。两座建筑分别高达180公尺和255公尺。首座拥有44层楼，次座为66层楼高。预料，此计划不仅可推动槟城旅游业，同时还创造了4万个工作机会。计划中，环球城中城的公园建设亦会衔接槟岛市政局公园和植物园，届时，它将会成为全国最大的休闲公园。

http://www.kwongwah.com.my/news/2007/09/13/1.html

Dr khor said, the tower will be 180 m (44storey) and second tower will be 255m (66 storey).

For some reason, the PGCC always reminds me of this:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/5/5e/BokHseTheSun2.jpg

Funny, isn't it? The KLCC started out the same way the PGCC will, on an old turf club in the middle of a historical suburb. Huge, "high-impact" commercial projects like this tend to result in soaring land value, encouraging utter disregard of historical buildings in favour of modern high-rises. Pre-war buildings like the Bok House disappeared because profit was more important than heritage. If the PGCC project were to ever break ground, there's no telling what will happen to Batu Gantung.

this another one...disappear this, lost that...aiseh to0o0 emotional. are you saying turf club as 'heritage'? oh my God...the word HERITAGE currently tend to be misused by...i don't know who they are and where they are coming from...

are you saying turf club as 'heritage'? oh my God...the word HERITAGE currently tend to be misused by...i don't know

It's not so much the Turf Club itself or even the look of the PGCC (although it's too way to striking) that I'm concerned about. Rather, it's the effects the current PGCC plans will have on the immediate surrounding. If the Turf Club wants to move to a better location, fine by me. If the development does not have drastic effects around itself, I would had accept it. But given the current density of the place, increasing traffic flow (a single Outer Ring Road linkage may not even be enough) and crime could result, not to mention rapid urbanisation of the area.

this another one...disappear this, lost that...aiseh to0o0 emotional...who they are and where they are coming from...

Mind you, I grew up in the Klang Valley and seen the type of development and "refurbishments" done on old buildings and areas that killed of a lot of character of old Kuala Lumpur. I dare you to go there yourself and take a look, then compare all that with what Singapore has.

For the record, I was not emotional.

Well, i'm not one of these tree huggers. I'm not against PGCC. But typical Penangites they are, they will oppose this project. All the traffic flows, i will be affected myself as i only live a stone throw's away in Jalan Brown, but be realistic boy,we need development. Ignore all the silly environment jokes and those environment hero cum tree huggers, they will always be everywhere and forever. Hypocrites.

to compare singapore and KL, you have to review all the laws, circulars authorised by DBKL then. that are the source of all the problems for old urban areas being torn down one by one.....

in fact, during early 70's KL doesn't have any new mega urban developments(something like KLCC) which can support booming economic activities outside the existing urban areas. this actually cause the chinatown/chowkit to be forced to accept all those business activities. that's why we can see, building owners sell their property(old shophouses) to those who offer the best price, which are mostly bank(if you can see HSBC, OCBC, maybank, UOB) destroying the old buildings....

yes, i agree DBKL was and is not as brainy as singapore authority, but no need to cry for all this.

and for PGCC, it does not involve oldtown, rite? so why are you afraid of?....in fact the development complete with public parks...and it is far larger than KLCC park...

btw, Patrick Lim is chinese or indian? or mix...?

Mixed marriage product. I remember his good friend (forget the name) head was spluttered off when the rotor of a VIP helicopter hit his head during a school trip joy ride in batu kawan. He died.

Oh my God! where are these monkeys came from? if you don't wanna live in urban area, go back to jungle, be orang utan! don't ask other people to follow your dickhead.

damn these eco-terrorists, f*ck these retard hippies groups...

btw, who is Anil Netto? Indian? Punjabi? or Penan? perhaps a Jakun...

Who is anil Netto? His website says:

Anil Netto trained and worked as an external auditor with a firm of chartered accountants in London for five years. He returned to Malaysia to work as accountant with two firms listed on the main board of the Malaysian Stock Exchange.

Rising to the position of acting financial controller of the second firm during the boom years of the 1990s, he was deeply immersed in Malaysian corporate culture. What he saw in the corporate world and in society at large had a profound impact on him.

He turned to journalism a couple of years before the Asian economic crisis and reformasi broke out in 1997-98.

He is currently Deputy Editor of Aliran Monthly, Malaysia Correspondent for Inter Press Service, Senior Writer for Asia Times and columnist for the Herald.

