Penang State Government has opened a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the urban regeneration project of Taman Free School Flat which is almost 40 years old.

State Housing, Local Government, Town and Country Planning Committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said that the housing scheme which was built in 1985 and comprising 1,170 units in nearly 20 blocks will be demolished and rebuilt more residential units.

“We see that there is a need to redevelop this 40-year-old housing scheme through a renewal project because the existing housing units are now only 300 to 400 square feet and only have two rooms.

“Hence, when this project is completed, the total number of units will increase from 1,170 to 2,688 in addition to being equipped with more amenities such as swimming pools, new hawker complex and market.

“Existing residents will receive a residential unit with a built-up area of not less than 600 sq.ft. with three rooms and two toilets for free when it is completed,” he said at a press conference near Taman Free School yesterday.

Jagdeep said that Taman Free School Flat is the second redevelopment project by Penang State Government after the Mahsuri flats at Bayan Baru.

“In Penang we have identified five old housing schemes for renewal projects, one of which is the 5 blocks of Mahsuri Flats in Lorong Mahsuri, Bayan Baru will start soon.

“The tender documents for this project have been completed and we hope that it can be started soon after the appointment of the consultant is completed in March 2023.

“In addition, we have also identified several other housing schemes including in Seberang Perai, namely in Mak Mandin and Taman Siakap and Padang Tembak flats on the island which is the largest and longest housing scheme in the state,” he explained.

“In fact, we (the State Government) are also examining several more housing schemes for renewal projects that will be announced next year after the first LPNPP Board meeting is held,” he explained.

Commenting further, Jagdeep also expressed a desire to hold talks with the Minister of Housing and Local Government (KPKT) due to the regulatory aspects that are an obstacle to the current renewal project.

“I will submit a list of requests from the Penang State Government, including on legal issues that require the Federal Government to amend existing laws or enact new laws for renewal projects,” he said.