Penang’s old waterfront in Georgetown will undergo a heritage restoration programme, involving the restoration of six heritage buildings and the construction of seven new structures in early 2008.
The RM500 million “Pier At Weld Quay” project along Lebuh Pantai/Gat Lebuh China and Weld Quay, will include a boutique, hotel, commercial plaza, tourism school, retail podium, apartment suites and townhouses.

AGB makes maiden property foray into Penang

A HERITAGE restoration project along Penang's old waterfront in George Town will serve as Kuala Lumpur-based Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd's (AGB) maiden foray as a property developer next year.

The 'Pier At Weld Quay' project, which has a gross development value of RM500 million, is being touted by its developer as "a waterfront development with a difference" since it will involve the restoration of six heritage buildings and the construction of seven new structures.

Components of the project, which is being sited on a 1.3ha plot along Lebuh Pantai-Gat Lebuh China and Weld Quay, will include a boutique, hotel, commercial plaza, tourism school, retail podium and apartment suites, and townhouses.


"The project will break ground by the first quarter of 2008 and completion is expected by the end of 2011," AGB's chairman Kate Lim told Business Times.

The project will be soft launched in January next year.

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/Saturday/Nation/AGB29.xml/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/pier.jpg

Lim said the 'Rice Miller' boutique hotel, which will boast 100 rooms, will serve as a new hospitality brand which AGB will develop.

"The project will be marketed to investors in countries like Indonesia, Singapore and India, and we also intend to tap into the 'Malaysia My Second Home' market," she added.

"We have engaged Penang-based architects and conservation specialists for this project and are complying with the 51.7m height restriction imposed by the local authorities."

She said the 105 apartments would boast floor spaces between 1,500 sq ft and 3,500 sq ft and priced in the range of RM700 per sq ft.

AGB's chief executive officer Dr Noraini Abdullah said the company is currently in negotiations with the owners of the Royal Customs and Excise offices to lease the building (which will encompass the project) on a long-term basis.

She said the project will be funded through debt financing with a RM120 million borrowing.

AGB is a tourism and property development company primarily engaged in the conservation of historic resources.

The firm's entry into Penang and its proposed project will now see the development of the island's fifth waterfront development after E&O Property's 'Seri Tanjung Pinang', CP Land's 'Queensbay' development, Bayan Mutiara by PDC Properties and IJM Corp Bhd's The Light' project.

Following the reclamation of land east of Lebuh Pantai in the 1880s, Pengkalan Weld or Weld Quay became the sea-front road of Penang's port settlement.

Today, Weld Quay is home to the Tanjung City marina, water clan villages, 19th century offices belonging to European shipping agencies, along with godowns and the ferry terminal managed by Penang Port Sdn Bhd.

By New Straits Times (by Marina Emmanuel)

Old is gold on Weld Quay

Constructive reuse of 19th century buildings along Weld Quay set to change Georgetown

“MAKING urban environments livable” - that is the motto of tourism and property development company Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB), whose maiden and flagship project, Pier at Weld Quay, is set to change the face of Georgetown, Penang, and bring vibrancy back to the city centre.

Incorporated in 1998, AGB claims to be different from conventional property developers as it also aims to create a place for visitors to come and soak up new experiences. Its founder and chief executive officer Dr Noraini Abdullah (pix), says the group recognises the value of heritage tourism in Penang and is focusing on that with this project.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MMqbvQ3hI/AAAAAAAABQo/noWSeNqFijM/s400/pic.gif


http://bp1.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVLvQ3eI/AAAAAAAABQQ/L3WcgMjshtE/s400/The-Pier.gif
The Pier at Weld Quay will offer new products surrounded by revitalised, existing old buildings

“The Pier at Weld Quay enjoys the entire landscape of Georgetown’s heritage — we will conserve the (six existing) 19th century buildings while constructing new structures.

We are working closely with our architects and heritage conservation and environment planner with the aim of revitalising the historic resources on the site,” she told PropertyPlus.

With the cultural agenda booming in Europe and Asia, where the revival in one's consciousness about history and heritage has given birth to new market niches in the tourism industry, Noraini said Pier at Weld Quay would combine a unique blend of heritage, social, cultural and design forces and be a vibrant urban centre for residents and visitors when complete in 2010.

When negotiations for the 3.2-acre piece of freehold land first began in 2004, the developer encountered some minor problems acquiring it. According to Noraini, “Penang landowners are not known for selling despite being offered a high price”. Many were skeptical over her decision as Georgetown was considered a “dead” area with most of the buildings in various states of decay.

“Between 2004 and 2006, tourism figures were not promising, with Penang losing out to islands like Phuket and Bali and most developers preferring areas on the northeast side of the island such as Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Tikus and Queensbay.

“However, unlike other property developers, we have a pioneering spirit and see an opportunity in Georgetown. We believe we can come up with an inner-city waterfront resort, which would become a major business and commercial hub and breathe new life into the area,” she added.
http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif
An artist's impression of the boutique Rice Miller hotel

The Pier at Weld Quay comprises a 100-room boutique hotel called “The RiceMiller”, a 100,000 sq ft commercial plaza, 160,000 sq ft of retail podium, 23 small office home office (SOHO) townhouses, and 105 units of city suites. Built-ups range from 1,500 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, with pricing at about RM700 psf. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in March, with the residential units to be launched in the third quarter.

Noraini said the project is helped by its strategic location along Lebuh Pantai-Gat Lebuh China and Weld Quay, which is across the Tanjung City Marina and minutes away from Swettenham Pier. “The development would complement these tourist destinations by bringing in much needed support services," she said.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVbvQ3fI/AAAAAAAABQY/J91vBqtH7mo/s400/The-development.gif
The development is targeted at locals and foreigners, retired or retiring

The project has a gross development value of RM500 million and was inspired by other world-renowned waterfront developments like London’s Canary Wharf, Downtown Seattle, The Rocks at Sydney’s harbourfront and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Being a new player in the industry, Noraini said AGB had to be bold in order to make a statement. “With competitors such as E & O and SP Setia, we would need to market just as hard, if not harder, in order to sell our products."

However, she is unfazed by her competitors as the group is offering a product that was the result of a lot of market research and study. “Trends in society are changing and more are looking for lifestyle and quality living, and we are offering that here. Providing good customer service is just as important," she said.

The Pier at Weld Quay is targeted at locals and foreigners that have retired or are looking to retire. “In recent years, many foreigners have applied for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme in Penang, consisting of a fair number of Germans, British, as well as
Malaysians who have gone abroad to work but are coming back to retire,” Noraini said.

AGB held a preview of the project in Singapore late last year, the developer said, which received
substantial interest and support there. “We wanted to test the global market and chose Singapore because it is a cosmopolitan city. It is a good way to find out how Pier at Weld Quay compares with other projects and the response was beyond expectations,” she shared.

On its future projects, Noraini said the group would like to be involved in other developments
with historic resources similar to those found in Georgetown, particularly in neighbouring
islands in the region.

“However, our immediate objective is to ensure the success of Pier at Weld Quay, not just during construction but also after its completion,” she added.

By theSun (by Yap Yew Jin)

http://thepierpenang.com


dis project reminds me of da peninsular in singapore and hongkong

Woww...this project will rejuvenate inner City of Georgetown when it is completed. :banana:

And I like the design of the hotel. The design looks harmony with the heritage
building on Weld Quay.

looks shit to me..

^^Why is that??......I thought it looks nice though :)

Old is gold on Weld Quay

http://bp1.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVLvQ3eI/AAAAAAAABQQ/L3WcgMjshtE/s400/The-Pier.gif
The Pier at Weld Quay will offer new products surrounded by revitalised, existing old buildings



The relatively modern design at the backside of this hotel will spoil the view at Weld Quay.

Boleh la the design...it juz ok for me...:)

why dont they bulldose the whole georgetown down and rebuilt a much modern and vibrant city instead of building shit like this to fit in wit the heritage building? im sure no one will stop or reject it rite? :cool:

The relatively modern design at the backside of this hotel will spoil the view at Weld Quay.