He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

So, am I one of the so-called eco-terrorist in your classification?

http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/n_pg04global.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/n_pg04global.jpg)
[COLOR="DimGray"][SIZE="1"]

better than KLCC :banana:

looks like a spaceship

18 years a long time..would last through 3 elections..it means if Penangites wanna see this through...u know who u have to vote :lol: ..if not probably cancelled

That rendering looks sci-fi!

would u say if this is built it may even be iconic
http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/n_pg04global.jpg

to compare singapore and KL, you have to review all the laws, circulars authorised by DBKL then. that are the source of all the problems for old urban areas being torn down one by one.....

in fact, during early 70's KL doesn't have any new mega urban developments(something like KLCC) which can support booming economic activities outside the existing urban areas. this actually cause the chinatown/chowkit to be forced to accept all those business activities. that's why we can see, building owners sell their property(old shophouses) to those who offer the best price, which are mostly bank(if you can see HSBC, OCBC, maybank, UOB) destroying the old buildings....

yes, i agree DBKL was and is not as brainy as singapore authority, but no need to cry for all this.


I'm not weeping. But I'm disappointed.

DBKL did not have the degree of foresight as the Singapore's development authority when they had blocks upon blocks of brick and plaster pre-war buildings in their disposal. I do, however, understand the constraints that the Kuala Lumpur town council had to deal with before Kuala Lumpur was declared an Federal Territory; the city was only bordered in an area surrounding Masjid Jamek, Batu Road and Chinatown, which, combined, was still a relatively small area. KL was also bombed during WWII, damaging portions of the town and justifying clearing some of the damaged areas.

After attaining FT status, however, KL merged with neighbouring towns and areas, and DBKL had more space at their disposal. The suburb east of Kuala Lumpur, was presumably an immediate choice for urban development because its wide and flat land and low density. The May 13 riots may had also resulted in severe damage on a good number of buildings in the area, freeing up more land for development. Development from the 1970s and 1980s were still tolerable to me because DBKL may had been understandably swept up by the benefits of rapid development in the city when the value of pre-war buildings were still unrecognised, so much so that the Central Market and the present Muzium Telekom came close to demolition during the 1980s. It was a good thing interventions in part of the Mahathir administration and the Malaysian Heritage Society ensured these buildings were retained. Unfortunately, there were a few others that didn't make it, most notably the old High Courts Building in Bukit Bintang that was replaced by the Maybank Tower, and the Eastern Hotel that was demolished in 1990. Why not Pekeliling, Titiwangsa, East Sentul and Setapak after become a FT? These places look better for urbanisation.

What I'm actually bother about is how this kind of development persisted during the 1990s and 2000s, when awareness of heritage conservation should had begun to increase. Disregarding the KLCC, there are still good a number of examples in the old city itself. Certain buildings damaged by fire partially collapsed and were neglected (PH Hendry (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/tar/ph_hendry.php) at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Tun Perak) to the point that their remains were unsafe and had to be eventually torn down entirely (Colonial Hotel (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/chinatown/colonial_hotel.php) at Jalan Sultan-Jalan Hang Jebat). Entire blocks of shophouses and commercial units were completely razed from the inside with a new building built inside to serve as little more than pretty faces for an otherwise bland building, all while claiming they are being been preserved (Plaza Warisan at Jalan Sultan-Jalan Tun HS Lee, unnamed three storey shophouses at Jalan Tun Perak-Jalan Tun HS Lee, and the Old Gian Singh Building (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/market_square/gian_singh.php) at Jalan Tun Perak-Jalan Lebuh Ampang; the latter two are currently vacant). Renovations where the facades of certain buildings were altered or stripped off are also practiced (Shophouses at Medan Pasar-Jalan Tun Tan Siew Sin, and Rex & Tivoli Hotels (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/tar/rex_tivoli.php) and No 150-164, Jalan TAR (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/tar/no150-160.php) at Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman). Others were just demolished outright (the Old High Street Police Station (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/chinatown/old_police.php) at Jalan Balai Polis and that building where the OCBC Tower currently occupies at Jalan Tun Perak-Jalan Melayu). In the case of the Bok House, the effects of the KLCC has made the land it stood on very valuable because of its proximity to the Petronas Twin Towers. The owner had an incentive to sell of the land to developers (The same thing better not happen to the presently abandoned Loke Mansion near the Medan Tuanku monorail station). All these during the last 15 years. Makes me wonder.

Commitment for preservation of heritage also depends on how much a government is willing to protect them. In Singapore, several areas are designated by law as conservation areas where buildings are not unauthorised demolition or alterations are not permitted. In Malaysia, only selected buildings are protected, meaning those that aren't listed are at the mercy of their owners. The government was also slow creating a actual heritage act with the enactment of the National Heritage Act 2005, which still doesn't have teeth to protect historical buildings. Then there's the Rent Control Act. Having been enforced for so long, this had created a pressure cooker scenario where the land these building stood on remained unprofitable for development for many years, resulting in dilapidation, and land value skyrocketing after the Act was repelled in 2000, attracting too much developers to come in, buy the place up, clear away whatever is on it, and built new stuff over it.

