Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre (sPICE)
Penang’s first purpose-built convention and exhibition venue will open its doors in late 2015, connected to the city’s leading MICE centre – Penang International Sports Arena. The US$97 million development project of SP Setia will be incorporating sustainability features and consist of a 4500-sqm dividable convention and exhibition hall which can accommodate up to 9000 guests theatre-style, and a 2000-sqm pre-function space. sPICE will also comprise a green building and the Penang People’s Park, which will provide environmentally friendly recreational facilities. Additional amenities will include a business hotel, F&B and retail outlets, as well as a multi-storey car park with 2200 lots.
Penang Waterfront Convention Centre
Construction works on a convention centre located at The Light’s commercial precinct in Jelutong, Gelugor will be starting this year and scheduled to open in 2017. The US$1.3 billion project of property developer IJM Land, which will be marketed and operated by Suntec Penang, will comprise a 9090-sqm column-free multi-purpose hall, which is entirely convertible to a 9000-seat arena for concerts. It will also feature a green shopping mall, an IT hub, and a performing arts centre.
Four Points by Sheraton Penang
Last November, Starwood and Plenitude Berhad announced the opening of Four Points by Sheraton Penang following the completion of extensive renovations and the rebranding of the 220-room hotel along the Tanjung Bungah beachfront. The fourth Four Points in Malaysia and the first in Penang, the property features more than 1100 sqm of events space across four venues, including two ballrooms and a pre-function area. Pearl, the largest ballroom, offers more than 500 sqm with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the Straits of Malacca. Four Points by Sheraton Penang also provides complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the premises, an outdoor pool with ocean views, a 24-hour fitness centre, The Eatery with both local and international cuisine, and The Best Brew Pub. It is located approximately 45 minutes from Bayan Lepas International Airport, and close to up-and-coming dining and shopping destination Straits Quay, home to the Straits Quay Convention Centre. It is also located near some of Penang’s tourist attractions, such as the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage City of Georgetown and the Batu Ferringhi beach area. m