Four old warehouses surrounding Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT) in George Town are set to undergo refurbishment and adaptive reuse, transforming them into a waterfront leisure destination featuring duty-free retail outlets, dining facilities, exhibition spaces and art markets, according to a report by Kwong Wah Yit Poh.

Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai said the Penang Port Commission (PPC), through Penang Port Sdn Bhd (PPSB), would undertake the redevelopment of Warehouses 2, 3, 4 and 6. Under the proposed plan, Warehouses 2, 3 and 4 are earmarked for duty-free retail facilities, while Warehouse 6 will be converted into retail space. The wider development will also incorporate food and beverage outlets, exhibition areas, small-scale art markets and event spaces, alongside a pedestrian promenade along the waterfront.

The project aims to preserve the historical and architectural characteristics of the old warehouses, including their maritime heritage, while introducing new uses to the waterfront area. It is also intended to strengthen the connection between the cruise terminal and George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, providing additional retail and leisure options for cruise passengers, domestic tourists and local visitors.

According to Wong, the refurbishment is expected to begin in 2028, with construction taking approximately 18 months and completion targeted for 2030, subject to the fulfilment of preliminary requirements and regulatory approvals. Preparatory work will include site investigations, design development, impact assessments, heritage conservation procedures and procurement. A Conservation Management Plan (CMP) must also be prepared and approved before the conservation works proceed.

The redevelopment will need to accommodate the cruise terminal’s existing passenger operations, particularly during peak arrival periods, to ensure that ground transportation and passenger movement remain functional throughout the construction period.

Separately, Warehouses 5, 7 and 8 at Church Street Pier, together with the land area at Tanjung City Marina, are being considered under a separate development proposal. The Penang Port Commission has issued a request for proposal (RFP) for the sites, based on a proposed 30-year lease with an option for a further 15-year extension. The proposal is currently being followed up and coordinated by the Maritime Division of the Transport Ministry, with its implementation timeline yet to be determined.

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