Local government committee chairman Jagdeep Singh Deo said five open tenders were called recently for work on the project.

He said the open tender would see the main contractor and four subcontractors appointed, with work on the first phase to begin by January. He did not say when the second phase would begin. Construction would take some 30 months.

Jagdeep said the subcontractors would carry out marine engineering and landscaping work and construct a waterfront, playground and skate park.

Jagdeep was answering a question by Lee Chun Kit (PH-Pulau Tikus), who had asked for a status update on the project.

Gurney Wharf will include a seaside retail food and beverage area, water gardens, an artificial beach and a coastal grove.

A mall, two hotels, a business centre and wellness suites will also be built. Part of the reclaimed area will make way for an expressway.

The wharf was reclaimed by Tanjung Pinang Development Sdn Bhd as part of a deal to reclaim Seri Tanjung Pinang Phase II further up north. No costs to reclaim the 53ha were disclosed.