An artist’s impressions of Beach Street after the project is completed

Beach Street in George Town is set to undergo a major transformation, with a climate-adaptive upgrade aimed at enhancing walkability, reducing urban heat and improving the overall streetscape within the heritage core zone. Long regarded as one of the city’s most historic commercial corridors, the area will be reconfigured to better balance modern urban needs with heritage preservation.

The RM24.7 million project is part of the Nature-Based Climate Adaptation Programme (PNBCAP), jointly implemented by the Penang Island City Council with funding support from the World Bank Adaptation Fund. Covering a 1.76km loop that includes Beach Street, Church Street Ghaut and Victoria Street, the project commenced in September last year and is scheduled for completion by December. Progress has reached approximately 30% as of late March, with works carried out in phases to minimise disruption to traffic and business activities.

A key focus of the initiative is to mitigate the urban heat island effect. Plans include the planting of more than 900 trees, alongside the introduction of green corridors, pocket parks and permeable surfaces to improve drainage and reduce surface temperatures. These measures are expected to enhance thermal comfort while contributing to better air quality and flood management within the heritage zone.

The project also places strong emphasis on pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. Wider walkways, shaded paths and barrier-free features such as ramps, tactile paving and seating areas will be incorporated to improve accessibility for all users. At the same time, roadside parking will be reduced from 293 bays to about 150, with selected spaces converted into landscaped areas.

While initial concerns were raised about potential impacts on the street’s historic character, authorities have indicated that strict safeguards are in place to protect key heritage assets, including the Queen Victoria Memorial Clock Tower. The existing roundabout in front of the landmark will be transformed into a pocket park, in line with conservation guidelines under the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site Special Area Plan.

In addition to landscaping improvements, sustainability features such as solar-powered street lighting and environmental sensors will be introduced to monitor temperature, humidity and air quality. These measures will allow for post-completion evaluation of the project’s effectiveness and inform future climate-adaptive initiatives.

From a broader perspective, the upgrade is expected to support local businesses by improving accessibility, enhancing the streetscape and encouraging greater pedestrian activity. As the project progresses, it is also seen as a potential model for similar urban interventions across Penang, reinforcing efforts to create a more resilient, liveable and environmentally responsive city.

(Image: The Star)

About Taman Simpang Empat

A low-density residential enclave within the SA Central freehold mixed-development by GUH Development Sdn. Bhd., located in Simpang Ampat. Comprising 61 units of 2-storey terrace homes with built-up areas starting from approximately 1,776 sq.ft., the development is designed to cater to modern family living. Strategically connected to major roads and the North–South Highways, and surrounded by everyday amenities, schools and commercial hubs, Taman Simpang Empat offers a balanced lifestyle anchored by comfort, connectivity and long-term value within the upcoming SA Central township.

Find out more about Taman Simpang Empat

There is something timeless about living by the water. The gentle rhythm of the sea, the openness of the horizon, and the quiet assurance that every day begins with possibility. AVÉA @ Andaman Island captures this spirit beautifully, offering a refined waterfront address set within Gurney Green, the vibrant heart of Andaman’s evolving masterplan.

Developed by Persada Mentari Sdn Bhd, a member of Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O), AVÉA continues the legacy of curated waterfront placemaking that has defined Seri Tanjung Pinang and other iconic E&O developments. Rising as two elegant 51-storey towers freehold serviced residences, AVÉA is thoughtfully crafted for modern urban living by the marina’s edge.

Life Along the Promenade

At AVÉA, lifestyle begins just outside your door. A scenic waterfront promenade lined with retail boutiques, cafés and lifestyle offerings creates a dynamic yet relaxed environment where mornings may start with a jog by the sea, and evenings unfold over alfresco dining against a marina sunset.

Located within Gurney Green, AVÉA enjoys a lively setting where commercial energy and coastal tranquillity coexist seamlessly. As Andaman’s second marina-edge residence following the success of Maris, it offers residents immediate access to leisure, dining and recreation, transforming everyday routines into elevated experiences.

Andaman’s Largest Lifestyle Podium

Within the development, residents are welcomed by an extensive suite of facilities across multiple levels, including Andaman’s largest podium deck. Here, wellness and community come together in thoughtfully designed spaces such as:

• A 50-metre lap pool overlooking the sea
• Spa pool and family pool
• Meditation garden and deck
• Bio pond, maze garden and lush lawns
• Jogging track, basketball and badminton courts
• Event hall, games room and residents’ lounge

At the rooftop level, a garden sanctuary and fully equipped gym offer panoramic sea views, a daily reminder of the privilege of waterfront living.

Smart, Versatile Homes

AVÉA is conceived as a compact waterfront serviced residence that celebrates individuality and confidence. Units are designed to maximise natural light and cross ventilation, with private balconies framing inspiring views of Penang Island and the marina.

Five practical layouts are available, catering to singles, young professionals, couples and growing families:

• 1 Bedroom + Study (Type A: 678 sq ft/ Type B: 807 sq ft)
• 2 Bedrooms (Type C: 883 sq ft/ Type D: 936 sq ft)
• 3 Bedrooms (Type E: 1,076 sq ft)

Each home is fully furnished for a seamless move-in experience and comes with a private balcony. Premium fittings and finishes complement built-in kitchen cabinetry complete with appliances (fridge, microwave, built-in oven, hob and hood), air-conditioning units, wardrobes, washer dryer, digital door lock and quality sanitary fittings. Selected units come with two to three pre-allocated car parks, enhancing convenience in daily living.