Completely agree with you!!

but if they are really persistent on constructing another buildings behind those heritage buildings, i would settle if they incorporate a more radical and unique design. I would be very pleased if they build something glassy...

http://lh3.google.com/annaliebula/RvC15KDWrrI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jLiW2SclWH4/DSC01473.JPG?imgmax=512
[Picture courtesy of Annelie from Picassa]

http://z.about.com/d/goeasteurope/1/5/m/1/-/-/DancingBuilding.jpg
[from http://lyndseymatthews.wordpress.com ]


Just to add, this is what weld quay looks like now:-

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1044/1158275394_963746679b.jpg
[from Ispeng of Flickrs]

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1357/1158281836_5f6026024a.jpg
[from Ispeng of Flickrs]

:cheers::cheers:

http://z.about.com/d/goeasteurope/1/5/m/1/-/-/DancingBuilding.jpg
[from http://lyndseymatthews.wordpress.com ]


Eww....ugly..

^^ yeah agreed with u!!!

http://z.about.com/d/goeasteurope/1/5/m/1/-/-/DancingBuilding.jpg
[from http://lyndseymatthews.wordpress.com ]


Ugly? Maybe.. But it's up to the eyes of the beholder. I'd say it's unique, meaning in a way or another it will become a landmark for that area, meaning attracting tourists!

why dont they bulldose the whole georgetown down and rebuilt a much modern and vibrant city instead of building shit like this to fit in wit the heritage building? im sure no one will stop or reject it rite? :cool:

Even PGCC project has created uproar amongst local NGOs, I can only imagine how these people will react if there is plan to rebuilt the WHOLE George Town! :lol:

but if they are really persistent on constructing another buildings behind those heritage buildings, i would settle if they incorporate a more radical and unique design. I would be very pleased if they build something glassy...

http://lh3.google.com/annaliebula/RvC15KDWrrI/AAAAAAAAALQ/jLiW2SclWH4/DSC01473.JPG?imgmax=512
[Picture courtesy of Annelie from Picassa]

Penang already has this kind of building remember? But in a more conservative shape..... and more..... :bash:

Image by Adam Tan
http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f157/adam_king/Adam.jpg

Wonderfull Projects!

Old is gold on Weld Quay

Constructive reuse of 19th century buildings along Weld Quay set to change Georgetown

“MAKING urban environments livable” - that is the motto of tourism and property development company Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB), whose maiden and flagship project, Pier at Weld Quay, is set to change the face of Georgetown, Penang, and bring vibrancy back to the city centre.

Incorporated in 1998, AGB claims to be different from conventional property developers as it also aims to create a place for visitors to come and soak up new experiences. Its founder and chief executive officer Dr Noraini Abdullah (pix), says the group recognises the value of heritage tourism in Penang and is focusing on that with this project.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MMqbvQ3hI/AAAAAAAABQo/noWSeNqFijM/s400/pic.gif


http://bp1.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVLvQ3eI/AAAAAAAABQQ/L3WcgMjshtE/s400/The-Pier.gif
The Pier at Weld Quay will offer new products surrounded by revitalised, existing old buildings

“The Pier at Weld Quay enjoys the entire landscape of Georgetown’s heritage — we will conserve the (six existing) 19th century buildings while constructing new structures.

We are working closely with our architects and heritage conservation and environment planner with the aim of revitalising the historic resources on the site,” she told PropertyPlus.

With the cultural agenda booming in Europe and Asia, where the revival in one's consciousness about history and heritage has given birth to new market niches in the tourism industry, Noraini said Pier at Weld Quay would combine a unique blend of heritage, social, cultural and design forces and be a vibrant urban centre for residents and visitors when complete in 2010.

When negotiations for the 3.2-acre piece of freehold land first began in 2004, the developer encountered some minor problems acquiring it. According to Noraini, “Penang landowners are not known for selling despite being offered a high price”. Many were skeptical over her decision as Georgetown was considered a “dead” area with most of the buildings in various states of decay.

“Between 2004 and 2006, tourism figures were not promising, with Penang losing out to islands like Phuket and Bali and most developers preferring areas on the northeast side of the island such as Batu Ferringhi, Pulau Tikus and Queensbay.

“However, unlike other property developers, we have a pioneering spirit and see an opportunity in Georgetown. We believe we can come up with an inner-city waterfront resort, which would become a major business and commercial hub and breathe new life into the area,” she added.
http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif
An artist's impression of the boutique Rice Miller hotel

The Pier at Weld Quay comprises a 100-room boutique hotel called “The RiceMiller”, a 100,000 sq ft commercial plaza, 160,000 sq ft of retail podium, 23 small office home office (SOHO) townhouses, and 105 units of city suites. Built-ups range from 1,500 sq ft to 3,000 sq ft, with pricing at about RM700 psf. A groundbreaking ceremony is expected in March, with the residential units to be launched in the third quarter.

Noraini said the project is helped by its strategic location along Lebuh Pantai-Gat Lebuh China and Weld Quay, which is across the Tanjung City Marina and minutes away from Swettenham Pier. “The development would complement these tourist destinations by bringing in much needed support services," she said.
http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVbvQ3fI/AAAAAAAABQY/J91vBqtH7mo/s400/The-development.gif
The development is targeted at locals and foreigners, retired or retiring

The project has a gross development value of RM500 million and was inspired by other world-renowned waterfront developments like London’s Canary Wharf, Downtown Seattle, The Rocks at Sydney’s harbourfront and Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco.

Being a new player in the industry, Noraini said AGB had to be bold in order to make a statement. “With competitors such as E & O and SP Setia, we would need to market just as hard, if not harder, in order to sell our products."

However, she is unfazed by her competitors as the group is offering a product that was the result of a lot of market research and study. “Trends in society are changing and more are looking for lifestyle and quality living, and we are offering that here. Providing good customer service is just as important," she said.

The Pier at Weld Quay is targeted at locals and foreigners that have retired or are looking to retire. “In recent years, many foreigners have applied for the Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme in Penang, consisting of a fair number of Germans, British, as well as
Malaysians who have gone abroad to work but are coming back to retire,” Noraini said.

AGB held a preview of the project in Singapore late last year, the developer said, which received
substantial interest and support there. “We wanted to test the global market and chose Singapore because it is a cosmopolitan city. It is a good way to find out how Pier at Weld Quay compares with other projects and the response was beyond expectations,” she shared.

On its future projects, Noraini said the group would like to be involved in other developments
with historic resources similar to those found in Georgetown, particularly in neighbouring
islands in the region.

“However, our immediate objective is to ensure the success of Pier at Weld Quay, not just during construction but also after its completion,” she added.

By theSun (by Yap Yew Jin)

I LOVE THIS PROJECT

I Love Weld Quay:banana:

Even PGCC project has created uproar amongst local NGOs, I can only imagine how these people will react if there is plan to rebuilt the WHOLE George Town! :lol:

as if i dont know that.. the only people who complaints are the older generation ones.. the new generation people would'nt give a damn bout wat happen to the town if it get bulldose and completely rebuilt into a much modern city.. im sure the gov would'nt reject if someone put some money into thier mouth! hah!

as if i dont know that.. the only people who complaints are the older generation ones.. the new generation people would'nt give a damn bout wat happen to the town if it get bulldose and completely rebuilt into a much modern city.. im sure the gov would'nt reject if someone put some money into thier mouth! hah!

Cool down SEED.. PEACE!! :nocrook:
Yeah I guess you're right. Penang has so much potential to become a real city with dozens of skyscrapers, subway and all.. but sadly some people just have different view of modernization - an ideal city with lush greeneries, moderate density, no traffic jams, clean air etc etc...
And yeah most of them are people from older generation. Like it or not, until these people are 'no longer around' Penang will just be like what it is now.
Not that I'm defending them but that's the reality now. Guess only thing we can do now is wait and wait... :sleepy:

^^ dude.. im not being agro or somethin 'k.. defenitely not to u.. just.. i donno.. its none of my business nyway wat these people wanna do.. like u said.. all we can do is wait and see and talk bout it..

i think the project will be a scar in the heart of George Town. the design of the building tries hard to blend with the surrounding but it clearly didn't do it well. besides, i think they are too tall as well, spoiling the skyline of the heritage core of George Town.

imagine this as another mistake they did when they constructed KOMTAR. now standing as the biggest disgrace of Penangites.

i think the project will be a scar in the heart of George Town. the design of the building tries hard to blend with the surrounding but it clearly didn't do it well. besides, i think they are too tall as well, spoiling the skyline of the heritage core of George Town.

imagine this as another mistake they did when they constructed KOMTAR. now standing as the biggest disgrace of Penangites.

True,perhaps they should do away with the additional tall buildings, but if they are able to build something that will blend in well, I see no reason why we should be against it, for example..the court building, hard to differentiate the old and the new.If we are against every project in the inner city, then a natural death will come to it.

