Illustrations of the proposed Gurney Wharf design concept.

The Gurney Wharf project in Penang, estimated to be completed by the end of 2023 and with various components on it, will cost the state about RM176mil.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said among the features to be expected along the 1.75km-long reclaimed coastline are parks, a hawker centre, a 330m-long beach and facilities for the disabled.

“The appointed consultants will start calling for tender of contractors to start work on the approved components.

“Physical work on the components is expected to start by the second half of 2021.

“We estimate it to cost RM176mil but the final figure can only be ascertained after tender is called, ” he said at a press conference before witnessing the signing of agreement among seven consultants in Komtar, Penang.

Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd (TPD) has been appointed as project management office while the consultants are GDP Architects Sdn Bhd (architect and project manager), Carnson Design & Associates Sdn Bhd (landscape architect), Jurutera TSSC Lim Sdn Bhd (civil and structural engineer), Jurutera Perunding Valdun Sdn Bhd (mechanical and electrical) and Ukur Bahan Konsult (quantity surveyor).

Dr Nik & Associates Sdn Bhd is appointed as both the coastal marine and reclamation engineer as well as environment consultant and auditor.

Chow said the entire reclamation project spanning 53ha was completed in September 2019 but the project took a break due to travel restrictions and for the land to settle.“TPD has handed over 36.5ha to the state and will hand over the remaining land in stages, ” he said.

In 2016, it was reported that the coast along Gurney Drive would get a makeover due to a massive recreational waterfront project.

The Gurney Wharf project is touted as the state’s seafront park-in-the-city project.

Its conceptual master plan is by Grant Associates, a renowned consultant architect involved in international projects including the Hive, Bristol Harbour Site and the Cambridge Accordia plus Singapore Gardens by the Bay.

Source: TheStar.com.my