Introduction

 

Syed Alatas Mansion – The Beginning of Heritage Restorations

Renovation of building is normally heard for those who own houses.  It is the act of improving by renewing and restoring, but since 1993 onwards the awareness on restoration or conserving of the building is increasing.  People already aware the heritage values of a building especially those that are in the world heritage site.   This fact happened when a building “Syed Alatas Mansion” was chosen to be the pilot project for conservation in the Acehnese and Armenian Streets area.

The plan of the location of the mansion.

Other view of the plan of the mansion

Understanding that the restoration old buildings will benefit the society in the long run, a public education campaign for specific group and onsite training for selected craftsmen can make the objective of the Penang State become true. As stated by the former Chief Minister of Penang, Dr Koh Tsu Koon in the launching of the Syed Alatas Mansion restoration.

“Heritage development is crucial to the growth of the cultural and tourism industry
 in Penang.  Historic attractions and values attract both foreign and domestic tourist” (cited by Anthony, 1993).

Further to that, as warned by the Senior Director of Development with the Singapore Tourism Promotion Board, the need for authentic and attractive historic city environment are of the growing demand on the eco and cultural tourism.  How could this be achieved? 

Syed Alatas mansion could be said as the pioneer to the conservation job.  The mansion was chosen due to its historic building and also because it is government - owned property.  Why is it so?  It started when the Malaysian German Society (MGS) proposed to obtain a grant from the MGS to restore the building in order to use it as a pilot project for conservation rehabilitation of the Acehnese and Armenian Streets.  The proposal was denied by the MGS as the area was seen as unattractive area, where at that time no restoration was done in the area.

Fortunately though, the proposal was sustained by the Penang Heritage Trust and the Municipal Council of Penang Island (MPPP).  The project was then undertaken by the Penang State Government and the MPPP and financially supported by the federal Government with technical assistance provided by the French Embassy. 

Having done this, as mentioned by Khoo, the  Project Manager of the Heritage Development project, physical buildings and areas could be helpful oral history and written records documents to historians who are doing research on the social history.  The analysis of the buildings could reveal the past lifestyles, materials, interiors, furnishings, garden and others.

So as to this, it is the beginning of the new “life” of the Acehnese and Armenian Streets which undoubtedly enhance the essential part of the country for its social, cultural and economic progress.   The location of the mansion will enhance the development of the surrounding heritage properties and transform the Lebuh Acheh-Lebuh Armenian into a cultural tourism enclave.   Private owners and occupants start to renovate or restore their premises. By continuing the restoration, the young generations can continue appreciate the values of the heritage cultural and economic.

Nowadays, the restoration and revitalization of the historic buildings can be seen in Georgetown City. The restoration or conservation job will allow owners to retain the  historic precincts and be part of the modern life.  The restoration job was then followed by the restoration of Lebuh Acheh Mosque and the Khoo Kongsi society.

Lebuh Acheh Mosque

Khoo Kongsi 

References:
Anthony C. (October 6, 1993).  CM:Heritage development a money-spinner, The Star, pg 13

Geh L & Foo K ( September 13, 1992).  New glow for the glories, Sunday Star.

Khoo S.N. (1994). Sharing of Experiences. Syed Alattas mansion Heritage Developement project: Unlocking the Potential of Penang's Historic City; pg 144