GEORGE TOWN: Renowned architect Hijjas Kasturi has embarked on a RM20 million project to turn 15 shoplots in the heritage enclave here into a boutique hotel with 50 five-star-rated rooms.

The shoplots, located along Clarke Road, Hutton Lane and Transfer Road, were bought via a bank tender.

Speaking during a site visit by Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng, Hijjas said it would be his first experience in 40 years of practice to undertake the revival of heritage buildings and run a hotel.

Hijjas said he was looking at buying another three shoplots in the area to serve as staff quarters and house additional facilities for the proposed Tanjung Penaga boutique hotel.

“This project is a personal challenge and a learning curve as I wanted to do something for Penang, especially in terms of heritage conservation, and this project is also a tangible long-term investment, which is a good investment for the future,” Hijjas said.

The hotel would include five family “villas” in one of the lots, eight suites and 32 rooms. There will also be a garden in the back alley, for which Hijjas is seeking approval from the Penang Island Municipal Council (MPPP) to turn into a green lung area.

Hijjas said the hotel would comply with the green building index, which means a 40% increase in expenditure, as it entails harvesting of rain water and the use of solar panels to power LED lights and recycled materials in hotel construction and furnishing.

“We have shopped all over the world for the materials to retain the identity of the buildings with tiles being sought from Vietnam and Indonesia, old recycled furniture from China, brass switches from Australia, among others.

“This project will set a paradigm and standards in reviving heritage buildings and I am hoping by my success to turn these buildings around, I can entice my other architect friends to come to Penang and revive other heritage buildings too,” he said.

The hotel will feature a lap pool, shops, beauty salon, spa, dining facilities and also provide accommodation for pets besides being children friendly with a lift for one lot that is four-storey high.

Hijjas said the hotel would target mostly foreign tourists, particularly from Hong Kong, Thailand, the United Kingdom, Australia and Singapore.

“We hope to bring back life to this side of George Town and we have spared no expense to ensure that this project will meet high standards,” he said.

The hotel and its outlets will also feature works of local artists, including sculptures and drawings.

Rates would start from RM350 for the rooms to RM800 for the villas.

Lim, meanwhile, said the project would add value to Penang’s heritage and called on other architects to emulate Hijjas by putting passion and money into such projects.

“This hotel is for the discerning guests who wish for a unique experience in George Town,” he said.


This article appeared in The Edge Financial Daily, March 3, 2010.