All things considered, there are a few buildings in the area that have weathered well through the times. You have the OCBC building (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/market_square/ocbc.php), Sin Seng Nam Restaurant (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/market_square/ssn_rest.php) and three other adjoining units at Medan Pasar (two are currently in the process of restoration), MS Ally Company (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/market_square/ms_ally.php), the Selangor & Federal Territory Grocers Guild (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/chinatown/sftg_guild.php) (recently repainted even), the Oriental Building (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/market_square/bank_bumi.php), the old Lee Rubber Building (http://www.badanwarisan.org.my/cultural_tourism/kl_heritage_trails/chinatown/lee_rubber.php). All are apparently privately owned.

Maybe we should move the discussion relating to KL to another thread. This is becoming too off-topic.


and for PGCC, it does not involve oldtown, rite? so why are you afraid of?....in fact the development complete with public parks...and it is far larger than KLCC park...

It's debatable if the strips of greens (so-called Metropolitan Park) could be classified as parks. Considering the parkways will also be used by occupants and users of adjoining high-density buildings, it looks to function more like plazas than parks. What Anil Netto was calling for is something in the lines of Lake Gardens or Sentul Park, which have a wider expanse of natural landscaping and fewer disturbance from commercial activities. He also contends that the existing parks (Youth Park and the Botanic Gardens) have become too crowded and the area is in need of a new park, hence his opposition towards the current plans of the PGCC, which he believes will have an opposite effect on Batu Gantung.

I can't say whether or not to support his idea of a complete park over the site of the Turf Club, but whatever will be on it, it has to be sustainable in the long run and beneficial to the residents surrounding the land. And the place does have quite a number of very old institutions around (for starters, the Penang Sports Club), as well as crematorium which happens to be next to the PGCC site (Is that bad feng shui?). I guess it's up to the Penanglites at Batu Gantung to choose what they believe is best for them.

I was suppose to post this yesterday, but I ended up receiving Internal Server Errors.

Penang Performing Arts centre (PenPAC)....i'm waiting for it long time ago..the current Dewan Sri Pinang need to refurnish and it is not up to the international standard.

for the concept of zero carbon city, i welcome it....but no matter how, i dont think this concept can work 100%, but at least they try and do something on it, try their best to bring minimum impact to the environment. Once a development is being carry out on a greenery site, it means that it will disturb the environment, so, what we can do is take these impacts to the very minimum. I dont mind if they will hv 33 blocks of building, but all these buildings must hv the function base on the concept of carbon zero.
The concept of KLIA is to hv an airport in a forest, they did it by planting some trees at the atrium, logically it dosent fulfill the concept, but at least they did something..so i wish these 33 blocks of buildings will hv something with it wich is match to the concept besides having nice and modern design.

any1 has a better and clearer or more details on these 2 iconic building?

this another one...disappear this, lost that...aiseh to0o0 emotional...who they are and where they are coming from...

Oh my God! where are these monkeys came from? if you don't wanna live in urban area, go back to jungle, be orang utan! don't ask other people to follow your dickhead.

damn these eco-terrorists, f*ck these retard hippies groups...

It totally saddens me to know there are people who just completely idolise and glorify property development as the development of a country, without any regards for the environmental and social cost. Sure, this is a skyscraper forum, but surely there must be a handful of people who share my same view right?

My point being, you are entitled to your views and I am entitled to mine. I am trying to provide an alternate view on the project, and so is Anil Netto. I do not call you names, and hopefully you will do the same.

Penang Performing Arts centre (PenPAC)....i'm waiting for it long time ago..the current Dewan Sri Pinang need to refurnish and it is not up to the international standard.

for the concept of zero carbon city, i welcome it....but no matter how, i dont think this concept can work 100%, but at least they try and do something on it, try their best to bring minimum impact to the environment. Once a development is being carry out on a greenery site, it means that it will disturb the environment, so, what we can do is take these impacts to the very minimum. I dont mind if they will hv 33 blocks of building, but all these buildings must hv the function base on the concept of carbon zero.
The concept of KLIA is to hv an airport in a forest, they did it by planting some trees at the atrium, logically it dosent fulfill the concept, but at least they did something..so i wish these 33 blocks of buildings will hv something with it wich is match to the concept besides having nice and modern design.


Yup. I agree. Dewan Sri Pinang is totally dilapidated.

I welcome the zero carbon city too, and you are right about bringing minimal impact to the environment. It's just that I wish people to know the true nature of some developers out there.

There's an article here (http://anilnetto.com/2007/09/10/architect-nasrine-seraji-exposes-pgcc-developers-greed/) by Anil Netto about Canada.com's interview with Nasrine Seraji, which again says what the developer wants initially.

By the way, here's a model of the PGCC
http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/pgcctowers.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/pgcctowers.jpg)

By the way, here's a model of the PGCC
http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/pgcctowers.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/pgcctowers.jpg)


superb!!!! how tall that tower will be???

Not so tall, one was reported at 180m and another one at 200m

It seems that PGCC is a reality no matter how strong Penangites' concerns about the environmental issues are.

