By mid-2018, Penangites are expected to see Gurney Drive transform into a world-class Gurney Wharf which the state government hopes would be akin to Fishermen's Wharf in San Francisco and Canary Wharf in London.

The proposed Gurney Wharf encompasses a seaside retail F&B, water gardens, beach and coastal grove, modelled after Singapore’s success with this at Gardens on the Bay.

The wharf will be created on land to be reclaimed by Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD), a subsidiary of premier lifestyle property developer Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O).

There will be 400m man-made public sandy beach as well as a public promenade.

Within the Coastal Grove, there would be a skate park for teens and youth, not far from the casuarinas lining the present Gurney Drive.

The project would see an extension of the beach by 80m, with an artificial beach measuring 400m, along a stretch of the 1.5km Gurney Drive,

The project includes an eight-lane expressway to ease traffic congestion as intended by the Transport Master Plan.

Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said the state government acknowledges the importance of Gurney Drive and the emotional attachment it brings forth in the hearts and minds of Penangites.

“The state is proud to propose a master plan concept to create a new iconic waterfront destination for Penang, for benefit of Penangites and one that they can be proud of,” he said at a press conference in George Town to unveil the master plan.

"The creation of the beach will ensure there is water all the time instead of the mudflats we see now.

"With water all the time, there will also be sea breeze."

Phase one of the project which involves reclamation on 131 acres starts end of March, after which landscaping works measuring 60 acres will begin.

Lim ( photo ) said the project is expected to cost several hundreds of million ringgit. It will be carried out by E&O and its award-winning consultants.

This is part of the RM1.04 billion Phase 2A of the 760 acres Seri Tanjung Pinang (STP) 2 project.

The cost would be borne by the state government but Lim hopes to contra the payment in kind, perhaps via development plans, instead of cash.

Plan now open for public viewing

State local government, traffic management and flood mitigation committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the plan is now open for public viewing in Komtar Level 2 (outside Popular Bookstore) for four days and the exhibition will move to Gurney Plaza for another four days ending next Sunday.

The period for public viewing will be extended if the exhibition attracts a large crowd, said Chow.

“Even if it attracts 2,000 people, it would be a big achievement."

Chow said the project consultants - GDP Architects Sdn Bhd (overall plan), Grant Associates Singapore Pte Ltd (landscaping) and Jerde Partnership Inc (design of retail food and beverage (F&B) outlets) - will review the project based on public feedback.

“In creating this exemplary public park, we are adopting a people-centric approach to ensure that the outcome is more than just a well-designed physical space.

“It will be where Penangites can fully enjoy the island’s sea frontage, where communities gather for wholesome outdoor activities and most importantly, where pride of place and a sense of belonging is fostered,” Chow said.

No trees are expected to be cut for the project, and while reclamation works are being carried out, STP2 and Gurney Drive will be fenced off by an anti-climbing fence with planter boxes, said Mike Wood, Grant Associates Singapore landscape architect senior associate.

E&O group corporate strategy director Lyn Chai said reclamation works begin next month for about eight to 10 months, while eight months are needed for soil treatment before landscaping begins.

“The project is considered a kind of CSR programme for E&O Berhad,” she added.

Also present at the press conference was MP for Bukit Bendera, Zairil Khir Johari.