An Investment in Enduring Value

With a gross development value of RM1 billion and a targeted completion in June 2030, AVÉA represents not just a home, but a long-term opportunity within Andaman’s transformative island vision. Supported by E&O’s 140-year heritage of excellence in lifestyle property development, buyers can be assured of quality, integrity and enduring value.

At AVÉA, horizons are not distant, they are part of everyday life. Whether you are stepping into your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, or simply seeking a refined address by the sea, AVÉA @ Andaman Island invites you to begin your next chapter where waterfront living feels both effortless and inspired.

For more information, please contact E&O at +6013-408 8999.

Integrated industrial park Northern TechValley @ BKE has garnered Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) interest from corporations based in Singapore, US and China, in addition to domestic investments thus far.

The RM1.3 billion Gross Development Value industrial park – developed by Suling Hill Development Sdn Bhd (Suling Hill), a joint venture between AME Elite Consortium Berhad and Majestic Gen Sdn Bhd – has thus far attracted customers from various industries, including warehousing, distribution hub, show room, printing, service centre, autoparts, construction machinery, CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine, and logistics sectors.

Speaking at the launch of Northern TechValley @ BKE show unit today, Suling Hill Development director Dylan Tan Teck Eng was encouraged by rising awareness of Environmental Social Governance (ESG) compliance as a deciding factor in new facility investments.

“Our commitment is clear: We intend to catalyse the trajectory of growth-focused companies by providing infrastructure-ready and ESG-forward facilities in Northern TechValley@BKE.

We are beginning to see companies appreciate that ESG is as much an internal discipline as it is an external practice. As global supply chains evolve, businesses are increasingly required to meet higher ESG and environmental standards. Developments aligned with frameworks such as GreenRE provide a stronger foundation for manufacturers to position themselves, not just for compliance, but for competitiveness in global markets.

While Northern TechValley’s GreenRE certification for buildings already points to a fundamental posture, customers are able to augment social indicators for employee wellbeing through the recreational facilities and workers’ accommodation within our industrial park.

Hence, being ESG-integrated is a meaningful growth catalyst for customers’ alignment with their own stakeholders, be they suppliers, customers or employees.”

Northern TechValley @ BKE has obtained GreenRE certification for both development and buildings, and integrates sustainability features such as eco-conscious materials. Amongst other initiatives, Suling Hill adopts thermally efficient materials, utilises durable construction, and flexible-functional design to reduce long-term operating costs, extend lifecycle performance, and enable efficient operations.

The first phase of Northern TechValley @ BKE comprises 1½-storey detached standard factories across over 20 acres, of which the show unit was launched today. Subsequent phases on approximately 150 acres, which run concurrently, consist of larger built-to-suit facilities in accordance with customer requirements, workers’ accommodation, and general access infrastructure.

At present, Suling Hill Development is undertaking infrastructure works, such as power and water supply, and high-speed fibre-optic internet.

At the same time, it is also constructing a RM30 million flyover bridge to enhance direct access to the Butterworth-Kulim Expressway (BKE). The 413-metre bridge aims to reduce travel time and improve logistics flow for businesses operating within and around Northern TechValley @ BKE. The flyover is slated for physical completion in end-2026, with targeted commencement in early 2027.

From a broader perspective, Tan opined that the current market circumstances represent a window of opportunity for Malaysia’s industrial parks in light of the country’s stable fundamentals, including sound fiscal management, skilled workforce, and pro‑investment policies.

“Our deep experience over the past 30 years has shown that both FDI and domestic direct investment play a significant role, especially when global supply chains are disrupted, and diversification is the preferred strategy for long-term continuity.

In addition to enquiries from global and regional companies, we are also registering interest from companies in South Peninsular, indicating their own aspirations to continue their growth journey. We are therefore optimistic that Northern TechValley stands in good stead to capture this demand,” concluded Tan.

A proposed strata residential development on a 2.75-acre land in Sungai Ara, located off Lintang Sungai Ara 14. The site is situated adjacent to Imperial Residences and One Imperial, within an established residential area. It is approximately 1km from SPICE Arena and about a 15-minute drive to the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone.

The development will be a gated and guarded strata housing scheme comprising 47 units of 3-storey terrace houses, together with a guard house. The project is planned as a low-density landed residential enclave within the Sungai Ara area, adding to the existing mix of high-rise and landed residential developments nearby.

The project is currently pending approval, with further details expected to be released upon its official launch.

Project Name : (to be confirmed)
Location : Sungai Ara
Property Type : Gated & guarded
Tenure: (to be confirmed)
Land Area: 2.75 acres
Built-up Size: (to be confirmed)
Total Units : 47
Indicative Price : (to be confirmed)
Developer : (Follow us to find out more)

DISCLAIMER: This article is solely based on research done using publicly available data. This is not an advertisement. Any claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a project or service should be verified with the developer, provider, or party in question.