PGCC to create 40,000 jobs
13-09-2007:THEEDGEDAILY


PENANG: The Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) will give Penang a major boost in economic development, particularly the tourism sector, and is expected to create some 40,000 jobs.

The PGCC will initially generate 5,000 jobs in the construction industry, and when completed, will create over 20,000 jobs in the retail industry, 10,000 office jobs, 2,000 jobs in the service and health care industry, 1,000 in the convention centre and 4,000 in the hotel industry.

The project, with a gross development value (GDV) of over RM20 billion, is being developed by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Equine Capital Bhd over the next 18 to 20 years.

The PGCC, to be developed under the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER), will comprise two towers, a metropolitan park, the Penang Performing Arts Centre, high-end retail outlets, a convention centre and condominiums.

Speaking to reporters at the launch of PGCC by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi here yesterday, Equine executive chairman Datuk Patrick Lim said two-thirds of the PGCC would likely be residential properties, and the rest commercial properties.

“Abad Naluri is a long-term player and is committed to meeting its financial targets. All in all, we will not let go of long-term value,” he said.

Abdullah said the PGCC would be a landmark for Penang and Malaysia, with the buildings designed to fulfil needs of the island in the future.

“The PGCC will be a catalyst to the NCER, and an important factor to the economy for Malaysia as a whole. As Penang is the main entry point in the northern region, the development there needs to be top notch as it will attract a lot of foreign interest.

“Now, Penang is known as a Silicon Valley, and I believe Penang will be a service centre known to the world. Penang plays an important role in ensuring economic growth as it has all the facilities for viable economic development,” he said at the launch.

Abdullah said he expected there would be no delay in implementing the project as it had received all approvals. “I hope to see buildings of high quality, impressive, practical, a building that we can use to fulfil our needs, beautiful, comfortable and environmental friendly.”

The master plan for the PGCC will be undertaken by Paris-based Nasrine Seraji of Atelier Seraji, while New York-based Hani Rashid of Asymptote Architects will design its structures. The ground-breaking is expected within the next 12 months.

superb!!!! how tall that tower will be???


180m and 255m each 44 stories and 66 stories:)

By the way, here's a model of the PGCC
http://www.myimagehub.com/files/direct/1065/pgcctowers.jpg (http://www.myimagehub.com/files/view/1065/pgcctowers.jpg)

:eek2:

:eek2:


The towers look similar to the chrysalis towers by setia in nusajaya. Who copy who?

180m and 255m each 44 stories and 66 stories:)

mane dapat maklumat ?

Gr8.......no bridge LOL

With that kind of shape, i am more interested to see how it would look like at night, hopefully that building will receive superb lighting to match its look...

许子根：将比隆城中城更美丽

首长丹斯里许子根博士说，在10年前，吉隆坡的城中城被视为大马地标，然而，随着槟城环球城中城2座地标建筑的落成后，相信它将比前者更美丽。

他表示，在这项计划下，它将包括交通建设、环境、人文文化，而发展商也特别保留了40%绿地，以作为城中的绿肺。两座超现代新地标为“槟城之翼” 这两座靠山而建的超现代化新地标号称为“槟城之翼”。两座建筑分别高达180公尺和255公尺。首座拥有44层楼，次座为66层楼高。预料，此计划不仅可推动槟城旅游业，同时还创造了4万个工作机会。计划中，环球城中城的公园建设亦会衔接槟岛市政局公园和植物园，届时，它将会成为全国最大的休闲公园。
mane dapat maklumat ?

there..posted by Adam Tan:)

wow taller than Komtar then hehe

can't wait to see this built!

can't wait to see this built!

Then wait loh... maybe will take up to 1000 years:)

Basically, it ll takes longer time to hv anythg megas build in penang.

Basically, it ll takes longer time to hv anythg megas build in penang.

Thanks to the very effective local government:banana:

Hasrat DAP rampas Pulau Pinang ‘indah khabar dari rupa’

PULAU PINANG 17 Sept. – Barisan Nasional (BN) negeri menganggap hasrat parti pembangkang khususnya DAP merampas negeri ini pada pilihan raya umum akan datang sebagai sesuatu yang hanya ‘indah khabar dari rupa’.

Setiausaha Agung Gerakan, Datuk Seri Chia Kwang Chye berkata, DAP hanya pandai bercakap dan bermain dengan emosi rakyat melalui isu-isu sensitif yang dibangkitkan tanpa ada sebarang pelan atau perancangan dibuat untuk membangunkan negeri.

Sambil mengakui BN negeri bakal berdepan tugas lebih berat dalam usaha mengekalkan kedudukan dalam pilihan raya umum berkenaan, beliau yakin rakyat dan para pengundi di negeri ini tidak terpengaruh dengan taktik dan rancangan DAP yang bekerjasama dengan Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) dan Pas.

