Gurney Reach

Gurney Reach is a planned promenade on a man-made island off Gurney Drive at Teluk Ayer Rajah, on the northeast coast of George Town. The 307-hectare island is part of the Seri Tanjung Pinang phase two project by Eastern & Oriental Berhad (E&O).

Gurney Reach is the seafront promenade on the yet unnamed island that is being proposed. The island will be linked to Penang Island by two 400-meter bridges connecting it to Gurney Drive and Straits Quay. The island will be developed over the next twenty years.

According to E&O Managing Director Datuk Terry Tham, Gurney Reach will have open air cafés, restaurants and either an aquarium or museum. The company held a public dialogue on 24 August to seek public opinion over the project.

What is my opinion on this project? If three main issues are properly address, I have no opposition. The first issue is that a thorough environmental assessment be carried out to ascertain that it will not be detrimental to the coastline of northeastern Penang Island. In particular, this project should not result in coastal erosion to Penang Island and Penang Mainland.

The second issue is that this project do not negatively impact on the planned undersea link between Penang Island and mainland, as the link is vital for uplifting the livelihood of the population of Northern Seberang Perai. If the reclamantion association with this project is part of the tunnel project, then it should be allowed.

The final issue is that this project should not negatively impact the livelihood of those staying in the area, particularly the low-income population of Tanjong Tokong. If existing population has to be moved, they must be well compensated.

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