INTRODUCTION.

Penang Island so often referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Orient’ for its characteristic. Historical harbour, unique waterfront, sights and features, the variety of local food and the friendly people. But think, for a moment, what there is to provide a landmark for the island as the 'Pearl of the Orient', to capture the history of the once bustling harbour in this region of the world and to celebrate the city and the people today. The development offers this rare opportunity to create a single most exiting redevelopment that could be the pride of the city of Penang.

The Penang Island harbour and waterfront today was once a key trading settlement along with its wooden houses on stilts. It is legacy of early settlement of the island ‘tongkangs’, junks and later bigger vessels still shuttle between Swettenham Pier and their homeport. Today the port sitting on the eastern cape of the city is the busiest of all ports in the West Coast region. Endowed with a good natural harbour covering an extensive area of sheltered water between the Penang Island and mainland, it is a safe port for any type of vessel. Nostalgic scene of the past is still evident along the harbour situated between Georgetown and Butterworth.

It is therefore a need to create a new space where the significance of the port can be enhanced. This made possible by the proposed to develop the site into a place of events and a place of celebration. Apart from creating a landmark to the entrance of the harbour it should also address as a point of reference between the sea and the island.

It is hoped that the creation of this new space will help to display new functions to reactivate the potentials of the site. As there is a rapid increase in number of boats and yachts making Penang Island as their port of call. It is about time to imagine a marina for visitors to Penang Island.

Intentionally the project is part of a cohesive development strategy to enhance the continuity of the waterfront. Penang Port Sendirian Berhad (PPSB) has set its goals to develop the site. It is therefore my duty to explore to the best extent, the possibilities and ideas that will benefit both the PPSB and the public. It is also a vision by the State Government that the development will becomes one of the ironic structure that remind Penang to everyone.