Statement of Need

4 Statement of Need 4.1 Introduction Consistent with the 10 th Malaysian Plan rigorously implemented, development to meet pre- sent and future needs will be carved out on land and sea at selected critical areas. Penang Island is one such island where reclamation is allowed. With the rise in human population, coupled with the scarcity of land, reclamation has become a viable option. Therefore, the proposed project was planned in accordance with the Penang Structure Plan encompassing the following needs. 4.2 Continuity of Phase 1 Penang’s long colonial history, beginning as the capital of a Straits Settlement in 1826 to a Crown Colony in 1867 and finally to a member state of Malaysia in 1963, has spawned a substantial number of British colonial buildings. Today, Penang has one of the largest col- lections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia, which is protected by the draft Georgetown Special Area Plan (SAP). In an effort to conserve these historical buildings systematically, the local government has allocated funding to set up the Georgetown World Heritage Incor- porate to monitor development and heritage buildings in the site. Phase DevelopmentII) (STP2), Penang In tandem with this, the STP1 reclamation has proven to be a successful attempt to revive the colonial charm of Penang with its Straits Eclectic architectural style that is inspired by Penang’s built heritage. STP1 with its master planned development concept elevated the standard of residential homes in Penang to a whole new level and continues to set the bench- mark for this area. The STP2 reclamation is envisaged to be a natural extension to STP1 whereby STP2 will continue to reflect the cultural and historical value of Penang whilst rais- ing the bar in terms of architectural innovation to propel Penang towards becoming world class city that attracts capital inflow and investments, as well as generate opportunities for employment, business and tourism. for thefor Proposed Reclamation of Seri Tanjung Pinang ( DEIA 4-1 4.3 Relieving Growth Pressure and Scarcity of Land Penang State consists of Penang Island which has an area of 293 km 2 and Seberang Perai (also known as Province Wellesley) which is a narrow hinterland of 760 km 2 on the Malay peninsula across a narrow channel whose smallest width is 4 km (2.5 miles). According to a census carried out in 2006, Penang has a population of 1,494,900. The state has the highest population density in Malaysia with 2,031.74 people per square kilometre on the island and 865.99 people per square kilometre on the mainland. Its rapid urbanization and population growth have resulted in a conglomeration of contigu- ous towns and an unprecedented proliferation of infrastructural networks and buildings con- necting Tanjung Tokong in the northeast of the island to Bayan Lepas Airport in the southeast. As the island is predominantly hilly from the central north to the south, there is scarcity of land for future development ( Figure 4.1 ). The geological seismic forces that created the island have shaped its topography with its steep mountainous interior and limited areas of flat land capable of development ( Figure 4.2 ). This is one of the reasons why the island has the highest population density in the country. STP1 Figure 4.1 Congested Settlements within a Limited Space Surrounded by Hills on the Background of STP1, Tanjung Tokong STP2 reclamation is the faute de mieux solution in the foreseeable future without infringing upon Penang hills. The proposed reclaimed islands will provide more space (approximately 760 acres) for Penang residents and shall be utilized for residential, commercial, educational, recreational, healthcare and tourism activities contributing and promoting Penang as a world class international city. Chapter 4: Statement of Need 4-2 Figure 4.2 The Seismic Activity which Shaped the Island Created a Steep Mountainous Interior with Limited Areas of Flat Land Capable of Development 4.4 Enhancement of the Local Environment STP2 has a strong potential to become a model for sustainable living. The guiding principles are to incorporate ecological restoration and water sensitive planning in the master plan and aiming to achieve minimum development footprint. Some key strategies to restore and to enhance the local environment include: ng (Phase DevelopmentII) (STP2), Penang a) Coastal water quality improvement; b) Integrated water management strategies; c) Sustainable energy strategies including energy efficiency and renewable energy; and d) Sustainable spatial planning aiming to reduce automobile dependence and create livable ‘walkable’ city. Another conspicuous trend in the local development is the ubiquitous mushrooming of sky- scrapers along the eastern coastal road that form an enclosure to the inner city. The advent of Penang Outer Ring Road (PORR) running parallel to Gurney Drive further reinforces the edge to the coastal front. STP2 reclamation with significant area dedicated to green space and its adjacent waterways to the west, serves to enhance