KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 — The Penang Island City Council has been given one additional month to complete its upgrade plan for the refurbishment on the historic Campbell Street market, said Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow.
In a walkabout around the heritage site this morning, Chow said that plans to upgrade the iconic market had been planned since 2015 and that it was time to ensure the completion of the project.
“This project was launched with engagements with stakeholders in 2015 and the project is going into its third year yet the market community is still waiting on news for when this project will be complete,” he said.
“Upon the mayor’s request, I have allowed one more month for the council to better the plan they have for this project, this is for them to do a last review before making the call for tender.”
“We expect to tender by June or August this year,” added Chow.
He also revealed that upon taking into consideration the heritage significance of the building, the refurbishment would cost between RM7 to RM8 million.
“I think the mayor would also like to add value to the plan they have by including the Green Building Index compliance and accessibility of the market,’ added the newly elected CM.
Chow also noted that refurbishment works are expected to begin latest by the fourth quarter of this year, and said that it would take up to two and a half years to finish.
“The market will still be operational during the works, the market has to go on everyday so the work schedule has to be taken into consideration,” he said.
“Section by section, the upgrade works will be carried out and we hope to start by the third or final quarter of 2018.”
The century-old market is well known for its variety of street food among locals and tourists, and is expected to be equipped with 78 stalls upon completion of the major facelift.
