Work on the north seafront project at the Esplanade in Penang is 50% complete with nine out of 14 projects completed.

State local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said the project costing some RM140mil, which began in August 2018, is expected to be completed by the end of the year.

The completed projects include field drainage and sub-soil upgrading, conservation management, pilot archaeological and storeroom documentation works in Fort Cornwallis, restoration of the historic and foundation gardens, Town Hall dilapidation survey, Queen Victoria Clock Tower Heritage management plan,

Dewan Sri Pinang conservation management plan and street upgrading work at Light Street.

The other projects in progress are the strengthening of the Esplanade seawall, restoration of Fort Cornwallis storeroom and the Town Hall and landscape improvements at Dewan Sri Pinang.

“One of the most important projects is the strengthening and renewal of the entire seawall, ” said Jagdeep during a recent site visit.

“As the seawall here was previously battered by waves, the work here is important as improvements will be done.

“The path along the seafront here stretches for 570 metres and after the entire project is complete, we will have a new northern seafront.

“Beyond the area, there is also a green park in planning where we will relocate hawkers from the nearby Medan Renong Food Court to the new place.”