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Email this to a friendBanking On Heritage
THE effort to promote heritage conservation in Penang’s heritage zone has captured the attention of internationally renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi.
He recently purchased a cluster of 15 postwar shophouses, facing Hutton Lane, Transfer Road and Clarke Street, with the aim of maintaining the originality of the place and turning the premises into a five-star boutique hotel.
In an interview, he said the time was right to embark on conservation and preservation activities in line with Penang’s global positioning as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
“If owners and developers wait too long, the cost of restoration will double in view of the escalating prices of construction materials, labour and professional services,” he said.
He shares the view that heritage conservation is a long-term endeavour and the benefits will bring dividends to investors in the future, as the younger generation learn to appreciate architectural history and its impact on society.
“It is best to do it now as the cost is still manageable. “Look at the property appreciation prices elsewhere. It would cost a bundle to embark on conservation programmes in the future, and if possible, owners, developers and interest groups should do it now,” he stressed.
To add value to his refurbishment project, Hijjas intended to get the 15 shophouses restored and positioned as the country’s first environmental-friendly heritage hotel.
During a briefing to Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng and his entourage on Tuesday, Hijjas explained that his contractor would be incorporating environmental-friendly features such as inverter air-conditioners, recycled rainwater for use in the toilet and solar panels while maintaining the rich heritage foundations in the buildings’ interior and exterior facade.
Hijjas will invest between RM50mil and RM80mil for the restoration of the premises which will be called Tanjong Penaga Boutique Hotel. The hotel, scheduled to be completed by the end of the year, will have 32 rooms, food outlets, a beauty saloon and a spa which complies with the green building index.
Hijjas expects the hotel to also showcase works of local contemporary artists and to become a landmark in the heritage zone. His effort earned the praise of Lim who complimented the 75-year-old architect for sharing a similar long-term vision with the state government in heritage conservation.
In view of his attachment to Penang, Hijjas is willing to share his views on issues of conservation, including cost factors and economic viability, with others keen on conserving heritage buildings.
Source: The Star Newspaper. By Ian Mcintyre, photos by K.E. Ooi