GEORGE TOWN, July 7 – Two long-abandoned godowns along Victoria Street in George Town are set for a major transformation, following the state government’s successful legal appeal to reclaim the land. The derelict buildings, located at No. 161 and No. 165 Victoria Street, will be restored and repurposed into the George Town Heritage Research, Education and Learning International Centre (GTH-Relic).
According to Malay Mail, Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow announced that RM11 million has been allocated for the restoration project, which will be spearheaded by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI). The once-bustling godowns — which were used as transit accommodation for Chinese immigrants in the 1800s and later as warehouses — have been left in disrepair since a land dispute in 2019.
“GTWHI has often been recognised as one of the best World Heritage Site managers in Southeast Asia,” said Chow, adding that the new centre will not only serve locals but also position George Town as a regional hub for heritage education.
GTH-Relic will feature four core components: an interpretative centre, a heritage laboratory, a heritage materials bank, and a cultural heritage embassy. The centre aims to engage a wide audience — from children and professionals to community residents and international visitors — with some fee-based programmes planned to ensure sustainability.
GTWHI general manager Dr Ang Ming Chee said restoration works are expected to begin next year once all necessary permits are secured.
In a separate initiative, GTWHI will also collaborate with Lim Kongsi to establish a new Cultural Heritage Hub (CH²) on Acheh Street. The RM4 million project involves restoring eight pre-war shophouses that were previously damaged in a fire. Upon completion, the hub will offer a shared space for capacity building, an interpretative centre, and a creative economy incubation platform to support local artisans and entrepreneurs.
Lim Kongsi vice-president Datuk Lawrence Lim confirmed that the buildings were badly damaged but restoration is underway and expected to be completed by the first quarter of next year.
The announcement coincided with the George Town Heritage Celebrations, which took place from July 5 to 7, marking the city’s 17th anniversary as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The event featured workshops, cultural performances, heritage walks, and open houses, which Chow said helped reconnect the public with George Town’s diverse heritage institutions.
He also expressed hope that more heritage organisations will be included in future celebrations to further promote Penang’s unique cultural identity.
