Malaysia’s largest seafront city park, Gurney Bay, is set to open by the end of this year. With its waterfront views and dining options, the RM200mil 20.2ha park aims to attract visitors from around the world.
Under its first phase, Gurney Bay will include a water body reclamation area, children’s playground, skate park, viewing decks, promenade, hawker stalls, and retail shops. Deputy Chief Minister II Jagdeep Singh Deo stated that this project will become an international treasure, drawing millions of visitors globally.
Danga Bay, which is located about 7km outside of Johor Baru, currently holds the title as Malaysia’s biggest recreational park. However, Gurney Bay stands out due to its prime location within Penang’s residential and commercial neighborhood facing the sea.
Jagdeep Singh Deo said, “There’s nowhere else in Malaysia that you can see such a mammoth urban public park by the sea. Gurney Bay will be a premier tourist attraction offering a picturesque seafront experience with an array of dining facilities that includes George Town’s famous hawker fare.”
The completion of Gurney Bay is expected to revitalize the tourism industry and align with the Penang 2030 vision of becoming a family-focused, green, and smart state. The first phase is set to open before the end of the year, while the second phase, scheduled for completion in 2025, will feature additional amenities such as a hawker centre, retail mall, convenience stores, viewing decks, a water garden, water taxi jetty, man-made beach, and boardwalk.
Once the second phase is completed, the food court at Gurney Drive will be relocated to Gurney Bay. Jagdeep Singh Deo mentioned that the new food court will be 1.5 times larger than the current one.
Regarding transportation, Jagdeep Singh Deo suggested having a light rail transit (LRT) stop near Gurney Bay to address potential traffic issues. He emphasized the importance of accommodating the crowd at this iconic site, although there will be ample car parks available.
Originally named Gurney Wharf when first proposed in 2016, the project was later renamed Gurney Bay to better reflect its location and concept. Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow acknowledged the name change as appropriate since there are no wharves or piers at the project site.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
