Rifle Range

Rifle Range Flats: A Landmark Public Housing Community in Ayer Itam, Penang

The Rifle Range Flats, located at Jalan Padang Tembak in Ayer Itam, represent a significant chapter in Penang's urban development history. As one of the state's earliest and most ambitious low-cost, high-rise housing projects, it was completed in the early 1970s and, at the time, featured the tallest buildings in Penang. The name originates from the area's prior use as a shooting range for police and military in the 1950s. This leasehold development was a pioneering project by the Penang State Government, built to provide affordable housing for many families.

Project Details and Design

The Rifle Range development consists of nine blocks with heights of 17 and 18 storeys, comprising a total of over 3,600 units. The project was notable for its use of a prefabricated construction system, a joint venture that took 27 months to complete. The tenure for the flats is leasehold. Basic facilities include lifts, though parking is noted to be insufficient.

• Total Blocks: 9 (Blocks A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, J).
• Storeys: Six blocks of 17 floors and three blocks of 18 floors.
• Unit Types & Sizes: Primarily compact units, with typical built-up areas around 377 to 400 sq ft. Layouts are mostly one-bedroom units, with some larger two-bedroom corner units.

Amenities and Accessibility in the Vicinity

The Rifle Range flats offer residents convenient access to a host of local amenities within Ayer Itam and its surroundings.

Shopping and Daily Needs

• The community is served by the on-site Rifle Range Market (also known as the Rifle Range Hawker Centre).
• For more extensive retail and grocery needs, Sunshine Farlim is the nearest hypermarket.
• Other nearby options include All Seasons Place.

Education

Several schools are located near the development, catering to the educational needs of the community.

• Sekolah Kebangsaan Padang Tembak is situated right next to the flats.
• Other nearby options include SJK(C) Kong Min Cawangan Kedua.

Healthcare

• The nearest government health clinic is Klinik Kesihatan Air Itam.
• The Kek Lok Si Charitable Hospital (KLSCH) is also located in the Ayer Itam area, focusing on healthcare for the underprivileged.
• Several private clinics, like O2 Klinik and Klinik Mediviron, are also in the vicinity.

Connectivity and Public Transport

• The flats are located at the junction of Jalan Padang Tembak and Boundary Road (Jalan Sempadan).
• The area is served by Rapid Penang bus routes 201, 202, and 204.
• It is approximately 8.1 km from Komtar and 13.5 km from Penang International Airport.