Penang govt and Think City collaborating on project to link Eplanade to Clan Jetties

BUTTERWORTH: The Penang government and Think City are collaborating on a project to link the Esplanade to the Clan Jetties in Weld Quay here.

Think City program director Murali Ram (pix) said the link will run through the Church Street Pier and Tanjung City Marina.

He said a special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been created with 51% of the SPV owned by Chief Minister Inc (CMI) and the remaining by Think City.

Murali stressed the link will comply with Unesco Heritage guidelines and that they were also working with the Aga Khan Trust on the project.

"It will probably be towards a promenade," he said when asked what form the link will take during a press conference today.

On urban rejuvenation, Murali said Think City was also seeking applicants for their grants program to rejuvenate Butterworth.

He said a total of RM500,000 worth of grants were available and urged those with ideas to send their proposals.

"The deadline is July 31," he said, adding proposals could include research projects, improving recreational areas, refurbishing old buildings and organising events.

Think City, a subsidiary of Khazanah Nasional, was set up as a SPV to manage the George Town Grants Program (GTGP) in 2008 but has since expanded to Butterworth, Kuala Lumpur and Johor.

Grants totaling RM250,000 were distributed last year for projects including the roof restoration of St Mark's Church and the publication of a book on Butterworth.