MBPP told to clarify multi-storey car park beside Fort Cornwallis

GEORGE TOWN (Feb 19): Citizens Awareness Chant Group (CHANT) has urged Penang Island City Council (MBPP) to clarify on a possible multi-storey car park to be built next to Penang’s iconic heritage building, Fort Cornwallis (pictured).

Its advisor, Yan Lee said there were talks saying that a multi-storey parking building had been planned at the open space beside Fort Cornwallis, where construction works are currently in progress.

He said that he had sent an e-mail to MBPP a week ago to issue an official statement and clarify if the rumours were true, but has yet to receive any response.

“We (CHANT) want to alleviate the public’s concerns and if the mayor can assure that there would be no car park, then all would be settled,” he told reporters outside of Penang State Assembly, opposite the open car park here, today.

He opposed the idea of having a multi-storey car park built next to Fort Cornwallis as it would ruin the ambience and scenery of the heritage building.

“Since Fort Cornwallis is categorised as a Category 1 UNESCO World Heritage Site building, having a multi-storey car park right next to it would mar its charm,” he said.

Lee also said having more parking lots would encourage more private vehicle users to drive into town and would worsen the traffic flow which is against the state government’s policy to reduce the traffic congestion.

“On the other hand, if there were no car parks there, then people would have to use public transport or e-hailing to reach the place, which in this case, would actually reduce the traffic issues,” he added.