George Town celebrates successful heritage restoration

George Town has marked another milestone in heritage conservation with the completion of the sixth refurbishment project under the George Town Heritage Habitat Seed Fund.

This initiative, which allocated RM3 million to assist Category II heritage buildings, has successfully restored a historic property on Lebuh King, reinforcing the city’s dedication to preserving its rich cultural legacy.

The restoration of the Lebuh King building, which cost RM370,606, involved extensive work on the building’s façade, terracotta roof tiles, lime plastering, timber structures, windows, and concrete and granite flooring.

Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow described the project as a “triple-win” situation, benefiting the building owner, the tenant, and the government through George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI).

Preserving George Town’s historical legacy

Chow Kon Yeow emphasised the critical importance of these restoration efforts in maintaining the architectural and cultural integrity of George Town.

“If the buildings were old and falling apart, then one by one, these buildings would disappear from George Town.

Save the building first. If we want to save the universal values of George Town, it still cannot happen without the building,” Chow stated.

He highlighted that keeping original tenants in these heritage buildings is essential to retaining the city’s intrinsic and intangible value.

This sentiment was echoed by the project’s stakeholders.

Thirai Singam Vellasamy, the tenant of the restored building, runs an altar-making business and has been provided with a below-market rate rental as part of a tripartite agreement involving the trustee of the Estate of Yeap Chor Ee, Yeap Chin Leong, and the state government.

Such initiatives are vital for sustaining the livelihoods of those who contribute to the city’s unique cultural fabric.

Commitment to heritage conservation

The George Town Heritage Habitat Seed Fund has spent two-thirds of its RM3 million allocation on six pilot conservation projects, including the one on Lebuh King.

GTWHI General Manager Ang Ming Chee noted that the remaining funds will be directed towards consultation costs and other activities to support further restoration efforts.

Additionally, Penang state received RM25 million from the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) in November last year. This fund is earmarked for assisting owners of Category I and Category II buildings under the repair incentives programme. Ang Ming Chee mentioned that the application process for phase one of the programme took place in the first quarter of the year, while phase two is yet to be announced.

Category I buildings are monuments, objects, and sites of exceptional interest, protected under the Antiquities Act 1976 and National Heritage Act 2005.

Category II buildings, like those restored under the current initiative, include shop lots, compounds, boundary walls, gateposts, and other structures of special interest that contribute to George Town’s historical landscape.

The success of the restoration project at Lebuh King demonstrates the state government’s unwavering commitment to preserving George Town’s heritage.

As more buildings are restored and original tenants are supported in staying, the city’s unique character continues to thrive.

For residents and visitors alike, these efforts ensure that George Town remains a vibrant and historically rich destination.