the views from Gurney Drive towards the sea and thereby stimulating the value appreciation of its environs ( Figure 4.3 ). DEIA thefor Proposed Reclamation of Seri Tanjung Pina 4-3 Figure 4.3 Overall Aerial View In addition to the overall STP2 conceptual masterplan, the Project Proponent will reclaim 131 acres of land for the State Government to create a proposed public promenade called the Gurney Drive Linear Park, with a waterfront park and pedestrian friendly pathway linkages, providing an attractive waterfront venue for social gatherings and public recreational activities ( Figure 4.4 ) akin to Gurney Drive in its heyday. Figure 4.4 Attractive Waterfront Promenade along Gurney Drive Linear Park Chapter 4: Statement of Need 4-4 4.5 Relieving Traffic Congestion The heavy traffic particularly along Gurney Drive during peak hours has long been a prob- lem not only to the locals but also tourists. A multilane road road with trees planted along its alignment is proposed by the State Government as part of the overall STP2 development in order to alleviate traffic congestion in Tanjung Tokong and Pulau Tikus ( Figure 4.5 ). In view of this, and upon considering the importance of a comprehensive road network in the area, the proposed STP2 will be able to fulfill the following needs: a) To enhance the road network within Tanjung Tokong and Pulau Tikus areas; b) To provide smooth and safe traffic service to locals and tourists; and c) To provide pedestrian-friendly walkways. Side Walk Driveway Parking Side Walk Mudflat 5 m 10 m 3 m 6 m ng (Phase DevelopmentII) (STP2), Penang Car park Car Car park Car Pedestrian Pedestrian Pedestrian Pedestrian Bicycle laneBicycle Bicycle laneBicycle landscaping landscaping 2 way Gurney 2 4 lanedriveway 4 lanedriveway 4 Promenade with Promenade Service driveway Service Figure 4.5 Existing Roads along Gurney Drive (Top) and the Proposed Gurney Drive (Bottom) DEIA thefor Proposed Reclamation of Seri Tanjung Pina 4-5 4.6 In Tandem with NCER The National Physical Plan of Malaysia envisages a Conurbation of Georgetown encompassing Georgetown and the surrounding areas ( Figure 4.6 ). Under the 10 th Malaysia Plan, the greater metropolitan area of Penang comprising Penang Island, Seberang Perai, Perlis, Kedah and the north of Perak is referred to as the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER). The vision of the NCER is to be a world-class economic region by 2025, where it is amongst the world’s best in a number of its key economic sectors, such as E&E (Electrical and Electronics cluster), agriculture, tourism and biotechnology. Through the provision of a conducive business environment, the NCER will be a destination of choice for foreign and domestic businesses to invest in, while its emphasis on social development, community infrastructure and environmental integrity will make it a preferred destination for business, work, education, holidays and living among both Malaysians and foreigners. STP2 will facilitate new growth, energy and focus to Penang, elevating the island’s status and contributing to the vision of NCER. Source: Northern Corridor Economic Region Socio-economic Blueprint (2007) Figure 4.6 Proposed Key Economic Chapter 4: Statement of Need Activities in the NCER 4-6 4.7 Unique Concept Island Approach This innovative concept will have a positive transformational effect on Penang, enhancing the overall value proposition of the island as a world class destination in Asia by creating the following benefits: a) Establishing a world-class sustainable living community; b) Introducing iconic buildings of international standard; c) Having clear zoning structure per designated district use; d) Introducing various commercial, educational and tourism activities that in turn generate job opportunities for the local populace; e) Promoting arts and culture integrated facilities; f) Promoting social inclusion for mixed-income and affordable housing development; g) Presenting an ideal branding opportunity for Penang; h) Introducing an international destination for education, recreation and health care tourism; i) Enhancing Gurney Drive as a recreation venue; j) Introducing a promenade that promotes the enjoyment of the seafront for pedestrians; and k) Promoting overall capital appreciation of land value and wealth creation. 4.8 Complement the Rich Heritage of Penang In conjunction with Georgetown being listed as a World Heritage Site in 2008 having “a unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia” , STP2 is envisaged to complement the heritage of Penang Island ( Figure 4.7 ). Besides enhancing the setting of Georgetown, STP2 draws influence from its character in the pattern of its streets and spaces together with the character of its architecture while providing a mix of complementary uses which will encourage movement between one and the other. ng (Phase DevelopmentII) (STP2), Penang Figure 4.7 Enhancing Georgetown as a World Heritage Site DEIA thefor Proposed Reclamation of Seri Tanjung Pina 4-7 .

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