“Paling mustahak, rakyat seharusnya memikirkan dan meneliti rancangan dan projek yang telah diluluskan kerajaan untuk membangunkan negeri ini terutama projek pembangunan Wilayah Ekonomi Koridor Utara yang pasti membawa banyak kemajuan pada rakyat,” katanya.:lol:

Beliau yang juga Timbalan Menteri Penerangan berkata demikian apabila ditanya mengenai hasrat Pengerusi DAP negeri, Chow Kon Yeow yang menyatakan bahawa parti itu akan bertanding tujuh kerusi Parlimen dan 22 kerusi Dewan Undangan Negeri (DUN) pada pilihan raya umum akan datang.

Sebelum ini, Kon Yeow turut menyatakan keyakinan parti pembangkang itu berupaya menambah jumlah kerusi yang dimenanginya berdasarkan kemampuan yang ada.

Dalam pada itu Kwang Chye mengingatkan pemimpin parti Komponen BN supaya peka dengan hasrat DAP tersebut dan berusaha bekerja lebih keras menyelesaikan masalah yang dihadapi rakyat.

“Mereka juga perlu menjaga ucapan masing-masing supaya isu-isu sensitif yang boleh menggugat keamanan dan perpaduan kaum antara masyarakat di Malaysia tidak disentuh.

“Masalah yang wujud dalam parti juga harus diselesaikan dengan cara yang bijaksana supaya semua parti komponen BN benar-benar bersedia menghadapi cabaran dalam pilihan raya umum akan datang,” katanya.

Dirty BN.

More renders of this beautiful project

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_1_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%201.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_2_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%202.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_3_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%203.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_4_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%204.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_6_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%206.jpg
http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_5_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%205.jpg

:ohno: :ohno:

something wrong with the rendering..i find it rather weird, and out of place.

I like it, the design is quite a departure from normal highrises here, at least this one has twisty look...erm, it does look like "snake" to me...

:shocked: :shocked:

^^ Looks like a penguin shape.

Fabulous!

awesome...

Looks like it came out of star trek or science fiction film. The two towers look similar to chrysalis tower setia eco city is planning in bandar nusajaya. Same shape except chrysalis is all black.

i think chrysalis has shorter heights..

heh, looks like something out of Stargate Atlantis :P Cool tho !

amazing...but like many penangites....im still wary of the whole project..cud b a sham..the building looks smtng like the CCTV HQ in beijing.

OMG amazing project!!!!!!!!!!!
Love Malaysia!

:omg:

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_1_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%201.jpg

Cool..there's gonna be an uphill monorail ride! :cool:

my favourite project!

Abad Naluri to go on road show to get foreign investors

PENANG: Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd will embark on an international road show to attract foreign investors to the Penang Global City Centre (PGCC).

Chairman Datuk Seri Kamal Hashim said the road show would target top foreign fund managers and investment houses in New York, London, Paris, the Middle East, Shanghai and Tokyo.

"Abad Naluri is also exploring other financial options to raise the funds to launch the project and complete it on time," he said in a statement.

Kamal said Abad Naluri, the developer of the RM25bil PGCC project, would also promote Penang as one of the first carbon-zero global cities during the campaign.

PGCC was launched two weeks ago.

The project, which is expected to take 15 years to complete, will be built on the existing 104ha Penang Turf Club land, which Abad Naluri purchased for RM488mil in 2002.

The PGCC, a high impact project in the Northern Corridor Economic Region, will house two iconic towers, a performing arts centre, upscale retail shopping outlets and service apartments, among others.

Kamal said the company would be transparent about its development plans.

http://www.worldarchitecturenews.com/news_images/1422_1_1000%20Asymptote%20PGCC%201.jpg

Cool..there's gonna be an uphill monorail ride! :cool:

OMG!!! super futuristic!!! but hopefully there are more companions in its vicinity. :cheers: :cheers:

http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/20/01kk0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://www.pht.org.my/press_releases_20070915_pgcc.htm

how come the renders shows that its soo close to rifle range flats and graveyard?

mega projects in penang have the reputation needing years of barking here and there before they started construction. PORR has yet to name the company who gonna undertake the project.Even after they name it, construction plan and financing will take years to complete. After that another dozen years needed before they started the engine of their lorries and backhoe. Monorail still aligning and realigning, again... the route.Penang has been long appealing to the federal government about mass rapid transit system on the island. Even after grand announcement, nothing has show up yet. Penang Second Link which has been "launched" last year by our beloved and the most famous penangite actually still surveying the area for the bridge alignment. PGCC development has been mooted years and years ago and they finally released the rendering but i doubt they will start the construction of the building within the first two years from now. I'm not harbouring any hope in Penang Sentral project because the bus terminal perished in fire in 2001 and now why only 2007 they only made decisions about it when it's near general election? My only hope is the project is announced and officiated by PM,hopefully they will take off as soon as possible.