KOMTAR is indeed the biggest scar in penang, wat an idea. Gurney or even Bayan Baru would have been a proper choice.

^^ i tot they'r refurbishing the old court building? r they building anythin there?

^^ i tot they'r refurbishing the old court building? r they building anythin there?

yea, refurbishing the old court and construct a new block across the road;) it is already completed

gosh haven't been there for eons....

too many stupid talks...complain this complain that..trying to act matured....this mentality among some penangites are the only disgrace to penang....development is never a disgrace...i hate people who simply oppose developments and talk bad about it..screw anti-developmental buffoons...they can go and live in places like perlis or kelantan....tanam padi and jagung....

these kinda people just don't like to make changes...so laid back...if not for these people penang would have been much advanced by now...

these kinda people just don't like to make changes...so laid back...if not for these people penang would have been much advanced by now...

I'm not supporting anybody here, just to voice out my opinion. We all must think positive. Development is a steps to a greater height. Our ancestor build this nation for us. And now it is our time to build this nation for future generation. Ok fine.. lets give some space for old blocks within the city but penang now is falling behind in term of future prospects. If we don't do something now, then penang will set itself in an autopilot mode to its own graveyard. Just take a look at other cities in malaysia like Jb and Malacca. We can expect almost everything there from education, entertainment, job opportunities and so on. But what about penang? Do we still trapped in penang's glorious past? We are still depending on the beaches to attract tourist. Not everyone prefer working in the factory nowadays but penang still offers that same old job vacancies everywhere. We have to change sooner or later. Otherwise the young generation in this state will start to move out to other state and cities. Eventually penang will become a city for golden girls and golden boys. Actually Penang is unique not like KL. We can have both ancient building and smart building stand side by side. But then again, it is how best we can manage these two type of structures with the surrounding. I believe that penang can move forward but it should be at a right direction.

too many stupid talks...complain this complain that..trying to act matured....this mentality among some penangites are the only disgrace to penang....development is never a disgrace...i hate people who simply oppose developments and talk bad about it..screw anti-developmental buffoons...they can go and live in places like perlis or kelantan....tanam padi and jagung....

is not that we oppose developement.. dont get us wrong.. we just dont wanna see bad developement like this ones here ruin the image of penang.. and the reason why i complain bout this building is becoz it blocks that clock tower which is historical and its one of the image of old georgetown.. which! i find is quite disrespectful of the other old buildings in georgetown to build this next to it.. eventhou the architect tried to design somethin classical to blend in wit the others but still.. d'u get wat i mean..?

too many stupid talks...complain this complain that..trying to act matured....this mentality among some penangites are the only disgrace to penang....development is never a disgrace...i hate people who simply oppose developments and talk bad about it..screw anti-developmental buffoons...they can go and live in places like perlis or kelantan....tanam padi and jagung....

What would u say if I decide to build an elevated highway in front of your house and a hypermarket behind your backyard for your community? U don't have to complain, just accept it, and smile as this is progress. :)

alrite i understand and accept ur points...the main similarity between all of us is WE CARE FOR PENANG...but take into account that it's not like they are demolishing the heritage buildings...in fact they are renewing it along with the construction of a new building which to certain extent suits the heritage....we can only expect for a balanced development...it's difficult especially in places like penang which is small and lack in space for development to preserve all...then it's like saying no to development..i repeat the keyword is 'BALANCED DEVELOPMENT'..but one thing there is no such thing as perfect development in any part of malaysia..it's a malaysian thing and pls understand that..malaysia hasn't at all reached that stage yet..all we can do is hope and appreciate the little things that we get...seriously guys think bout it...and never make a mistake of comparing places..it's absurd to compare malacca and penang..please...i've been roaming in malacca , i live in klang valley...and i've been exploring my hometown penang for years and years....i know whats going on...i would like stress on this point...'IT IS DEFINITELY BETTER TO HAVE SOME DEVELOPMENT ALONG WITH SOME PRESERVATION N IMPROVEMENT OF HERITAGE than HAVING JUST OLD UNIMPROVED AND UNREFURBISHED HERITAHE PROPERTIES WITH NO NEW DEVELOPMENT COMING UP...if u think kl and selangor is perfect,then i'm sorry ur definitely wrong..if u think malacca is anywhere close to penang , then thats an absolutely wrong thought...no offence....every place has their own thing and specialilty..for example penang and kl may have 5 similar thing out of 10..and the other 5 thing might differ..this is how we shud look at things...

now there are some changes in election...esp bout penang...lets hope for a better progress in penang with the new leaders....or new whatever....

i will always stress on this..till now and anytime...Penang has more varieties than any other places...let me tell u all..bear in mind..ANYTHING U GET IN ANY OTHER PLACES IN MALAYSIA ,U CAN GET THEM IN PENANG AT LEAST TO CERTAIN EXTENT..BUT THERE ARE QUITE A NUMBER OF THINGS WHICH U CAN GET IN PENANG U CAN NEVER FIND IT ANYWHERE ELSE...ONLY A TRUE PENANGITE WILL FEEL THIS AND REALIZE THIS...there are many things like these but let me just give u one simple example..the mere feeling of being in penang ,the feeling itself u can never get it anywhere else on earth...and the list goes on...just find it out yourselves...

built in me, you love Penang and i can understand why, it is unique and and has all the heritage and culture and occupies a special place in this country, I am sure the new penang govt cares just as much and will work just as hard to develop penang. (or else...!)

by mingthein

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2392/2483455986_61c4e2c651_o.jpg

Not sure if you guys have seen this but I will just post it here:
Taken from a PDF file.

http://img509.imageshack.us/img509/3565/sr3sb6.th.png (http://img509.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sr3sb6.png) http://img505.imageshack.us/img505/5785/sr2mz6.th.png (http://img505.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sr2mz6.png)
http://img258.imageshack.us/img258/4170/sr1ss3.th.png (http://img258.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sr1ss3.png) http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/1121/sr4tf6.th.png (http://img408.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sr4tf6.png)

haven't seen that before, khensthoth.

gosh, i think it looks kinda ugly

boring!

http://www.penangport.gov.my/images/09_big.jpg

The above photo look nice not at the structure but the sea.
Hope one day Penang will have the clear sea like Redang, Hmmm....I am day dream again.

http://bp1.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVLvQ3eI/AAAAAAAABQQ/L3WcgMjshtE/s400/The-Pier.gif
The Pier at Weld Quay will offer new products surrounded by revitalised, existing old buildings
http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif
An artist's impression of the boutique Rice Miller hotel
http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVbvQ3fI/AAAAAAAABQY/J91vBqtH7mo/s400/The-development.gif
The development is targeted at locals and foreigners, retired or retiring

by buyoi

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3064/2503654873_a0e11756fd_o.jpg

^^ hmmm...dah siap ke???

^^ lambat lagi kot...

Review projects in heritage enclaves
By NIK KHUSAIRI IBRAHIM


THE authorities have been urged to review high-rise development projects in the inner city that are inconsistnet with the state's conservation policy. Penang Heritage Alert Group coordinator Tan Yeow Wooi said the state government should give the matter urgent attention as George Town had been recognised as a World Heritage site by Unesco.

He said core and buffer zones should be strictly observed, adding that proposed high-rise and high-density projects should be reviewed.

He also condemned the proposed construction of a relatively “high” hotel next to the historic Customs Department premises in Weld Quay.

“We are shocked and very concerned over the 100-room Rice Miller boutique hotel.

“It is not our intention to object to this project. We are concerned that this project is in the vicinity of an area full of historical landmarks,” he said.

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/7/17/north/review.jpg
Tan with an artist's impression of the proposed relatively 'high' hotel next to the Customs Department.

Such a project would spoil the state capital’s heritage image, added Tan.

“The integrated development project also involves construction of 100,000 sq feet commercial plaza, 160,000 sq feet retail podium, 23 small office-house-office (Soho) townhouses and a 105-unit condominium,” he told pressmen near the proposed construction site yesterday.

Tan claimed that the proposed new building scaling 51.7m high would dwarf the adjacent heri-tage buildings, adding it would also be higher than the tower of the heri-tage Customs building.

“The proposed project does not comply with the maximum height limit imposed in heritage zones. It would mar the skyline of existing historic urban space, especially the Weld Quay waterfront,” he added.

