The state’s RM200 million waterfront project broke ground on reclaimed land next to the state’s famed tourist destination today.

The state has picked Johor Bahru-based Teto Engineering Sdn Bhd as the main contractor for the Gurney Wharf, a project in the pipeline since 2016.

Chief minister Chow Kon Yeow said the cost has been revised upwards by another RM24 million to RM200 million in view of escalating costs.

He said by next year, a green park, a playground, a skate park and a viewing deck would be ready.

Over the next two years, a hawker centre, a multi-storey car park, a water taxi jetty and a man-made beach would be complete, he said.

In explaining the tender process, Chow said five open tenders were called, one for the main contractor for major building works.

He said the sub-contractors would carry out work on the landscaping, skate park and playground, marine engineering and steel roofing works.

“Those involved in the project will protect the environment and marine areas. A traffic flow plan, including pedestrian walkways, is being studied as we expect the wharf to receive high traffic throughout the day.

“We hope the project, when completed, would be the state’s new attraction.”

Also present were Penang governor Fuzi Abdul Razak and Bagan MP Lim Guan Eng.

A total of 52ha of land was reclaimed off Gurney Drive in 2019. About 20ha have been set aside for Gurney Wharf, while another 20ha would be given to undersea tunnel builders Zenith Construction as a form of payment for the project.

Seven consultants were hired to carry out design and other works on behalf of the Penang Chief Minister Incorporated (CMI), which owns the Gurney Wharf project.