The only visible infrastructure project undergoing construction and already completed and Penang Bridge expansion (why we dont have thread on that) and BORR. Johor CIQ is near completion, highways are crisscrossing JB, their monorail or maglev MRT was planned later than Penang (announced under the same 9MP) and generally the town is booming.

Look what happened to Penang.....maybe after 10 years the only thing that will be left for us Penangites to be proud of is our past achievement and nasi kandar. Komtar will continue its self rotting, while PGCC will remain unbuilt.

[SIZE="5"]"Abad Naluri is also exploring other financial options to raise the funds to launch the project and complete it on time," he said in a statement.

Kamal said Abad Naluri, the developer of the RM25bil PGCC project, would also [B]promote Penang as one of the first carbon-zero global cities during the campaign.


what is 'carbon-free'? is that car free-city or perhaps all cars in penang to be an electric cars?

mega projects in penang have the reputation needing years of barking here and there before they started construction. PORR has yet to name the company who gonna undertake the project.Even after they name it, construction plan and financing will take years to complete. After that another dozen years needed before they started the engine of their lorries and backhoe. Monorail still aligning and realigning, again... the route.Penang has been long appealing to the federal government about mass rapid transit system on the island. Even after grand announcement, nothing has show up yet. Penang Second Link which has been "launched" last year by our beloved and the most famous penangite actually still surveying the area for the bridge alignment. PGCC development has been mooted years and years ago and they finally released the rendering but i doubt they will start the construction of the building within the first two years from now. I'm not harbouring any hope in Penang Sentral project because the bus terminal perished in fire in 2001 and now why only 2007 they only made decisions about it when it's near general election? My only hope is the project is announced and officiated by PM,hopefully they will take off as soon as possible.

The only visible infrastructure project undergoing construction and already completed and Penang Bridge expansion (why we dont have thread on that) and BORR. Johor CIQ is near completion, highways are crisscrossing JB, their monorail or maglev MRT was planned later than Penang (announced under the same 9MP) and generally the town is booming.

Look what happened to Penang.....maybe after 10 years the only thing that will be left for us Penangites to be proud of is our past achievement and nasi kandar. Komtar will continue its self rotting, while PGCC will remain unbuilt.

What you said is very very true. After another 10 years, we have nothing to proud of, all the other states will achieve what Penang achieved now.

here's pgcc for you:

http://anilnetto.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pgccrealpic.jpg

^^ it begs the question... what's so exciting about this ? :nuts:

here's pgcc for you:

http://anilnetto.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pgccrealpic.jpg

^^ it begs the question... what's so exciting about this ? :nuts:

What an ugly, awful and cheapskate looking model. Looks like a child made it.

i think the model is not the final downscale version of what to be built there. Just look at PGCC in the model. They just put it for display to pinpoint exact location where's the other part of development is going to be located.

what is 'carbon-free'? is that car free-city or perhaps all cars in penang to be an electric cars?

Sharp eyes you hv. The report is quite misleading. They ll actually promote PGCC as a 'carbon free city' instead the whole penang itself. If PGCC can be carbon free city, just wondering how it ll be protected from the nearby polution? Another nonsense talk from the developer?

Sharp eyes you hv. The report is quite misleading. They ll actually promote PGCC as a 'carbon free city' instead the whole penang itself. If PGCC can be carbon free city, just wondering how it ll be protected from the nearby polution? Another nonsense talk from the developer?

yes, no doubt!

What an outstanding project.. Really great for Malaysia...

found the website...

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t306/NEWUSER_01_2007/PGCC-04.jpg

http://www.pgcc.com.my/

Wow the mall is huge. Over 3 million square feet?

^^ 4,305,565 square feet to be exact...

thanks for the website..i dont even know they hv created their own website ;)

^^ 4,305,565 square feet to be exact...

bigger than berjaya times square? They better place it as an upclass mall...dont want to see another prangin mall type there.

personally, i don't like the logo
no offense guys!!
so i'd decided to make one just for fun!
so how's this?

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5930/60169124zv1.jpg

gold represent the high class of PGCC
and black represents bold haha
im so funny....

Haha nice there but the font and lettering below is a bit cartoonish lah with the combination of smalls and caps.

yeah your right haha
anyway i hope PGCC will be the hottest place in Malaysia!!
i hope that the high-end shopping centre will caters to medium and high class ppl where there's a lot of designers brand such as LV, Audamars Piuget, Hermes and etc. Penang just have only one designer brand which is Versace in Gurney Plaza right??

bigger than berjaya times square? They better place it as an upclass mall...dont want to see another prangin mall type there.


