GEORGE TOWN, Oct 19 ― Two years after announcing the set-up of an art district, the state Pakatan Harapan government said today the masterplan for the Penang Arts District (PAD) is finally ready and has been submitted for planning permission.
Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said there were several delays for the PAD project due to conflicts with the proposed state light rail alignment.
“Last year, a 9.2 acre development site off Gat Lebuh Macallum and Lebuhraya Tun Dr Lim Chong Eu was identified to be an ideal place to set up the Penang Arts District,” he said.
Lim said the state government will invest RM30 million for the PAD.
He said the 100,000-sq ft build-up space of the arts district will be mainly made up of shipping containers.
“The container concept and modular style allows for greater flexibility and opportunity for the space to evolve with time,” he said.
The Penang-based BYG Architecture Sdn Bhd was appointed as the lead designer for the PAD.
The architecture firm had submitted a pre-qualification tender with their “Under One Canopy” concept which is breathable canvas that will span over a sculpture park surrounding the art district.
Lim said the PAD will cater to the single largest collection of art galleries, cultural museums, exhibition spaces, art and music studios, arts schools and workshops in Malaysia.
He added that there will be other services such as art bookshops, art supplies shops, framing services and courier services to complement the arts district.
The PAD team will be hosting dialogues and focus group discussions to finalise the detailed building plans for the PAD.
The dialogue sessions will be held on October 25 at 3pm, October 26 at 10.30am and November 10 at 2pm. The sessions will be held at the Penang House of Music, Level 4, Komtar.
A dialogue session will also be held in Kuala Lumpur on November 2 at 2.30pm at Next Academy, AG-7, Glomac Damansara, Jalan Damansara, Kuala Lumpur.
Those interested to attend, may register to attend the sessions at www.penangartsdistrict.com or email to [email protected] or call 604-2616161.
