SPICE (GPS: 5.329, 100.28031), or the Subterranean Penang International Conference & Exhibition Centre, is an exhibition centre formerly known as PISA, in Bayan Baru, Penang. Also known as SETIA SPICE, it is a collaboration between the Penang State Government and developer SP Setia Berhad. The project said to cost between RM250 million to RM300 million is being developed by the SP Setia Group for the Penang State Government.
The Setia SPICE project involves the construction of a semi-subterranean facility for conferences and exhibition. SPICE enlarges the area available at the Penang International Sports Arena. The project was originally called the Penang International Convention Centre (PICC) but was renamed in an announcement made by the Penang Chief Minister as mentioned in a report in The Star on 16 January, 2011.
SPICE will include the Penang People's Park, which provides environmentally friendly recreational facilities. I suppose the existing swimming pool at PISA will be upgraded and improved as part of the project. In addition, there will be a ball room and other function rooms. There will also be a multi-storey car park enabling the entire site to have a total of 2,200 parking lots.
The SPICE project has not been without controversy. Residents of Bayan Baru, Relau and other surrounding areas are concerned that SPICE will cause an increase in traffic congestion. As with many controversial projects in Penang (ie the Penang Bridge, the Jelutong Expressway, etc.), there would be many naysayers, but once the benefit is realized, the criticisms are quickly forgotten. Having said that, they are also controversial projects that stick out like sore thumb after their implementation. It goes to be seen whether SPICE will join the former or the latter.
Setia Welcome Centre, the developers' site office at SPICE (25 November 2013)
Components of SPICE
SPICE Comprises of the following components, based on the model at the developer's showroom:
SPICE Arena Indoor Stadium
This was formerly known as the Penang International Sports Arena, or PISA. However, the new name is more in keeping with the use of the area, as it is not just for sports but more likely for convention and other similar events.
SPICE Indoor Stadium (5 July 2014)
Refurbished SPICE Indoor Stadium (formerly PISA) (5 July 2014)
Setia SPICE at night (4 May 2018)
SPICE Aquatic Club
This is the former PISA Aquatic Centre. It was officially opened by the Penang Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng on Thursday, 28 January, 2016. SP Setia is granted a 30-year concession to manage and operate the SPICE Aquatic Centre, as part of the Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre. During the opening of the SPICE Aquatic Centre, the Chief Minister mentioned that the proposed LRT line would be passing through Setia Spice.
The new SPICE Aquatic Centre is open daily from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm including on public holidays. Admission fees are RM8 per adult/RM6 per child below 12 and seniors 55 and above Mondays to Fridays (8:00 am to 6:00 pm), RM10/RM8 (Mondays to Fridays (6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays). Admission fee for spectators are RM2 Mondays to Fridays (8:00 am to 6:00 pm), RM3 (Mondays to Fridays (6:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays).
SPICE Canopy and Aquatic Club (5 July 2014)
Sports Facilities at SPICE Aquatic Centre
In addition to the swimming pool, the badminton and squash courts are now also available for rent, at RM14 per hour per court from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and RM18 per hour per court from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. For details, contact Setia SPICE (phone: 011 360m 7668, email: spiceaquatic@spsetia.com)
SPICE Canopy
This is the retail and food & beverage component of SPICE. It will have a few F&B outlets as well as specialty stores and lifestyle services shops.
Setia Welcome Centre
The Setia Welcome Centre is the office of the developer in Penang. This is the place to go to inquire about properties within this project.
Model of the SETIA Welcome Centre (5 July 2014)
SETIA Welcome Centre (5 July 2014)
Main Entrance
The Main Entrance to SPICE faces Jalan Tun Dr Awang. It will have a distinctive web canopy.
SPICE main entrance (5 July 2014)
Rooftop Public Park
The 2.83-hectare rooftop public park is expected to add much needed greenery to the area.
SPICE Rooftop Public Park (5 July 2014)
Updates
October, 2013: The Setia Welcome Centre opens at SPICE to serve as the site office and sales gallery for the developer.
Address
SPICE
Jalan Tun Dr Awang
11900 Bayann Lepas, Penang
Phone: +60-4-645 1934
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Disclaimer
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