GEORGE TOWN: The blueprint of the RM25 billion Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) is expected to be given the green light by the authorities next month.
Penang Island Municipal Council president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman said the developer of the project had submitted the layout plans recently.
“In view of the size of the project, it will take some time for our building department staff to thoroughly vet the plans,” he said after attending the launching of the council’s new slogan “Excellence is Our Culture” and an information booklet on its operations.
In his speech, Zainal urged council staff to keep abreast on building guidelines of complex development projects such as PGCC and Penang Outer Ring Road.
Zainal also lauded the zero carbon emission concept of PGCC, adding that he planned to make it a pre-requisite for future projects.
“The idea of making the surroundings pollution-free should be emulated by developers of all massive projects,” he said.
The project, to be undertaken by Abad Naluri Sdn Bhd, will be built on the existing 104ha Penang Turf Club land in Batu Gantong here.
The land has been acquired by Abad Naluri, an associate company of Equine Capital Berhad for RM488 million from Penang Turf Club in 2002 and will take 15 years to complete the project.
It will house two iconic towers, a performing arts centre, upscale retail shopping outlets, a convention centre, high-end condominiums and parks.
Under the master plan, Abad Naluri’s proposed Central Park and Penang Hill will be linked by pathways to the existing Municipal Youth Park and Botanic Gardens to form an enlarged public park — the Penang Metropolitan Park.
The project was launched by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi at the Equatorial Hotel here on Wednesday.
