Gurney Wharf project stirring up waves of interest
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The Gurney Wharf project has drawn a mixed reaction from the public.
While some have given the thumbs up to the mammoth project, others remain cautious on the impact it would cause to the environment.
Avid jogger and lawyer David Hoon said the project would definitely be a boon for joggers as the makeover would rid the stench emanating from the sea during low tide.
“The air here would be fresher. I hope the project would be people-centric and ideal for recreation for the whole family rather than a commercial one,” added Hoon, 56.
On Tuesday, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng announced the massive recreational waterfront project, which would include a seaside food and beverage area, water gardens, beach and coastal groves spanning some 1.5km of shoreline.
The distance from the existing Gurney Drive to Gurney Wharf varies between 230m and 140m out in the sea from the Jalan Pemenang and Lorong Burma underpasses respectively.
Briton Alan Pratt, a marine consultant, said the government should just go ahead with the project rather than wait for feedback.
“I have been coming back to Penang every year and this is my favourite spot for jogging.
“However, you can see the presence of rubbish and mud at low tide. This vibrant waterfront project would address the issue once and for all,” added the 58-year-old.
Restaurant owner Albert Fong welcomed the wharf project as it would transform the promenade which he claimed had been “neglected for a long time”.
Project supervisor Herman Poh, 41, said he was impressed by the concept master plan prepared by award-winning international consultants.
“If you have been to Singapore, then you will realise one of the components of Gurney Wharf is similar to Gardens by the Bay.
“The whole Gurney Wharf will surely inject us with something different that is suitable for people of all ages,” he said when met at the exhibition booth meant to collect public feedback on the project in Komtar yesterday.
However, a mall operator has remained cautious of the proposed development especially during the construction period.
“During this time, it may affect the traffic flow and disrupt the businesses here.
“However, if the construction is out at sea as reported, the impact would be minimal.
“The development would bring in a lot of benefits in the long run,” said Hunza Properties executive director Lily Tan.
The Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) said the rehabilitation of Gurney Drive was welcome but sourcing of materials including sand and rocks for the reclamation would be a major issue of concern.
“Creating a park in the sea actually causes a devastating impact on the environment elsewhere owing to quarrying and sand-mining or dredging activities.
“This waterfront development is basically pieces of artificial nature,” it said in a statement.
CAP also said that maintaining the artificial beach was going to be expensive in the years to come if the foreshore continues to be sedimented.
Tanjung Tokong resident Fazilah Wallen, 51, said she had some reservations about the Gurney foreshore reclamation totalling 53ha.
She said she was positive about the iconic Gurney Wharf project but it would occupy only 24ha of the land.
“I was told the balance of 29ha would be Government reserve land. What will happen to this land?
“Will high-rise projects be allowed on this land which only benefits the rich and foreigners?” she asked.
The public can give views on the proposed master plan by submitting them in the feedback box at the exhibition area in front of the Popular Bookstore in Komtar today.
The exhibition will then move to Gurney Plaza from tomorrow until March 6.
* Read more about Gurney Wharf *
Source: TheStar.com.my
As long as they don’t build new apartments/condominiums but instead improve the traffic conditions in Gurney, then no concern from majority of the Penangnites.
@Daniel
Are you speaking on behalf of the majority of Penangites? Who authorized you to do that? Is your “majority opinion” verified? Or just something you pluck out of thin air?
Gurney Wharf is an excellent idea but LGE obviously does not go to Gurney Drive on weekends. The place is totally congested. The proposed 1500 car parks is simply not going to be enough.
1500 additional car park is better than current right?
Will the 8 lanes road at Gurney Wharf be tolled? Kalau toll, I believe that we are getting screwed…
@Pondok
“Toll” can come in many forms. It can be :-
(1) Straight forward toll, pay as you use
(2) No need to pay as you use it, but higher tax (assessment, land tax, etc)
(3) No need to pay as you use it, but use the money from selling properties on reclaim land as “toll”. Amidst all this excitement about getting a “Gurney Wharf”, many have over looked the impact of using reclaim land to pay for mega infra. In the end,money doesn’t fall from sky, and the infra contractor is not going to do charity. Even when you sell reclaim land to pay for mega infra, the money has to come from somewhere. WHERE? From the pockets of our future generations who will be forced to work 3 times harder than now just to pay for their homes. That’s where the money is going to come from. Enjoy your “Gurney Wharf” ! Haha. The rich gets richer, the poor gets jerked! Huat ah!!!
@Pondok
Sure need collect money. State government plan this for their own income. Terrible project. Gurney whaft.. Underground tunnel.. Cable car island to mainland.. LRT\MRT.. Byway highway.. Outer ring road highway.. All this is just talk only.. No action.. Still waiting all this happen.. Don’t talk about all this mega project plan yet.. Penang ppl need MRT here to overcome traffic jam& flow. Don’t talk other. If state government can get this MRT project move to next stage &launch then a vote sure for u.. Thanks!
Yup. I feel now should see some action on the sea tunnel, but until now seemed like very quiet about this mega plan.
I like this gurney wharf project, hopefully it really will become a perfect recreation area like garden by the bay in Singapore. Please don’t end up with more congested area and high rise condos for speculators and developers to earn more profits.
@Property123
Gurney Wharf is an excellent idea and will surely attract additional traffic. The additional 1500 carparks are unlikely to be enough given that the current carparks are already insufficient to cope with current traffic on weekends.
IKEA Batu Kawan completed around the same time, more great places for Penangites to spend their weekends… looking forward..
Feel proud staying in this wonderful island !