George Town Heritage Building to be Revived as Regional Learning and Education Centre

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Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow has announced that a long-abandoned heritage building at the junction of Gat Lebuh Acheh and Lebuh Victoria will finally be restored and repurposed as a regional centre for heritage learning, following the resolution of a lengthy court case that had stalled its redevelopment.

The Penang government has allocated RM11 million for the restoration of the former godown, which had been acquired by the state for heritage-related purposes. Managed by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), the new centre will serve as a hub for heritage learning and knowledge exchange, linking residents, artisans, NGOs, professional bodies, and international heritage centres. Chow stressed that the centre would not only benefit Penang but also provide a platform for regional collaboration in heritage education and research. ^[1]

In parallel, another major initiative, the Cultural Heritage Hub—has been revived. With RM4 million in funding, this project will restore eight shophouses along Lebuh Acheh and convert them into a space for Penang’s creative economy. Once completed by the first quarter of next year, the hub is expected to provide opportunities for creative entrepreneurs and niche service providers, ensuring that heritage spaces remain vibrant and economically viable. ^[2]

GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee confirmed that preparations for both projects are underway, with permits being secured and restoration expected to begin next year. She added that fees imposed will be “sustainable and reasonable,” ensuring inclusivity.

At the George Town Heritage Celebrations (GTHC) 2025 community appreciation ceremony, Chow also commended GTWHI and its 40 community partners for their creativity and commitment. The three-day event, held from July 5–7, attracted over 20,000 visitors, highlighting the role of heritage in uniting communities and inspiring cultural participation. ^[3]

Since George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008, GTWHI has spearheaded a community-driven approach, investing more than RM18.5 million in repair incentives for 375 heritage buildings. ^[4] These efforts have safeguarded George Town’s architectural legacy while also creating conditions for new forms of economic activity.

The dual focus on heritage education and creative entrepreneurship demonstrates how conservation can be interwoven with innovation. By restoring heritage assets and reimagining them as spaces for learning, cultural exchange, and creative enterprise, Penang is cultivating an ecosystem where heritage preservation, creative industries, and niche services can reinforce one another. Crucially, such initiatives also have the potential to draw both local and international tourists, offering them immersive cultural experiences while strengthening Penang’s standing as a vibrant heritage destination. In this way, Penang’s heritage revival is more than a safeguard of the past, it is a strategic investment in a sustainable, knowledge-driven, and creative future.

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