He also gave examples of other projects that were either approved or implemented in conservation zones. These included the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project behind the general post office on Lebuh Downing, the 23-storey tower hotel project by Low Yat group and the extension of Eastern & Oriental Hotel.

In an immediate response, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said he would ask the Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman to brief him on the matter.

“State executive councilor Chow Kon Yeow will brief the media after hearing Zainal’s explanation,” he said.

how the hell previous government approved such project in heritage enclave? :bash:

hotels are allowed to be built, but i rather ask them to purchase old shophouse/mansion and convert them into a boutique hotel...than to built another ugly tall building!

an immitation of old-look building could work, but it should be limited to just 3-4 storeys.

how the hell previous government approved such project in heritage enclave? :bash:

hotels are allowed to be built, but i rather ask them to purchase old shophouse/mansion and convert them into a boutique hotel...than to built another ugly tall building!

an immitation of old-look building could work, but it should be limited to just 3-4 storeys.

At least these developers are putting their money where their mouth is instead of feeling sorry for the run down heritage but have no idea how to bring them to life.

The first thing that has to go are the ugly warehouses lining the quay.:ohno:

its not a bad lookin hotel.. but wrong location.. that warehouse can be refurbish but hey who cares.. knock em all down.. if that hotel is to be build there then knock that clock tower down as well! :cool: seriously im not being sarcastic.. so farkin out of place..

not another shopping mall.....

its not a bad lookin hotel.. but wrong location.. that warehouse can be refurbish but hey who cares.. knock em all down.. if that hotel is to be build there then knock that clock tower down as well! :cool: seriously im not being sarcastic.. so farkin out of place..

do you aware George Town has been gazzetted as World Heritage by UNESCO?

http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif

really nice.....

do you aware George Town has been gazzetted as World Heritage by UNESCO?

Yea..now we could ask for expertise and even funds from unesco to preserve this heritage.

New buildings are not entirely prohibited in heritage areas but must comply with certain criteria. Ultimately its up to the authority who will be reporting to unesco. But considering that PHT is a big player in this, we really should listen to them if we still want to maintain the World Heritage status.

I believe the clock tower is considered a heritage. So no way it will be knocked down or even relocated.

The key word is preservation. The heritage counsel has a mammoth of a job to do.

I think Sze is crazy, this farking guy is Penangite?
I think this farking guy is infected with virus.

He's from EivizzA...hmmm...how many cooltemper(s) do we have here???

He's from EivizzA...hmmm...how many cooltemper(s) do we have here???

hah! im no cooltemper! :lol:

RM500mil project hits a snag Court halts sale of property in inner city
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG


GEORGE TOWN: A proposed RM500mil high-rise project in the heart of the heritage city here may be in jeopardy now that a High Court has stopped the sale of a 6,654 square metre piece of land smack in the centre of the project.

Justice John Louis O’Hara yesterday ordered that the trustees of landowner Elceetee Trust D be restrained from selling or dealing with the property on Beach Street and that developer Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd be restrained from proceeding with the purchase.

The judge granted the inter-partes interlocutory injunction with costs to four beneficiaries of the trust, sisters Lim Beow Hong and Lim Poh Hong and their brothers Lim Poh Leng and Lim Sin Leng who are all residing in Singapore, and intervener plaintiff Jennifer H. Garner as the executrix of the estate of their cousin Peggy Lim Beow Suan, pending the hearing of the suit proper.

The plaintiffs are among 15 beneficiaries of Elceetee Trust D created by their late grandfather, Penang’s first millionaire industrialist Lim Cheng Teik, by way of a deed dated May 2, 1950.

The plaintiffs had filed a summons in chambers for the injunction on grounds that the trustees were in breach of trust in signing a sale and purchase (S&P) agreement dated Nov 20, 2007 with the developer for the sale of the property at RM17.85mil,that the trustees were obliged to transfer the property to the respective beneficiaries pursuant to a High Court order dated March 2, 1999, and that the transaction in the S&P agreement was not an arm’s length transaction.

They had named as defendants the trustees Lim Kean Giap, William Ng Jit Thye, Goon Heeng Siak and Lim Tong Choon, and Asian Global Business in their suit for conspiracy and fraud.

The plaintiffs are claiming that the defendants had unlawfully conspired to defraud and deprive them of their rightful entitlement.

They are seeking a permanent injunction, and declarations that the trustees were in breach of trust in the discharge of their duties, that the sale of the property was not an arm’s length transaction, and that it was null and void.

They are also seeking damages for conspiracy and fraud, and damages for breach of trust from the trustees, the disqualification of any of the trustees who have been held to be in breach of their duties, costs and further relief.

In its defence, the trustees averred that they had absolute power to sell the property, and the sale was pending completion.

They said they were selling the property at a very good price and that the surrounding land had been sold at a lower price. They said four valuations had been carried out over the past 10 years and the last valuation in 2007 placed the property at a value of RM17mil with vacant possession.

The developer refuted the plaintiffs’ claim and put them to proof of the allegations.

Counsel Daphne Choy represented the four plaintiffs and Wong Yee Chue appeared for the intervener. The trustees were represented by Lee Khai and S.S. Tham, while L.A. Gomes appeared for the developer. The matter will now proceed for case management in preparation for trial.

always nuthin is for sure...freakin annoyin.....and freakin frustrating....maybe the actual problem worldwide and esp malaysia is, people are letting all the old generation to rule the country and all the power greedy assholes...i think that is the f**kin problem with the country and everywhere..don't u all think that actually it's f**kin absurd everywhere the mentally deranged oldies are ruling and always ending up in problem...no creative mind......i think we all fail to realize this...why aren't there young bright intelligent and brilliant people ruling countries and nations.....i think it's the main mistake everywhere......should let the slightly younger and smarter generation to rule the country....all these lau lang lau lang in the politics only know how to fight , argue , be sentimental and emotional and waste time talking and debating....there is hardly any action....people should think about all these......older people ussually hardly have vision...all they wanna do is to earn money and settle down and live a relaxing life.......they don't actually think bout modernization and advancement of living....younger generations with visions should fight for their right and voice out about their potentials.......

RM65m pier ready next year
Wednesday August 20, 2008
By PRISCILLA DIELENBERG
TheStar

THE hassle of transporting passengers of large cruise ships in small boats to shore will be over when the RM65mil redevelopment project at Swettenham Pier, George Town, is completed in May next year.

State Tourism Development, Cul-ture, Arts and Heritage Commit- tee chairman Danny Law Heng Kiang said that for many years, larger cruise ships such as the Queen Mary II had not been able to call at the port.

“At the moment, the smaller cruise ships that come to the island are anchored out in Penang waters and passengers have to wait to be ferried ashore in small boats.

“The passengers are greatly inconvenienced as it takes a long time to transfer them to shore,” he told a press conference after welcoming more than 1,200 passengers from the Star Aquarius cruise ship that anchored near the Tanjung City Marina in Weld Quay, George Town, on Monday.



http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/8/20/north/pier.jpg

Day trippers:Star Aquarius cruise passengers arriving at Tanjung City Marina.



Transport Ministry Datuk Ong Tee Keat had said on Friday said that the project, which includes the building of an international cruise terminal, started in May 2006 and was originally scheduled for completion in April but was now only 82% complete.

Law said there were 60,000 to 70,000 cruise ship passengers arriving at the island each year.

“For the Star Cruise line itself, the Star Aquarius arrives every Monday with more than 1,000 passengers - mainly from Singapore and Australia - per visit,” he said, adding that the SuperStar Gemini would arrive on certain Tuesdays with passengers from various countries.

Law said the Star Aquarius passengers were in Penang from afternoon to night and each trip generated about RM500,000 on food, shopping and sight-seeing for Penang.

More hotels to spruce up Penang island
Monday October 6, 2008
By DAVID TAN
TheStar

http://star-space.com/archives/2008/10/6/pnews/b_09royale.jpg

The Royale Bintang Penang is scheduled to be completed next year

Nine hotels will be developed in the next three to four years

SOME nine hotels in the three, four and five-star categories will be developed on the Penang island in the next three to four years.

They include Royale Bintang Penang and The Rice Miller Hotel both in Weld Quay, Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi, Cititel Express Hotel in Jalan Magazine and Eastin e-hotel in Queensbay Mall.

The other four hotels, still yet to be named, are located at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, Times Square and Queensbay Mall.

The Hard Rock Hotel, scheduled to open in early 2009, is now undergoing construction.