I think thats the gross leasable space. Yeah still larger then BTS. Hope it's like a Suria KLCC, Pavilion kind of tenant mix.

thanks for the website..i dont even know they hv created their own website ;)
You welcome... I think they could have done a better job creating the site, but "at least" they created one. :)
bigger than berjaya times square? They better place it as an upclass mall...dont want to see another prangin mall type there.
I don't know about Berjaya times square :dunno:

From what i read it will be biggest in area... 400,000 square meters is huge space!
personally, i don't like the logo
no offense guys!!
so i'd decided to make one just for fun!
so how's this?

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5930/60169124zv1.jpg

gold represent the high class of PGCC
and black represents bold haha
im so funny....

I do agree their logo is not nice, even with the break down to what it represent.

http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t306/NEWUSER_01_2007/pgcc.jpg

But yours, is even worse, looks like a funeral home logo.. No offense.. :poke: :lol:

cant they get shiny new logo? like a 3d logo

personally, i don't like the logo
no offense guys!!
so i'd decided to make one just for fun!
so how's this?

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/5930/60169124zv1.jpg

gold represent the high class of PGCC
and black represents bold haha
im so funny....

:applause:

The logo looks like kindergarden's logo. So ugly.

Real ugly indeed. The multi color letters look like EBAY. To us might be ugly, but to the PM and developers, it may be nice. Go figure!

the project will be completed in next 10 years...logically they will have some changes lah....

http://bp1.blogger.com/_amC18x5XgCc/Rwsggean9NI/AAAAAAAABqY/ODQGyMeACEk/s400/pgcc.jpg

We have been bombarded daily with a relentless campaign in the press to show us how wonderful the PGCC project is going to be. We have been told about the performing arts centre, the convention centre, the 2 iconic towers, the green space, the non-carbon emissions, the proposed ' chinese expat' school, the building of 2 new fly-overs and a tunnel, even the non cutting of Scotland Road trees - every possible objection has been carefully pre-empted and every NGO who might object has been approached and invited for a 'private briefing'.

A PR company from KL, FOX Communications, has been employed to 'deal with all of us'. Foreign Mat Salleh architects have been 'impressing' us with their fame and their c.v.'s. Main press figures from leading newspapers are now on the board of Abad Naluri, thus the biased reports. A press conference called by 6 prominent NGOs*, held on 15th September and attended by all major newspapers, where the above plans were revealed, has been met with an almost total news black-out until now.

It appears we have been misled. Each statement made so far has carefully avoided letting Penang people know that in addition to the TWO TOWERS and the 'green forest', what is actually being proposed is a 'forest' of 37 (Yes, THIRTY SEVEN) HIGH RISE TOWER BLOCKS, each more than 40 STORIES HIGH , planned for the site. Also being planned are 6,933 residential units and 13,000,000 sq feet of commercial space. (look at the attached images to get an idea of the REAL PGCC – that's right - 37 slightly shorter KOMTAR's )

*
Consumers' Association of Penang (CAP)
Sahabat Alam Malaysia (SAM)
Penang Heritage Trust (PHT)
Malaysian Nature Society (MNS)
Citizens For Public Transport (CEPAT)
Aliran


QUESTIONS ???

1.
How did Open Recreational Space become Development land in the Structure Plan?

2.
How did land granted by the State for recreation, at virtually no cost in the 1930's now be the source of a RM25 billion project for a private developer?

3.
Should the State not be given the first right of refusal if the Turf Club wishes to move?

4.
How does the developer get a density of nearly 30 units to an acre when surrounding land in the Jesselton area is zoned for 6 units to an acre?

5.
How can a project be launched by the PM when it has not yet been approved by the local authorities?

6.
How can we Penang people be told that our traffic problems will be solved when we will be stuck in jams, for YEARS, while the flyovers and tunnel are being built at Scotland Road and Batu Gantong?

7.
How can this project be launched BEFORE PORR is completed when their own traffic consultants have said that, only with the PORR, can the traffic dispersal system work.

8.
Where is the detailed EIA required for a project of this gigantic size? And how did the preliminary EIA get approved so quickly?

9.
Does Penang NEED a project like this when we currently already have more than 1,000,000 sq ft of empty commercial space?

10.
Can't low-rise residential homes & much needed green parks be an alternative?

11.
Do Penang people WANT a colossal K.L. planned project like this which will change our island beyond anything that we know and love?

The NGO's are requesting that a PUBLIC FORUM be held, one that is open to all concerned Penangites and Penang lovers. A PROJECT OF SUCH UNPRECEDENTED DIMENSIONS AND HAVING SUCH MASSIVE SOCIAL, CULTURAL AND PHYSICAL IMPACT AFFECTING ALL OUR LIVES, CANNOT BE ALLOWED TO PROCEED WITHOUT PUBLIC INPUT AND WITHOUT TRANSPARENCY.

Almost 20 years ago, Penang people said an emphatic NO to our hills being destroyed by massive re-development. We claimed our rights as t he ordinary man-on-the-street, as citizens, as voters and most of all, as PENANGITES. Is this project actually being foisted on Penang by MONEY, by POWER and by CONNECTIONS? Already many of us lament what Penang has become with the traffic, the pollution and the over-development seemingly approved for the above reasons.

