Fort Cornwallis western moat restoration ready in July

The Star

7 days ago

The new Astaka replaces the former food court, offering improved facilities while respecting Fort Cornwallis' historical features.
TWO major projects in George Town – the reinstatement of the moat at Fort Cornwallis and redevelopment of Astaka Kota Selera food court nearby – are close to completion.
Penang Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said work on the western moat was ongoing, with completion expected by July.
He said the southern moat at Fort Cornwallis was restored in July 2024.
'The restored moat uses traditional building methods and materials.
'Built on-site within a modular grid, it is designed for long-term stability,' Chow said during a site visit.
'The completed southern and western moats now form a 4,000sq m water basin, 0.9m deep, and can hold about 3,600 cubic metres of water.
(From left) Chow, Wong, H'ng, Hamdan and representatives of various agencies checking on the progress of the restoration work at Fort Cornwallis. — Photos courtesy of Buletin Mutiara
'Its ecological concept incorporates a mechanical sand filter within the moat basin and a vegetated bio-retention swale between the moat edge and outer glacis wall.
'The entire project cost RM23.4mil, of which the Penang government funded RM15.3mil, with additional support from Think City and Hasanah Foundation,' he said.
Also present were state executive councillors Wong Hon Wai, Lim Siew Khim, Jason H'ng Mooi Lye, Datuk Seri Sundarajoo Somu, Think City managing director Hamdan Abdul Majeed and Chief Minister Incorporated general manager Datin S. Bharathi.
State publisher Buletin Mutiara quoted Chow as saying that the project also aligned with United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in the areas of sponge city model, ecological biodiversity, climate adaptation environmental awareness, and community engagement.
On the Astaka Kota Selera redevelopment costing RM4mil, Chow said it would be launched on June 2.
He said the project was closely linked to the western moat's reinstatement as the previous food court was constructed directly over part of the moat's original alignment.
'To allow for archaeological excavations and the moat's reconstruction, the food court was relocated slightly westward.
'During this transitional phase, vendors were temporarily accommodated at a nearby playground area to ensure minimal disruption to their operations,' he said.
He added that the new Astaka had replaced the former food court.
Improved facilities had been thoughtfully designed into the premises while respecting the historical context of Fort Cornwallis, said Chow.
'It accommodates 26 hawker stalls arranged along the perimeter of a spacious central court, providing clear visibility across stalls and seating areas.
'The space can seat up to 224 patrons and includes dedicated amenities such as a surau, public toilets, and facilities for people with disabilities including ramps and barrier-free access.
'The upgraded Astaka Kota Selera stands apart from typical food court developments, setting a benchmark for the sensitive insertion of new architecture within a historical urban fabric,' added Chow.