Located along the famous Batu Ferringhi beach front, the 252-bedroom hotel has nine studio suites and a King’s suite as well as four food and beverage outlets, which will include a Hard Rock Cafe, an all-day dining restaurant and a bar-cum-lounge.

The hotel’s main ballroom and three function rooms offer a total of 5,700 sq ft for private events as well as for meetings, corporate events and exhibitions.

Meanwhile, the four-star Royale Bintang Penang is being developed by Boustead Holdings Bhd at a cost of RM110mil.

The 12-storey hotel, equipped with 300 bedrooms, has a built-up area of about 250,000 sq ft.

Construction on the hotel has started and it is scheduled for completion at the end of 2009.

The RM150mil Eastin e-Hotel in Bayan Baru is currently being developed by the CP Land group.

CP Land group executive chairman Datuk Tan Chew Piau said the business class hotel would have 339 rooms, of which 28 were suites. It will be completed by mid-2009.

“We also plan to develop a five-star hotel and a budget hotel for the Queensbay Mall project, which are scheduled for completion in 2012 and 2014,” he said.

The IGB Group is scheduled to start developing the 28-storey Cititel Express Hotel soon. The RM100mil three-star hotel will have 550 rooms.

Cititel Hotel Management Sdn Bhd (CHM) managing director Datuk Eric H.K. Lim said the hotel was scheduled to commence operations in the last quarter of 2010.

“It will also feature a podium with a bazaar that can accommodate 80 and 100 shoplots,” Lim said.

Meanwhile, the five-star Rice Miller Hotel, scheduled for completion in 2012, is part of the RM500mil Pier commercial plaza project developed by Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB).

The Pier occupies six existing 19th century buildings that will see new structures being added on.

“We are working closely with our architects and heritage conservation and environment planner to revitalise the historical resources on the site,” said AGB chief executive officer Dr Noraini Abdullah.

Construction of The Rice Miller Hotel and the Pier project are expected to start in the next six months.

Ivory Properties group will develop a RM250mil five-star hotel for its Times Square scheme.

General manager Chok Keng Vui said construction work on the hotel was scheduled to start in mid-2010.

The hotel, which comes under phase four of the RM1bil Times Square project, will have 500 rooms.

The Low Yat Group has received the green light from the local authorities for its 23-storey hotel with 399 rooms and a double-storey basement car park at Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah.

Construction will begin soon on the hotel, which will have about 62,000 sq ft of built-up area.

Meanwhile, the Malaysian Association of Hotels (Penang chapter) chairman Marco Battistotti said the new hotels would enable the local tourism industry to tap on tourist arrivals from niche and new market destinations.

“The new hotels will work on tapping unexplored destinations and specialised market segments, increasing the popularity of Penang as a holiday resort,” he said.

Battistotti also said in view of the heritage city status given by Unesco recently, Penang and Malacca should work together to promote heritage tourism of the Straits Settlement.

On average, the hotels in the city enjoy a yearly occupancy of 70% to 75% and beach hotels 60% to 65%.

“With the country’s economy growing 5% to 6% annually, there will still be demand from the domestic and international markets to support the new hotels.

“About 60% of the tourist arrivals is domestic with the remainder from overseas” said Battistotti.

There are now 40 hotels in Penang, of which 25 are in the city and the rest in the beach areas.



Meanwhile, the five-star Rice Miller Hotel, scheduled for completion in 2012, is part of the RM500mil Pier commercial plaza project developed by Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB).

The Pier occupies six existing 19th century buildings that will see new structures being added on.

“We are working closely with our architects and heritage conservation and environment planner to revitalise the historical resources on the site,” said AGB chief executive officer Dr Noraini Abdullah.

Construction of The Rice Miller Hotel and the Pier project are expected to start in the next six months.

Swettenham Pier to be ready soon
Tuesday October 28, 2008
By LOOI SUE-CHERN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/10/28/north/pier.jpg

An artist's impression of how Port Swettenham
will look like after the project completion.

THE RM65mil Swettenham Pier redevelopment project in Penang is scheduled to be completed next month, new Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said.

She said the project, which includes the building of an international cruise terminal, was currently 84% complete.

She said the new 400m-long pier could accommodate two Queen Elizabeth II-sized cruise ships or two 3,000-passenger vessels at the same time.

“Such ships are too large to berth at the old pier or the Tanjung City Marina nearby. They have to anchor offshore and send passengers over by boats,” she told a press conference at Bangunan Sri Weld in Weld Quay, Penang, on Saturday.

Tan was appointed the new PPC chairman about two weeks ago, replacing Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun. She is the first woman to hold the post.

“The pier’s new three-storey building will also have customs and immigration offices, quarantine areas and a parking area which can accommodate 18 buses and 48 taxis,” Tan said.

The new 400m pier is 34m longer than the old pier that had since been demolished.

Tan said the new pier could handle about 100,000 passengers monthly compared to about 50,000 at the old pier.

“We will be promoting the new pier when it is completed to attract more international cruises to berth and bring their passengers to Penang for tours.

“We hope the state government, especially the state Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee, and the Tourism Ministry will work to-gether in promoting tourism in Penang and draw more tourists,” said Tan who is also state MCA Wanita chief.

Swettenham Pier to be ready soon
Tuesday October 28, 2008
By LOOI SUE-CHERN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/10/28/north/pier.jpg



Awesome ~~!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Hope this project will rejuvenate that area...a bit rundown and under-maintain....

near completion.....great...

Hi guys, what do you feel about Chew jetty.

I see the structure is deteriorating, and the old habit of the people there treating the sea as their sewage and trash can.

Although there might be some history, but I don't see the artistic value worth preserving it?

Share with me your thought.

Honestly I think the whole thing should go. If they want to preserve it, preserve a small area, and give them proper sanitation and sewage piping.

However, the fact that the whole site is already in the Unesco listing, I am not too sure that any form of development will happen there. At least not for the next 50 years.

Swettenham Pier to be ready soon
Tuesday October 28, 2008
By LOOI SUE-CHERN

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/10/28/north/pier.jpg

An artist's impression of how Port Swettenham
will look like after the project completion.

THE RM65mil Swettenham Pier redevelopment project in Penang is scheduled to be completed next month, new Penang Port Commission (PPC) chairman Tan Cheng Liang said.

She said the project, which includes the building of an international cruise terminal, was currently 84% complete.

She said the new 400m-long pier could accommodate two Queen Elizabeth II-sized cruise ships or two 3,000-passenger vessels at the same time.

“Such ships are too large to berth at the old pier or the Tanjung City Marina nearby. They have to anchor offshore and send passengers over by boats,” she told a press conference at Bangunan Sri Weld in Weld Quay, Penang, on Saturday.

Tan was appointed the new PPC chairman about two weeks ago, replacing Datuk Dr Loh Hock Hun. She is the first woman to hold the post.

“The pier’s new three-storey building will also have customs and immigration offices, quarantine areas and a parking area which can accommodate 18 buses and 48 taxis,” Tan said.

The new 400m pier is 34m longer than the old pier that had since been demolished.

Tan said the new pier could handle about 100,000 passengers monthly compared to about 50,000 at the old pier.

“We will be promoting the new pier when it is completed to attract more international cruises to berth and bring their passengers to Penang for tours.

“We hope the state government, especially the state Tourism Development, Culture, Arts and Heritage Committee, and the Tourism Ministry will work to-gether in promoting tourism in Penang and draw more tourists,” said Tan who is also state MCA Wanita chief.

It is scheduled to be completed next month. I say give it another 6 month if they still need that much of cement!

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll23/kubundu/marina.jpg

You are definitely right.

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^^ Nice rite? If u guys can juz ignore those floating rubbish...

We can't ignore the stench though, and the polluted water.

hey thats nice! yeh hope the gov will invest some money in cleaning up the water there.. but theres many contruction goin on on PORR further down that area.. bit hard hey.. plus the poeple who live round that area.. pheww! not easy at all..

by buyoi

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What was the original usage of that building they're gonna turn into a hotel?

Blue/ White building used to be the Custom Department for Penang. The one opposite it, I am not too sure. I think it was partly refurbished and used in the filming of the recent Sun Yat Sen movie.

by zulshariff

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Any pics of the old Church Street Pier?

When the building becomes colourful, the sea colour becomes sooooo dirty.

by zulshariff

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Oh NO!!! Dirty water hehehe:lol:

by sierra2u

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nice

Heritage at stake: Unesco status or high rise dilemma for Penang
By ANDREA FILMER


GEORGE TOWN: The state government has found itself in a catch 22 situation – jeopardise George Town’s Unesco World Heritage Site status or run the risk of being sued for hundreds of millions by developers.

