CJMY
The Esplanade in Penang, a popular seafront promenade, is soon to be adorned with a large Unesco World Heritage emblem, signifying the global recognition of Penang’s heritage.
The emblem, will be crafted by local sculptor Low Chee Peng based on the Unesco World Heritage emblem design by Belgian artist Michel Olyff.
With the completion of the emblem, the Esplanade will further enhance its status as a landmark destination for locals and tourists alike.
The UNESCO World Heritage emblem
The Unesco World Heritage emblem is an internationally recognized symbol used to identify properties protected by the World Heritage Convention.
The emblem was officially adopted in 1978 and represents the interdependence of the world’s natural and cultural diversity. The round shape of the emblem symbolizes global protection for the heritage of all humankind.
The central square inside represents the results of human skill and inspiration, while the circle celebrates the gifts of nature. The emblem is round, like the world, to symbolise global protection for the heritage of all humankind. The 6mm thick and 2.8m in diameter emblem is made of brass.
In 2008, George Town, the capital of Penang, was recognized as a Unesco World Heritage site. This prestigious designation highlights the rich historical and cultural significance of the city. Now, with the addition of the emblem, the Esplanade will serve as a visual representation of Penang’s World Heritage status.
Low, who recently spoke to The Star Online said that he is honoured to have been chosen to craft the emblem that signifies George Town’s UNESCO World Heritage status. He hopes the emblem can last for generations to come.
The North Seafront Linear Garden project
After three years of upgrading work, the Esplanade seawall, with a budget of RM12.9 million, has finally been completed. The lower terrace of the newly upgraded seawall showcases a portion of the heritage seawall dating back to 1807.
This design choice aims to preserve the heritage value of the site, given its location within the Unesco World Heritage site and its proximity to other historical landmarks such as Fort Cornwallis, the Town Hall, and City Hall.
The emblem is part of the larger RM1.2 million North Seafront Linear Garden project, set to be completed in October. This project is an extension of the Esplanade seawall upgrade and will cover a 0.3ha site between the Cenotaph and Medan Renong food court.
The linear garden, spanning 0.74 acres, will serve as a green lung and feature 60 trees of 12 different species. The project also includes the removal of the perimeter fence around the Cenotaph and the relocation of the playground closer to Fort Cornwallis.
The 0.3ha site between the Cenotaph and Medan Renong food court will be built as a linear garden. The 0.74 acre park is located just behind the cenotaph located at the Esplanade. The perimeter fence around the Cenotaph would be removed, and the playground shifted closer to Fort Cornwallis.
The linear garden is among 14 projects under the RM140mil North Seafront Master Plan that starts from Dewan Sri Pinang to Fort Cornwallis and the entrance to Swettenham Pier. The master plan is divided into 10 zones, including Dewan Sri Pinang, the two food courts, Fort Cornwallis, the clock tower, as well as Town Hall and City Hall.
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