Six neighbouring shophouses along Kimberly Street in Georgetown, Penang are undergoing restoration works so these heritage properties can be used for both co-living and commercial purposes under a RM3.6 million project, reported The Star.
The primary objective of these premises, which are scheduled to open in June, is to revitalise inner George Town by providing affordable accommodations and business space, said Penang Island City Council (MBPP) Mayor Yew Tung Seang.
“We want to repopulate George Town so we want to have co-living spaces on the upper floor of these shophouses. The ground floor can be used for commercial activities, preferably by artisans.”
The properties’ restoration, which begun in 2015, has been jointly undertaken by MBPP, Think City Sdn Bhd and George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), as well as Penang Heritage Trust and Penang Apprenticeship Programmes for Artisans.
Moreover, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said they have allocated funds to help in the restoration of these historical shophouses.
“The RM3 million Heritage Habitat Seed Fund initiated in 2017 will be open for applications in July this year.”
“The fund will be able to provide relief in restoration cost, thereby preventing an increase in rent charges and maintaining long-term tenancy at the site,” he said, adding that they will look into raising the fund if the response is good.
Chow revealed that the authorities are currently finalising the leasing agreement for the aforementioned shophouses.
He said this during a recent site visit to the properties along with GTWHI General Manager Dr Ang Ming Chee, Komtar Assemblyman Teh Lai Heng and Danny Koay Hock Hsiang, MBPP’s Heritage Conservation Department Director.
Image sourced from The Star Online
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