The crisis centres on the building of four high-rise hotels in the heritage core and buffer zones which violate the guidelines approved by the World Heritage Committee (WHC).

http://thestar.com.my/archives/2008/11/20/nation/n_01hotel.jpg
An artist’s impression of the Rice Miller boutique hotel which will be built in Weld Quay, George Town. It is one of four projects to be carried out in the island’s heritage zone, a move that could threaten Penang’s World Heritage Site listing.

Under stringent heritage guidelines sent to the committee in August 2007, a maximum height of 18m or roughly five storeys was set for new buildings in the two zones.

“The guidelines were not made widely known when they were first put in place. Only when George Town’s Unesco status was approved did we realise the guidelines,” Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said after a dialogue session with the Heritage Steering Committee’s

Advisory Panel yesterday.

“Now, we’re caught in a conundrum. If we allow the buildings to go ahead, we may risk the status, but if we stop the buildings, we could be sued for hundreds of millions which will definitely bankrupt the local council.

“We’re damned if we do, and damned if we don’t.”

The four hotels are the Rice Miller boutique hotel in Weld Quay and the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project behind the General Post Office in Lebuh Downing, both lying in the heritage core zone, and the E&O Hotel extension and 23-storey hotel in Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by the Low Yat Group in the buffer zone, both of which will be 84.4m high.

Lim said three of the four hotels were approved by the previous state administration while the Boustead building was approved on June 26, less than two weeks before the Unesco status was granted.

He said the state was now looking to the Culture, Arts and Heritage Ministry for direction.

“Although the state wants to take active measures to alleviate the problem, we cannot plunge in recklessly. The legal situation has to be studied carefully and it does not seem to favour us.”

Unesco regional adviser for the Asia-Pasific Dr Richard Engelhardt, who was present at the dialogue, said George Town had no choice but to follow the guidelines approved by the WHC.

“When the status is approved, the guidelines trump all previous existing regulations. Why would you apply for the status if there was no intention of following the guidelines?

“If the state decides to go along with the high-rises, I’m sure it will be called up by the WHC to explain why it allowed such a thing and whether it is compatible with the preservation of heritage,” he said.

“The worst-case scenario is that George Town is delisted, but that is not the usual situation as when a site applies for World Heritage status, it is interested in preserving the heritage,” he added.

dont build at all if its that design! better design will be great! :cool: but if its for the heritage and etc etc sake then build something that wont effect the clock tower then hey! :cool:

wat say u guys?

but seriously! the pier looks great hey! :cool:

Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project behind the General Post Office in Lebuh Downing...

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Wow. It started?

Wow. It started?

yupp... im not sure when it started actually.. but i found it several months ago..

started or not sure...but whats it's fate....thinkin bout the heritage zone issue....

What was on the site last time? Any pics of the surroundings?

started or not sure...but whats it's fate....thinkin bout the heritage zone issue....

Utara: Bangunan tepati garis panduan
Oleh Norakmah Mat Youb
norakmah@bharian.com.my

GEORGETOWN: Status bandar raya ini sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia tidak akan terjejas berikutan pembinaan tiga hotel di zon teras dan penampan yang ketinggiannya melebihi 18 meter.

Bekas Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Pembangunan Pelancongan dan Alam Sekitar negeri, Teng Chang Yeow, berkata projek itu yang diluluskan ketika pentadbiran kerajaan lama, menepati garis panduan yang dipinda pada 2007.

Malah, katanya, Jawatankuasa Penilai Pertubuhan Kebudayaan, Saintifik dan Pendidikan Sedunia (Unesco) sudah dimaklumkan mengenai pembinaan tiga hotel itu sebelum bandaraya ini diberi status berprestij itu.

"Selain memaklumkan mengenai projek itu, kami turut membawa jawatankuasa berkenaan yang diketuai Prof David Lung ke tapak projek menggunakan laluan darat dan laut untuk penerangan lanjut.

"Ketika sedang menilai bandar ini pada Ogos tahun lalu, kami memaklumkan kepadanya mengenai ketiga-tiga hotel berkenaan yang dibina dalam tempoh terdekat," katanya pada sidang media di sini, semalam.

Sidang media itu bagi memberi penjelasan isu pembinaan hotel di zon teras dan penampan Tapak Warisan Dunia yang memungkinkan status bandaraya ini sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia, ditarik balik kerana dikatakan tidak mematuhi garis panduan.

Rabu lalu, Penasihat Unesco bagi Rantau Asia Pasifik, Dr Richard Engelhardt memberi ingatan kepada kerajaan Pulau Pinang bahawa status bandaraya ini sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia boleh ditarik jika pembinaan bangunan tinggi itu tidak dilakukan dengan bijaksana.

Tiga projek yang diluluskan kerajaan BN ialah The Rice Miller Boutique Hotel, Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel dan pembesaran bangunan Hotel E&O manakala Bintang Holdings diluluskan kerajaan Pakatan Rakyat.

Teng yang juga bekas Pengerusi Jawatankuasa Bertindak Pencalonan Pulau Pinang sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia Unesco, berkata tiga projek itu yang diluluskan kerajaan terdahulu mengikut garis panduan yang dipinda pada 2007.

Bagaimanapun beliau enggan mengulas mengenai projek yang diluluskan kerajaan negeri yang baru.

Teng yang juga Setiausaha Agung Gerakan, berkata apabila Unesco mengiktiraf bandaraya ini sebagai Tapak Warisan Dunia pada Julai lalu, mereka sedar mengenai ketiga-tiga projek berkenaan.

Justeru, katanya, tiada isu yang perlu dibangkitkan kerana Unesco sedar kewujudan projek berkenaan ketika mereka melakukan proses penilaian dan tiada bantahan sepanjang ia berlangsung.

Mengulas lanjut, Teng berkata, beliau akan menghantar surat kepada Engelhardt dan Menteri Perpaduan, Kebudayaan, Kesenian dan Warisan, Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal untuk menjelaskan isu itu.

What was on the site last time? Any pics of the surroundings?

http://img369.imageshack.us/img369/4421/cimg1331ps3.jpg

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/5952/cimg1328sr9.jpg

Tuesday January 6, 2009
Hotels get go-ahead
By TUNKU SHAHARIAH


GEORGE TOWN: The four proposed high-rise hotel projects in Penang’s heritage core and buffer zone will not be scrapped.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government would wait and see if the World Heritage Committee (WHC) needed modifications to be done on the building plans.

He said the projects could “proceed legally” once the modifications, if any, had been decided upon.

“We will have to wait for the decision out of deference for Unesco but the projects will proceed.

“Penang needs a lot of hotels as hotels here are fully booked during peak periods,” Lim said when asked to comment on the status of the projects during a press conference yesterday.

The projects, all of which had been approved by the state planning authorities, ran into controversy as they would be too high under Unesco’s rules for World Heritage Site listings.

Under stringent heritage guidelines sent to the committee in August 2007, a maximum height of 18m or roughly five storeys was set for new buildings in the two zones.

The four hotels are the Rice Miller boutique hotel in Weld Quay and the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project at Lebuh Downing, an E&O Hotel extension and a 23-storey hotel on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah by the Low Yat Group.

Lim said three of the four hotels were approved by the previous state administration while the Low Yat project was approved on June 26, less than two weeks before the Unesco World Heritage Site status was granted.

Royale Bintang Penang set to put shine on Weld Quay
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/01/24

http://www.btimes.com.my/Current_News/BTIMES/articles/BOSTEK/Article/Current_News/BTIMES/Images/btgraph10/royale.jpg

BOUSTEAD Holdings Bhd (2771) is looking to enhance the image of Penang's Weld Quay waterfront area with the completion of its Royale Bintang Penang hotel.

The company's divisional director for property, Datuk Ghazali Mohd Ali, said the four-star hotel, which will boast 300 rooms, is scheduled for completion by September this year.

"Although we are facing a volatile economic environment, we are still cautiously optimistic that Malaysia, and particularly Penang, will continue its status as an attractive holiday destination among international tourists," he told Business Times.

The Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel project will be sited on 0.47ha of land behind Penang's General Post Office on Lebuh Downing.
Ghazali said the construction cost of the hotel is approximately RM110 million and the gross development value including land cost is estimated at RM140 million.

He said the 12-storey hotel will boast facilities including a pool, jacuzzi, spa, gymnasium, ballroom and meeting rooms.

