Penang, Malaysia, 9 July 2024 – In conjunction with George Town Heritage Day, Penang’s Chief Minister YAB Tuan Chow Kon Yeow presided over the soft launch of the Fort Cornwallis south moat, whose restoration returns a significant open space back to the citizens of this bustling, multicultural trading town. The initiative is an important component of the George Town North Seafront Masterplan, developed by the George Town Conservation and Development Corporation – a collaborative venture between the Penang Chief Minister Incorporated and Think City, with the Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) serving as the technical advisor.

George Town’s unique multicultural heritage and well-preserved historical buildings, which have virtually disappeared from other Southeast Asian cities like Singapore and Hong Kong, make it an ideal setting for AKTC’s Historic Cities Programme. Following a Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2013, AKTC began aligning with local institutions to leverage the city’s recent UNESCO World Heritage Site status and surge in tourism, and promote conservation that considered cultural assets as the paramount springboard for urban regeneration.

Buried for over a century, the 19th-century moat that once encircled Fort Cornwallis – one of Penang’s most famous landmarks – has been undergoing reinstatement along its southern and western sides. This latest effort follows the rehabilitation of the Seawall Promenade, completed in 2022 and recognised with the Project of the Year 2024 Award from the Institute of Landscape Architects Malaysia. Restoration of the south moat will further enhance the North Seafront, designated as a priority conservation area within the UNESCO George Town World Heritage Site.

History of the moat

The East India Company began constructing the moat in 1804 as a defensive measure during the Napoleonic Wars, and its historical significance is well-documented, with recent archaeological excavations confirming its original structure. In 1921, the moat was filled in part because of public health concerns following an outbreak of malaria, but mainly to facilitate the then planned demolition of the fort. Shortly after being filled, floods reported in the Esplanade revealed the moat’s crucial role as a reserve catchment area, protecting the Padang and the low-lying interior court of Fort Cornwallis from water overflow.

Conservation and its impact

Tourism is vital to Penang’s economy, and its UNESCO World Heritage Site status is a key draw. Hence, master planning of the entire heritage area – which accounts for visitor flow and commerce as well as site conservation – is of vital importance. Without its moat, Fort Cornwallis is incomplete. Reinstating it not only completes the monument’s historical narrative for future generations – offering locals and visitors a deeper connection to Penang's rich cultural heritage – but also expands public space and amenities in the central concourse area.

The moat reinforces Penang’s environmentally conscious approach to urban design. The new water body and its surrounding landscape reduce the heat island effect and introduce a green habitat with associated wildlife in the heart of the historic area. This 4,000m² reservoir improves drainage in the nearby Esplanade and reduces flood risks during heavy rains. Natural aggregate filters and a plant-based bioretention swale reduce the risk of illnesses from stagnant water, which previously required the moat to be buried.

Next steps

Restoration of the west moat is slated for completion in February 2025. In total, the value of the Fort Cornwallis investment will be approximately RM 30 million ($6.4 million) contributed by the Penang State Government, Think City and Yayasan Hasanah. The project is part of the wider North Seafront Improvement Programme, which covers some 14 projects at a total cost of RM 150 million ($31.8 million). The programme will demonstrate the benefits of a culture-based approach towards the sustainable socio-economic development of George Town’s valuable heritage and environmental assets.