Penang is a state in Malaysia that is split between the island of Penang and the opposing land on the mainland. There is a new island being reclaimed off the north coast of Penang, and there are contentious plans for three more islands to the south.
This article is an overview of what is planned and under construction in Penang as of July 2022.
Penang Map
This map includes all projects mentioned in this article, and a full list of projects can be found on Future Penang.
[Map of Penang construction projects.]
Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park
Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park is at the site of the old Sia Boey Market and Prangin Canal. The old market has been turned into a public space, and the canal has been cleaned up into a park. The canal’s rehabilitation is complete, and there is a pleasant walkway alongside it.
The old shophouses still remain in ruins and have been boarded up until future redevelopment.
The map of the park shows a reservation for the future LRT terminal station.
The LRT site is currently a car park opposite Prangin Mall.
Gurney Wharf
Gurney Wharf is a seafront public park being built from reclaimed mudflat off Gurney Drive. This was supposed to be finished by now, but it is still a work in progress.
[Gurney Wharf construction site.]
Andaman
Andaman by Eastern & Oriental is a new urban development on an artificial island opposite Gurney Drive. This reclamation project is next to Gurney Wharf, so there will be a new waterfront area between the two reclamation projects.
[Land reclamation viewed from Gurney Drive.]
The Andaman was announced in January 2022, and advertising for the project has begun. The first building to go on sale is The Meg.
Marriott Residences Penang
Marriott Residences is on Gurney Drive, looking out over the land reclamation projects.
This hotel and apartment project has nearly topped out, making it a new landmark in the Gurney area. At 190 metres it will be the second tallest building on the island (after the 249-metres KOMTAR Tower).
Runnymede Bay
Runnymede Bay is a proposed multi-building project on Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah (“Millionaire’s Row”).
This project has been stalled for years, but there is now a new website and the advertising banners have been refreshed on the site since my last visit.
The Fith Avenue Hotel
This hotel development is in the area that I have dubbed the Brooklyn of Penang.
This is in the Seven Streets Precinct, which is just outside the World Heritage protected area. There are a lot of old shophouses in this area, but new tall buildings can be built here.
[Seven Streets Precinct with The Fith Avenue Hotel construction in the background.]
Tropicana 218 Macalister
Tropicana 218 Macalister is a 2-tower residential, hotel, and retail development on Macalister Road. This project has been completed since my last visit in 2020.
This is also outside the heritage-protected area of old George Town, but there are heritage buildings in this area. In fact, the complex was built on a block of land with at least one building that was deemed worthy of saving. There is a historic house that is inside the shopping centre podium.
Penang South Islands
Penang South Islands is a land reclamation project composed of three islands off the southern coast of Penang. The islands have been a divisive project due to costs and environmental concerns, and it was put on hold in 2021. Planning for the islands has since resumed, and the last update has the project starting in the second half of 2022.
Information about the islands and a full news time line can be found at Penang South Islands.
The Wave @ Penang Times Square
This distinctive apartment tower is next to Penang Times Square, not far from KOMTAR. This 38-floor tower will be a mix of apartments and retail. The building is finished but it is not occupied yet.
One thing that stands out about this building is how big the car park podium is.
The Central @ Penang Times Square
Next to The Wave is The Central, which is phase 4 of the Penang Times Square development. The tower will be approximately 150 metres and have 654 apartments. Work has not begun on this tower yet.
Penang Rapid Transit
The planned Bayan Lepas LRT continues to be talked about with no firm commitment that it will even go ahead. The fate of the line had been held to ransom by the Penang South Islands project, where it was said that the LRT couldn’t go ahead without the Penang South Islands.
The most recent news was for a proposal for the LRT to be converted into a BRT instead.
While the line is uncertain, property developers near the proposed stations are promoting what their properties will look like with a future LRT station
[Proposed LRT station at Penang International Commercial City.]
Read more about the Bayan Lepas LRT.
Leave a Reply