Asked on the revenue contribution expected from the new hotel within three years of operations, Ghazali said: "At this juncture, it may be too premature to estimate these figures but we are optimistic that the new hotel will provide positive contribution towards the group's profitability."

"One of our main objectives was to create a new feel for old spaces and demonstrate how new architecture within a historical area can be complementary," Ghazali said.

"To this end, we believe that the Royale Bintang Penang has met this purpose."

put more shit on weld quay i suppose.. love to see the impression of them tourist who'll stay in that hotel when they see the traffic there! :lol:

so, its height will not be scaled down after all??

25/01/09.....

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Does anyone really believe this project will be completed by Sept 09?

by fatinsg

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by lou 77
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08/03/09

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-delete-

http://bp1.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVLvQ3eI/AAAAAAAABQQ/L3WcgMjshtE/s400/The-Pier.gif

http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif

by ishikiller
http://www.flickr.com/photos/9519886@N02/3577584185/in/set-72157618913160993/

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2481/3577584185_1a67776d0a_b.jpg

Developer to send new plans for The Pier Hub





GEORGE TOWN: Property developer Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB) will resubmit plans to the Penang Island Municipal Council next week for its The Pier Hub @ Weld Quay project in the historical enclave here.

The move is to comply with recommendations made by United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) officials who were here in April to monitor four projects affecting the city's inscription on the World Heritage List.

"We have already amended our drawings and are currently making final changes for the submission," company general manager (business development) Muhammad Amran Ghazali told the New Straits Times.

The AGB project is one of the four told by the Penang government last November that it was too high and was jeopardising the city's listing status.

A report written by Unesco experts recommended that the height of the buildings by AGB and Boustead Holdings Sdn Bhd, both in the core heritage zone, be capped at 18 metres.

The guidelines submitted by the authorities to Unesco prior to the city's listing last July stated that the height of buildings in the heritage zone must not exceed 18m or five storeys.

The four companies are upset because they had approvals from the municipal council to build hotels in the area before it was placed on the World Heritage List and the fiasco has been a very costly exercise despite their efforts to be responsible builders.

Amran said AGB had from the onset been an advocate of building conservation.

"When we met Unesco representatives here in April, they provided clarity to aspects of our project site and these were accepted as essential to protecting the outstanding universal value of the property.

"We have incorporated the revisions in our plan to underscore our initial commitment to the revitalisation of George Town as a liveable city and to renew economic life in the inner city.

"Our target market remains and we are positive that real-estate development in a Unesco World Heritage Site will be well received."

AGB awaits nod for Penang project
By Marina Emmanuel Published: 2009/09/10

http://www.btimes.com.my/articles/agb09-2/pix_topright

PROPERTY developer Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB) plans to start work on its RM300 million "Rice Miller" development in Georgetown's heritage enclave by December.

The company's chairman Kate Lim told Business Times that AGB is currently awaiting approval from the Penang local authorities for its project which had to be scaled down, to comply with conservation guidelines stipulated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).

The mixed-development located at Georgetown's waterfront Weld Quay area will include a boutique hotel, upscale private residences and commercial units.

AGB was one of four property developers that obtained approvals from the Penang Island Municipal Council for its projects, well ahead of the date when Georgetown was inscribed on Unesco's World Heritage List in July 2008.

Together with Boustead Holdings Bhd, Eastern & Oriental Bhd and the Low Yat Group, AGB was told by the Penang state government that their proposed developments were jeopardising Georgetown's heritage status, because their height were over the prescribed limit.

The Rice Miller project is located in the city's heritage zone, along with the Boustead Royale Bintang Hotel which is being constructed behind the general post office in Lebuh Downing.

E&O is building an extension to its E&O Hotel while Low Yat had planned to build a 23-storey hotel on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, both in the buffer zone.

"After meeting Unesco officials who came to Penang in April, AGB decided to meet all Unesco's requirements, said Lim, "and we have now lost 50 per cent of our net sellable space".

She said the original plan to build 11-storeys has now been scaled down to five-storeys.

"We submitted fresh plans last month for compliance with Unesco's guidelines," she said, adding that the project is slated to be first permitted under Georgetown's new height limits for its heritage zone.

Sitting on a 1.2ha site, the project is set to revive Georgetown's old port area and will be marketed as a piece of affluent real estate in the heart of the city.

"As planned from the outset," Lim added, "we will be conserving the 60-to-100-year-old buildings at the site and re-using them for commercial and retail, including an old vacant godown."

official website
http://thepierpenang.com

http://bp3.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVrvQ3gI/AAAAAAAABQg/u2iz4dlcAzY/s400/Rice-Miller-hotel.gif

An artist's impression of the boutique Rice Miller hotel

http://bp2.blogger.com/_BWQmSsODfo8/R5MLVbvQ3fI/AAAAAAAABQY/J91vBqtH7mo/s400/The-development.gif

The development is targeted at locals and foreigners, retired or retiring


Year-end start for revised Rice Miller project
Friday October 2, 2009

GEORGE TOWN: Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd’s (AGB) new plans for its Rice Miller Weld Quay development project comprises a five-storey boutique hotel with 50 rooms, 80 private residences, commercial retail lots and a restored heritage project, all not exceeding 18m in height.

AGB general manager (project development) Muhammed Amran Ghazali told The Star that the company planned to start work on the RM250mil project before the end of the year after the plan, which was submitted in August, received the green light from the local authorities.

The maximum height of buildings in the project, which has an estimated gross development value of over RM400mil, has been revised from 51.7m to comply with guidelines in the state heritage dossier.

The new component in the revised plan that aims to rejuvenate life in the inner city is the conservation and restoration of a 19th-century heritage building with a row of godowns.

“The five-storey boutique hotel will have 50 rooms, while the two blocks of private residences will have 80 apartments, each with a built-up area of between 600sq ft and 6,000sq ft, priced competitively.

Pier Hub @ Weld Quay gets nod to proceed
By Regina William of The Edge Financial Daily
Tuesday, 08 December 2009 14:21

GEORGE TOWN: One of the two projects in the heritage core zone affected by George Town's Unesco world heritage listing has received the nod to proceed after amendments were made to its original plans.

Penang local government committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow told The Edge Financial Daily, Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd's (AGB) Pier Hub @ Weld Quay had finally been given the planning permission to proceed with the project by the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP).

AGB's planning permission for the RM400 million project, which was granted in November 2007, was not renewed by the MPPP in November 2008 due to the controversy surrounding the height of buildings in the project.

AGB had submitted plans for a 13-storey 100-room hotel called the Rice Miller Hotel, a 100,000 sq ft commercial plaza, a 160,000 sq feet retail podium, 23 small office/home office (SoHo) townhouses and 105 condominiums.

The size of the project was cut down drastically in a new plan submitted sometime in middle of this year to conform with the 18-metre or five-storey height restriction specified by Unesco.

AGB's development is one of four projects approved by the MPPP before Penang's inscription as a World Heritage site by Unesco on July 7 last year.

Boustead Holdings, like AGB, was previously allowed to build a high-rise project within the core heritage zone. The project, the 51.7m Royale Bintang Hotel in Downing Street, cost RM100 million.

As for the E&O Hotel's 17-storey expansion project and Low Yat Group's 23-storey project along Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah, an 84m height limit was set by the council.

However, Chow said the state government was still hopeful that talks with Boustead would result in an amicable solution.



Penang’s Rice Miller Weld Quay to take off next year
By DAVID TAN


davidtan@thestar.com.my

GEORGE TOWN: Penang’s RM250mil Rice Miller Weld Quay mixed development project is set to kick off next year after receiving the go-ahead from local authorities on Dec 1.

Asian Global Business chief executive officer Noraini Abdullah told a press conference that old buildings surrounding the project would be redeveloped and reused, as the group aimed to conserve George Town’s traditional buildings.

She said the company would conserve five more heritage buildings that were not listed by Unesco for conservation.

“These are in addition to the two which are under the heritage listing guidelines. The five buildings have a total built-up area of 59,000 sq ft.

“Conserving them for redevelopment and reuse will cost a lot more,” she said.

The Rice Miller Weld Quay Development comprises a 50-room hotel, two office blocks, retail shops and 80 apartments.

“The project will create new challenges and opportunities for Penang to adapt itself and redefine its new economic roles, as it would revitalise the waterfront.

