MASSIVE groundwork along Penang island’s reclaimed foreshore on the east coast near Penang Bridge is being undertaken for a multi-billion ringgit waterfront project and not for the bridge expansion project. Many are under the impression that it is for the proposed extra lanes on the bridge.

IJM Properties is undertaking the development of residential and commercial units, a shopping complex, offices, a hotel and a central civic park on some 97ha of reclaimed land. The reclamation, which started early this month, is scheduled for completion in three years.

IJM managing director Teh Kean Ming was recently quoted as saying that many interesting projects would be launched along the reclaimed coastal land that had a potential for RM6bil in gross development value. A spokesman from IJM said the development at the Jelutong foreshore ran parallel to some 3km from Penang Bridge to the dumpsite in Jalan Sungai Pinang, Jelutong.

He said land reclamation would be divided into five phases, with development projects to be carried out immediately after the first. When asked whether the project would be built close to the Penang Bridge, he said: “We have secured the green light from the relevant authorities.” “Our nearest project will be built some 200m away from the bridge. We adhere to the regulation,” he said.
Source: Star Metro North 29 June 2007