Urban park by the sea

The Star - May 31, 2008 By CHRISTINA CHIN

THERE's a new recreational spot on the island's eastern coast Penangites can now heaad for the 3.6km pedestrian promenade by the Jelutong Expressway (JE) for their morning jogs, evening strolls or just to enjoy the scenic view.

Touted as Penang’s longest, the landscaped promenade which is now open to the public, runs parallel to part of the JE stretch from Jalan Sungai Pinang to Penang Bridge and is built on reclaimed land.

Designed as a seafront urban park at a cost of about RM7mil, the promenade at Bandar Sri Pi-nang overlooks the Butterworth port and Penang Bridge.

The 3.6km long promenad, which overlooks the Butterworth port and Penang Bridge.

The 10m wide promenade along Lebuh Sungai Pinang was constructed by Jelutong Development Sdn Bhd – a subsidiary of IJM Properties Sdn Bhd.

The promenade area features a central deck, pedestrian-cyclist pathway, shady trees, hibiscus shrubs and car park.

The promenade where Penangites can go for their morning jog and evening strolls.

At the central deck, the main attractions are the “Celebration of Our Blue Sky”, comprising four 25m high blue posts and another sculpture called the “Rhythm of Light”.

The promenade together with the sculptures were officially presented to the state government on Thursday.

The sculptures are the work of Hitori Nakayama – a Japanese artist who has made the island his home in the last 20 years.

During the official handing-over ceremony, Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng thanked the developer for its initiative to “take art out of gallery spaces and bringing it directly to the people”.

Lim said besides quality, affordable homes, amenities and recreational facilities were important in enhancing the people’s quality of life.

IJM Corp Bhd chief executive officer and managing director Datuk Krishnan Tan said the two sculptures were part of the company’s “Penang in Harmony” collection.

Lim signing on the plaque to open the promenade.

“Over the years, we have commissioned several art pieces to help beautify the state. These include the ‘Harmony Fly’ seagull sculptures along the Jelutong Expressway and ‘Wave of Prosperity’ Gurney Drive roundabout.

“Sculptures are not merely art pieces. They add a creative dimension to the island’s street-scape and are landmarks in their own right,’’ he said.

He added that once the company’s entire Jelutong development project was completed in a few years, Penang would have a shoreline development that was among the best in the world.

Also present at the ceremony were Consul-General of Japan in Penang Hideaki Hoshi, state executive councillors Chow Kon Yeow and Abdul Malik Abdul Kassim, assemblymen Ng Wei Aik and Lau Keng Ee, Penang island municipal council (MPPP) president Datuk Zainal Rahim Seman, IJM Properties Sdn Bhd managing director Teh Kean Ming and sculpture artists Nakayama and Heng.

Teh, speaking to the press after the event, said construction of the JE second phase in Weld Quay had been completed.

“We are just tying up loose ends now. Under Phase Three which will take 36 months to complete, an interchange at Jalan Tan Sri Teh Ewe Lim and Jalan Sungai Pinang would be built,” he said.