“The Rice Miller Weld Quay will be a new urban village in George Town’s collection of urban villages and traditional neighbourhoods,” Noraini said.

It was scheduled for completion in late 2011, she added.

The project’s consulting architect Datuk Richard Jong said the developer would implement measures to lower energy use and life-cycle costs of the buildings.

“We will target design and construction practices that meet the standard for Green Building Index accreditation,” Jong said.

The hotel to be built at the Rice Miller Weld Quay is one of the two in inner George Town that have to comply with the 18m-height guideline imposed after the city was declared a World Heritage Site in July last year.

The Rice Miller Weld Quay Development comprises a 50-room hotel, two office blocks, retail shops and 80 apartments.

Hopefully they can turn this property into a Penang version Peninsula Hotel.

sounds good but hopefully they have started by now.......

Is this the right place..
http://www.flickr.com/photos/christophbaltzer/4802119594/in/set-72157624396535379/

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4100/4802119594_beac10fa06_b.jpg

http://biz.thestar.com.my/archives/2009/7/6/business/b_pg04royale.jpg

^^What's that u/c behind City Bayview??

^^What's that u/c behind City Bayview??

E&O Expansion, by the looks of the location.

E&O Expansion, by the looks of the location.

isn't that scaled down to meet the height restriction of the heritage area?? it is taller than city bayview, that's like 20+ stories!

I thought so, but there doesn't seem to be anyone protesting, and I have sent enough of other complains to MPPP and the State Government, I think they are quite sick of me already. So, I adopt an attitude of "Wait and See".

Rice Miller is being built at the carpark site behind Wisma Kastam right? The one with a ruined wall on one side.What happened to the original building there?

about the e & o..... original plan is twin 34 storeys... approved by ex-government... but after UNESCO they were forced to scale it down to 5 storeys.. but then from 34 storeys to 5 is too unfair... so they scaled it down to one block of 17 storeys. better if twin 34 storeys.... but unfortunately only 17.

some of the surrounding buildings are so ugly.

some of the surrounding buildings are so ugly.

what to do..ugly is beautiful.

http://www.agb.com.my/AGB/RiceMillerOverview.html

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/building-plan.jpg
1. Rice Miller Residence I
2. Rice Miller Residence II
3. The Rice Miller Hotel
4. 1880s building to be conserved
5. Commercial block for banking & specialized services
6. Pier Market
7. Main Entrance & Security Check
8. Heritage Row 0 Event Centre with theatre facilities, Rice Miller Club, library, lifestyle pavillion
9. Landscaped courtyard

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/the-rice-miller.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-residence-entrance-3.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-residence-entrance.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-beach-street.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/building-plan.jpg
1. Rice Miller Residence I
2. Rice Miller Residence II
3. The Rice Miller Hotel
4. 1880s building to be conserved
5. Commercial block for banking & specialized services
6. Pier Market
7. Main Entrance & Security Check
8. Heritage Row 0 Event Centre with theatre facilities, Rice Miller Club, library, lifestyle pavillion
9. Landscaped courtyard

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/the-rice-miller.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-residence-entrance-3.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-residence-entrance.jpg

http://www.penangpropertytalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/rice-miller-beach-street.jpg

from the pic, sometimes is hard to imagine where they get those spacious area as shown in the pic...:cheers:

^^ I think there's an empty plot of land full of trees behind the Customs building.....there goes the trees. Nice architectural design though, they try to blend it in...

Amazing development! A Mandarin Oriental would suit the hotel very well.

awesome:applause:

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6018/pennox.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/pennox.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
What was on this site? Looks like a building got half demolished and turned into a carpark

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/6018/pennox.jpg (http://img41.imageshack.us/i/pennox.jpg/)

Uploaded with ImageShack.us (http://imageshack.us)
What was on this site? Looks like a building got half demolished and turned into a carpark

i have no idea what it used to be. it had been a car park since a long time ago...

i have no idea what it used to be. it had been a car park since a long time ago...

I'm intrigued by the giant building in the background which appears that it would be part of the new development. What was it?

I'm intrigued by the giant building in the background which appears that it would be part of the new development. What was it?

huh?? giant building? where? the clock tower?

huh?? giant building? where? the clock tower?

The giant brown blank wall in my photo:)

The giant brown blank wall in my photo:)

oh, that wall is not new. it is as old as the wall in front. i think it might be part of the original building...

i have no idea what it used to be. it had been a car park since a long time ago...

looks more like a old ware house for shipping loads back in the days~

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3635/5725360147_93f5885d50.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725360147/) Rice Miller Hotel & Residences (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725360147/) by seetan2006 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58672468@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/5725917276_d97d9a269e.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725917276/) Rice Miller Hotel & Residences (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725917276/) by seetan2006 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58672468@N06/), on Flickr

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/5725359643_27282527e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725359643/) Rice Miller Hotel & Residences (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725359643/) by seetan2006 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58672468@N06/), on Flickr

Rice Miller City Residences launching on Friday
By Rosalynn Poh of theedgeproperty.com
Friday, 08 July 2011 15:08


http://www.theedgeproperty.com/images/stories/0agb-pic.jpg

KUALA LUMPUR: Asian Global Business Sdn Bhd (AGB) launches The Rice Miller City Residences on Friday, July 8, after some delay due to reconfiguration of plans following Penang's World Heritage listing in 2008.

The initial plan was to build a 13-storey building but the height has been reduced to five storeys to comply with new regulations, including height restrictions in line with Penang's Unesco World Heritage site status.

The residences are part of the RM250 million Rice Miller mixed development located in historic Weld Quay in Penang. The entire in-city resort development by the old Penang harbour lies within the Unesco World Heritage site in George Town. It consists of four adjoining parcels of freehold land on a 1.2ha site and is bound by Beach Street on the west and Weld Quay to the east. It is a 20-minute drive away from the Penang International Airport.

The Rice Miller development now comprises a 48-suite boutique hotel; two office buildings, lifestyle restaurants, cafes and retail spaces; and the low-rise low-density Rice Miller City Residences which comes with a private club, gym, pool and spa.

AGB managing director Dr Noraini Abdullah said the company was inspired by waterfront developments such as London Docklands and Sydney Darling Harbor. "In the United States, empty waterfronts in Boston, New York and Baltimore have produced turnarounds as new housing transformed wharves and crumbling old buildings re-emerged as festive market places," she said.

The Rice Miller City Residences offers 99 private city residences spread over five storey buildings. They range from studio units to three-bedroom and duplex units with sizes between 766 sq ft and 3,472 sq ft. The units with prices ranging between RM1.13 million and RM3.7 million have been almost 50% booked so far.

The development will feature colonial architecture with modern amenities. Part of the infill site comprising old godowns and shop offices will be refurbished and restored, said Noraini. The whole development is slated for completion in 1Q13.

AGB chairman and Penangite Kate Lim said: "We aim to respect George Town's traditional urban character while restoring the city's sense of dignity and importance."

As for the hotel, it is looking at a rate of RM1,000 per night for suites which are about 550 sq ft in size. The boutique hotel will be called The Rice Miller Hotel.

The developer may look to expand the Rice Miller brand to other countries in the future. In January, it appointed Zinc | InVision Hospitality, a joint partnership between Thailand-based InVision Hospitality and Singapore-based investment company Cinnovation | CG, to manage The Rice Miller development.

The official launch will be held at Carcosa Seri Negara in Kuala Lumpur on Friday. PPC International Sdn Bhd has been appointed joint marketing agents for The Rice Miller City Residences project.

This is a lifetime landmark project for penang, hope they do it right.

I like what i see:banana:

it's a god transformation of that area.... no more god-forsaken buildings there... shud be all refurbished and used.... real heritageous area...along with the seaside.... it's great... one of the best in malaysia...

good transformation i mean..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2141/5725359643_27282527e0.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725359643/) Rice Miller Hotel & Residences (http://www.flickr.com/photos/58672468@N06/5725359643/) by seetan2006 (http://www.flickr.com/people/58672468@N06/), on Flickr

What's this building? Is it the building with the "The Colombo Commercial Co" signboard?

What's this building? Is it the building with the "The Colombo Commercial Co" signboard?

it's the same one you asked here lah! :lol:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=76110061&postcount=125

it's the same one you asked here lah! :lol:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=76110061&postcount=125

Yup, cos no one replied to what was at the front of the bldg (the real main facade). LOL

Yup, cos no one replied to what was at the front of the bldg (the real main facade). LOL

err... coz no one knows?? :lol::lol: