The RM6mil phase 1 of the Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project is expected to be completed in August.

During the unveiling of the artist’s impressions of the project, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said phase 1 would see the rehabilitation of the Prangin canal, conservation of the old Prangin market and upgrading of the site’s landscaping.

He added that phase 2 would involve the restoration of the shophouses in the area and upgrading of the surroundings.

“Sia Boey harbours a large archaeological investigation at the old Prangin canal basin and police barracks.

“The core objective of the project is to transform Sia Boey into a site where development and heritage conservation can coexist,” he said at the launching of the Sia Boey Rejuvenation Project on Sunday.

The project is headed by the Penang Development Corporation in cooperation with George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).

According to GTWHI, the Sia Boey site is also part of Komtar’s phase 5 development project.

Sia Boey, also known as Ujung Pasir, was a bustling market in its heyday.

Lim said the vision of this project was protecting Sia Boey’s heritage buildings and practices while promoting a sustainable and liveable public space.

“Sia Boey will be transformed into an urban park that emphasises heritage. The park can also be a community platform for events traditionally carried out in the area.

“There are plans to turn Sia Boey into a centre for traditional trades and crafts.

“The renewed Sia Boey will also serve as a green lung for George Town and Komtar’s phase 5 as well as 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall area.

“The project has the potential to become an icon of George Town.”

Lim added that the project could transform the area of Komtar’s phase 5, 1st Avenue and Prangin Mall into the socio-civic business hub of the state.

Also present were Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Mohd Rashid Hasnon, Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng, Penang Island City Council mayor Yew Tung Seang and GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee.

The public can view the artist’s impressions at an exhibition to showcase the project’s overall plan which covers the rehabilitation of Prangin canal along with the conservation of the Prangin market and the shophouses.

Visitors can also give feedback at the exhibition which will be held from now until Friday at the Sia Boey market and at the GTWHI office in Lebuh Acheh from April 2 to April 6. It is open from 8am to 5pm.

Source: TheStar.com.my