By Chan Wei Chao (REN 39846), Team Leader, Bricksmen Team · IQI Realty Sdn. Bhd. · Updated 13 November 2026
Four old warehouses around the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal in George Town will be redeveloped into a waterfront leisure and retail area, with completion targeted for 2030. The plan was shared by Wong Hon Wai, chairman of the Penang State Tourism and Creative Economy Committee, as reported by Kwong Wah Yit Poh and Penang Property Talk on 13 November 2026.
The key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Site | Warehouses 2, 3, 4 and 6 around Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal, George Town |
| Carried out by | Penang Port Commission, through Penang Port Sdn Bhd |
| Planned uses | Duty-free retail in Warehouses 2, 3 and 4; retail in Warehouse 6; plus food and beverage outlets, exhibition and event spaces, small art markets and a waterfront promenade |
| Heritage | The warehouses keep their historic maritime character, and the area will link the cruise terminal with the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Timeline | Design, studies and procurement first; a Conservation Management Plan must be approved; refurbishment from 2028, taking about 18 months; completion targeted for 2030 |
| Not disclosed | Cost and floor area |
The cruise terminal will keep operating during construction, so works will be planned around peak passenger arrivals.
A separate proposal nearby
For Warehouses 5, 7 and 8 at Church Street Pier and land at Tanjung City Marina, the Penang Port Commission has called for proposals on a 30-year lease, with an option to extend by 15 years. No timeline has been set for that project.
What it means for homebuyers
The plan adds another reason for visitors to spend time along the George Town seafront, but it is still years away and depends on approvals. If you are looking at George Town:
- Treat 2030 as a target, not a promise. Heritage approvals and procurement can take time.
- Judge projects on what exists today: access, parking, noise and the price compared with nearby completed homes.
- If you are considering short-term rental, check the building’s by-laws and local rules before you buy.
New launches in George Town on our site include G’Vinton (serviced suites from RM560,500), Scott @ Logan (serviced suites from RM496,800) and Lumina Residence (available units from RM1,256,000). Prices are developer SPA prices and change with availability. See all George Town projects or our project reviews.
Frequently asked questions
Which Swettenham Pier warehouses will be redeveloped?
Warehouses 2, 3, 4 and 6 around the Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
What will they become?
Duty-free retail, other shops, food and beverage outlets, exhibition and event spaces, art markets and a waterfront promenade.
When will it be completed?
Refurbishment is planned from 2028, with completion targeted for 2030, subject to approvals.
Who is carrying out the project?
The Penang Port Commission, through Penang Port Sdn Bhd.
Looking at homes in George Town?
I can send you the latest price lists for George Town projects. WhatsApp or call +60 10-313 9113.
Sources
- Penang Property Talk: Four Swettenham Pier warehouses to be redeveloped into waterfront leisure hub by 2030
- Newswav: Four Swettenham Pier warehouses to be redeveloped into waterfront leisure hub by 2030
This article is general information based on published reports as of 13 November 2026. It is not investment advice; project prices are developer SPA prices and depend on availability.