The biggest convention centre and banquet hall in Seberang Perai is expected to be fully operational by Nov 15 this year.

The 17,800sq m Butterworth Arena or officially known as the Penang International Exhibition Convention Cultural & Arts Centre (PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena) is located at Ampang Jajar in Butterworth.

The RM59 million double-storey air-conditioned PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena was announced in 2017 and is fully funded by the Penang government through Penang Development Corporation (PDC).

It is fully equipped with plenty of accommodations and facilities such as three ballrooms which could accommodate a total of 360 tables, a stage and four function rooms, two separate kitchens, 600 parking lots for cars and 400 lots for motorcycles and many more.

The PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena, which is owned by Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), was handed over to the Island LandCap Hospitality Sdn Bhd as the operator in a simple handover ceremony yesterday.

Island LandCap Hospitality executive chairman Datuk Oon Weng Boon said PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena has started to receive a lot of bookings already until the end of this year.

“The first event will be a wedding reception on Nov 26, followed by many other events until the end of this year.

“We aim to make PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena a world-class venue, especially for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions) events.

“The venue here also can host more than 8,000 delegates at any one time.

“For booking or any inquiries, the public or event organisers can contact 012 – 790 3999 or email chewkc@ilcpg.com.my,” Oon said in his speech during the handover ceremony yesterday.

Also present were Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow, state Transport and Infrastructure Committee chairman Zairil Khir Johari, state Welfare and Environment Committee chairman Phee Boon Poh, Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) mayor Datuk Azhar Arshad and CMI deputy general manager Datin Bharathi Suppiah.

Oon also expressed his appreciation to the state government for giving the company an opportunity to manage the convention centre.

“We are honoured to be given this opportunity to operate the convention centre by the Penang government.

“PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena is more than a building; it is a vibrant and dynamic centre that will further boost the tourism and socio-economic aspirations of the state government.

“The venue also is designed to host modern, contemporary, traditional arts and crafts events and exhibitions.

“And we hope to attract both local and international artisans who are keen to hold private and public exhibitions,” Oon added.

Chow said the construction works of the convention centre started in April 2017 and were fully completed in September this year. He added that the PIECCA @ Butterworth Arena would play an important role to stimulate the economy and tourism activities in Seberang Perai and its surrounding areas.

“Apart from holding wedding receptions, the venue can be used to organise meetings, conferences and exhibitions.

“This centre will bring huge benefits to the Seberang Perai community through the accommodations and infrastructure provided,” Chow said.

Source: Buletin Mutiara