George town: The Penang government today launched the Cultural Heritage Hub (CH2) project to preserve and revitalise George Town's cultural heritage by restoring eight fire-damaged heritage shophouses into a centre for heritage education, creative industries, and community engagement.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee chairman Wong Hon Wai stated that the project, expected to be completed within two to three years, reflects the state's continued commitment to safeguarding the Outstanding Universal Value of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site while ensuring its cultural heritage continues to benefit future generations.
He described the project as a collaboration between George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the Penang government, and Lim Kongsi Toon Pun Tong, which has leased the eight heritage shophouses to GTWHI for 30 years to enable their restoration and adaptive reuse after they were severely damaged in a fire in 2015.
Wong highlighted that what was once a tragedy has become an opportunity to rejuvenate these heritage buildings. Instead of allowing them to deteriorate further, they are being transformed into a public cultural space that will celebrate heritage while contributing to the local economy. The project is anticipated to require at least RM10 million, with funding to be sought from federal and state governments, as well as contributions from the private sector, corporations, and individual donors to support its implementation.
GTWHI, as the implementing agency, will also welcome proposals from interested parties to contribute ideas for the development of the hub. Upon completion, CH2 will comprise three key components: the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site Interpretive Centre, the Creative Economy Incubation Centre, and the Cultural Practitioner Interactive Space.
The Interpretive Centre aims to provide visitors with a greater understanding of George Town's history, culture, and architecture through interactive exhibitions and educational displays, promoting appreciation of heritage conservation. The Creative Economy Incubation Centre will support local entrepreneurs and creative practitioners by offering platforms, resources, expert mentorship, and networking opportunities to develop innovative products and services inspired by George Town's cultural heritage.
The Cultural Practitioner Interactive Space will host exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and community programmes designed to preserve and promote traditional knowledge, cultural practices, and heritage skills while encouraging greater public participation in cultural activities.
GTWHI General Manager Dr Ang Ming Chee reported that basic restoration works on units numbered 31 to 39 have been completed at a cost of approximately RM1.8 million, while restoration works for units 41, 43, and 43A will be undertaken in the next phase. She assured that all restoration works would strictly comply with the conservation guidelines governing the UNESCO World Heritage Site, adding that public feedback on the project's design and future use would also be considered.