BADAN Warisan Malaysia (BWM) has slammed Penang Island City Hall’s (MBPP) approval to instruct the demolition of the Rex Cinema at Jalan Burma in Georgetown, Penang.
This is despite the Mayor of City Council of Penang Island saying that flaws in the 2030 draft Penang Island local plan will be rectified, as reported in the media on Jan 5, 2023, said the non-governmental organisation.
“This 84-year-old Art Deco cinema possesses architectural, social, cultural and heritage significance not only for Penangites but for all Malaysians,” said BWM president Lim Wei-Ling in a statement.
“It is imperative that we conserve and protect Rex Cinema for future generations to enjoy. [But] preserving only the façade will not be enough.”
The iconic building – considered a heritage of Penang’s heydays – is set to be torn down to give way to a 27-storey condominium project.
According to plans submitted to MBPP, aide from putting up the condominium, the developer had also applied to preserve and maintain a row of 24 heritage shophouses on the adjacent Kinta Lane.
The city council had approved the project on Oct 19 last year.
“The Rex Cinema was built with significant interior Art Deco features and details, and these should be maintained. Art Deco architecture is much appreciated and celebrated all over the world,” Lim stressed.
“BWM strongly supports the heritage and conservation groups in Penang and their great efforts made to preserve the historic heritage environment of Georgetown, Penang.”
Lim further pointed to the recent demolition of Clove Hall Residence – which is in proximity to Rex Cinema – as another irreplaceable loss of a historic piece of architecture of the island.
“We wish and encourage MBPP to be more supportive and sensitive to preserve and protect Georgetown’s rich built heritage, including buildings and sites beyond the UNESCO protected boundaries,” she asserted.
“It is this unique heritage that makes Penang one of the most significant places to visit in Malaysia. Cities in Malaysia like Penang and Malacca that have many buildings and neighbourhoods of heritage value, must take the lead in preservation, conservation and other environmental matters.
“These cities must balance the old with the new and cannot always take the easy route to development. Local Authorities must be proactive in these matters.” – Jan 27, 2023
Main pic credit: Flickr