To all of us who love Penang and who have contributed to her well-being, the PCGG is the ultimate assault on her very sanity and that of her citizens. SPEAK UP to voice your concerns.

PGCC Campaign September 2007
Penang Heritage Trust
17th September 2007


P/S: a 13, 000,000 sq feet of commercial? u gotta be kidding me...will it be the largest shopping mall in the world in Penang? r u sure?but lots of NGOs band this project lo...

why does a lot of NGOs band this project! i totally disagree!!

hmmm...

In penang, the NGO's go against any new project, u dun see that in kl much, Penang is basically a homeground fr NGOs, many establishd NGOs are from here eg CAP,ALIRAN. Thy opposed Penang Bridge, Komtar, 2nd Bridge, PORR and now PGCC. We must give space for the people to give their objections, at least the project would b scrutinised and some alignments would be made as necessary. Indeed the physical rendition of the 30 towers looks atrocious , but i am sure the actual buildings would b more pleasant looking in design. We complain about freedom of speech and expression being curtailed in malaysia but this is a prime example of such liberty at play here.So, if u support the project, voice it out as well..

cant they get shiny new logo? like a 3d logo

They should get me to design a good logo for them. :lol:

October 17, 2007 17:04 PM

State Govt Monitoring Public Input And Feedback On PGCC


PENANG, Oct 17 (Bernama) --The state government is monitoring input and feedback from the public on the proposed Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) project at Batu Gantung before making a decision.

"All input including objections, complaints and proposals from the public will be gathered, seriously considered and evaluated," Penang Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon told reporters here Wednesday.

The main public complaints on the PGCC concerned traffic congestion, population density and the environmental aspects.

He said the plan by PGCC developer Abad Naluri, a subsidiary of Equine Capital Berhad was being considered by the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) and had yet to be approved.

"We don't know whether the PGCC plan proposed by the developer will be accepted in total or approved with modifications. Whatever it is, we will continue to monitor the situation," he said when commenting on public objections and proposals for the project.

Dr Koh believed the developer would continue to hold exhibitions and dialogue sessions to inform the public about the project which would take 20 years to complete.

He urged the public to view the project from the economic angle as it would provide job opportunities, adding that the Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) which would pass through the PGCC would help disperse traffic.

"There will always be objections to development projects particularly from those directly affected but it will be accepted once they see the benefit.

"Residents were also against the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak (Komtar) and PORR projects but given time, they will realise that they are needed to generate the economy and disperse traffic."

Dr Koh said the state government was not involved in developing PGCC in terms of land and financing as it was undertaken by the private sector.

On the open tender for the PORR project, he said the Finance Ministry was expected to make a decision next year adding the federal and state governments only provided input on the road alignment.

"The PORR project which has been delayed 10 years will be built using the privatisation method by the federal government and hopefully can be completed in four years," he added.

-- BERNAMA

http://anilnetto.com/2007/09/08/rm25-billion-pgcc-40-tower-blocks-40-storeys-each/
http://anilnetto.com/2007/09/10/architect-nasrine-seraji-exposes-pgcc-developers-greed/
http://anilnetto.com/2007/09/14/what-patrick-lim-didnt-tell-us-the-missing-35-towers/
http://anilnetto.com/2007/09/15/main-penang-ngos-express-alarm-over-pgcc/

http://anilnetto.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pgcc-batugantong1.jpg

http://anilnetto.files.wordpress.com/2007/09/pgcc-from-jesselton.jpg

Eerie models.. like a crowded tomb in the making.

Looks like a graveyard full of tombstones. So cacat looking. Yikes!

http://anilnetto.com/2007/11/07/penang-global-city-centre-activists-step-up-campaign/

Eerie models.. like a crowded tomb in the making.

exactly! Penang doesn't need so many tombs, there are many just right next door - Batu Gantung cemetery.

The state government should solve the worsening traffic woes as soon as possible if the PGCC project is to be built!

gosh.. even i can build a better model than that.. cheap lookin cardboard thingz.. anyway.. i do agree wit jlshyang.. i rather them spending the money on solving the traffic problem than building more building..

180m and 255m each 44 stories and 66 stories:)

then it will be the tallest building of penang over KOMTAR only 232 m:lol:

Malaysia 4th tallest over Menara Maybank, Kuala Lumpur, 244 meters (currently 4th tallest)

World 107th tallest over New Century Plaza Tower A Nanjing 255 m and Langham Place Office Tower Hong Kong 255 m but not counting future tallest building in DUBAI.

how come the renders shows that its soo close to rifle range flats and graveyard?

yala...cuz will be built at current batu gantong race course ma...juz beside rite :banana:

yeh.. but.. part of the land shows in the renders already hav highrises.. half complete.. and many other building..