GEORGE TOWN: Debenhams, one of Britain’s oldest retailers, is opening its third store in Malaysia amid the region’s fast-growing economy.

To be located at Gurney Paragon, Penang, the store will be Debenhams’ first outlet outside Kuala Lumpur and also its first flagship store for the northern region.

Debenhams Malaysia master franchisee Stellar Retail Sdn Bhd chose Penang as the third location for expansion in the Malaysian retail market after establishing two stores in Kuala Lumpur.

Stellar Retail managing director Andy Jackson said the new 20,000 sq ft store in Gurney Paragon is scheduled to open in July or August next year with construction expected to start in the next few months.

Speaking at a press conference after the signing ceremony between Gurney Paragon and Debenhams on Saturday, Jackson said between RM3 million and RM4 million will be invested for the new store.

Also present were Hunza Properties Bhd executive chairman Datuk Khor Teng Tong and group managing director Datuk Daisy Ooi, Debenhams plc’ head of international business development John Scott and Penang state executive councilor Chow Kon Yeow.

Jackson said Debenhams Malaysia plans to open several stores in Malaysia and outside the Klang Valley, adding that Johor Baru could be an ideal location for the southern region.

Source: Business Times

GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Forum has called on the state government to ‘freeze’ the guidelines allowing for 87 housing units per acre (0.4ha) pending public consultation and proper planning.

Its steering committee spokesman said the increased density in residential areas could only be allowed if there was a good public transport system to support it.

“Two years ago, the state government almost tripled the density in residential areas from 30 units per 0.4ha to 87.

“One purpose for this was to allegedly make housing more affordable in Penang but this has not been the case as housing is still expensive,” he said in a statement yesterday.

It was reported in September 2010 that the Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) had revised the plot ratio guidelines for high-rise property on the island to allow developers to construct more homes per acre.

The spokesperson said the increased density would result in a drop in the state’s quality of life and livability.

It will put pressure on existing infrastructure such as roads,

electricity and water and drainage systems.

“A proper public transport system and other infrastructure must be put in place before higher density can be allowed,” he added.

The spokesman said the forum also called for a public display of the Local Plan draft which was approved by the MPPP in 2008, but held back for unknown reasons, adding that the public should also be engaged to shape the Local Plan.

The Penang Forum is a coalition

of progressive public interest civil society groups based in Penang.

Source: The Star

Alyssa, a residential development by TF Land within Machang Bubok township. Comprises 36 units of 2-storey terrace houses with two different layout design. It is 15 minutes away from Bukit Mertajam town and 10 minutes drive to Kulim.

Property Project : Alyssa
Location : Machang Bubok, Penang
Property Type : 2-Storey Terrace
Land Area: 20 ft. x 60 ft. onwards
Built-up Area: 20 ft. x 40 ft. onwards
Tenure : Freehold
Developer : TF Land
Contact No: 04-551 2635
Indicative Price: RM 360,000 onwards

Maple Residence, strategically located within the established township of Butterworth, near the Jalan Raja Uda and Sungai Dua. Built on a prime location with easy access to Butterworth Outer Ring Road which connects to the North South Highway. This is a gated and guarded development comprises 207 units of 3-storey terrace houses.

Facilities

• Residence clubhouse
• Swimming pool
• Gymnasium
• Outdoor BBQ zone
• Children playground
• Function hall
• Play room

THE Penang government has started reviewing the Penang Structure Plan 2020 after it reached its five-year term since being gazetted on June 28, 2007.

State Town and Country Planning, Housing and Arts Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said it was a statutory requirement under the Town and Country Planning Act for the state to re-examine the plan every five years.

“We have just recently started the review last month by having workshops for internal departments.

“Usually, it takes more than a year to complete the process; thus, we expect it to wrap up by end of next year,” he told a press conference before launching the ‘PIP Property and Home Showcase’ in Penang Times Square on Friday.

Wong said its department had been assigned to spearhead the review exercise that involved consultation with stakeholders, non-governmental organisations and public.

“Throughout the process, we will incorporate the various issues and proposals raised in the press which included hillslope development.

“Subsequently, we will have an exhibition to display the amended structure plan for public review and hearing,” he explained.

The structure plan is a policy framework and guidelines for spatial planning and physical development for the state.

Source: The Star