 Maxwell Road, George Town, Penang
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Maxwell Road, George Town, Penang (19 March, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
Dilapidated shophouses along Maxwell Road (19 March, 2010)
© Timothy Tye using this photo
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Originally Maxwell Road forms an intersection with Penang Road and Burmah Road, on the south side of the Prangin Canal. There was a drawbridge across Penang Road in front of the intersection. On the other end of Maxwell Road, it ends at Magazine Road, forming a "J".
Maxwell Road was named after Sir William Edward Maxwell, who was colonial secretary and Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements in Singapore between 1893 and 1894. Maxwell's son was also a magistrate in Penang while his father, Sir Peter Benson Maxwell was the Recorder of Penang in 1860 and Recorder of Singapore between 1866 and 1871.
The section of Maxwell Road at Penang Road was closed in the mid 20th century. By the early 1980's, the length of the road between Penang Road and Carnarvon Street was obliterated, leaving only a rump section between Carnarvon Street and Magazine Road.
The remaining shophouses along Maxwell Road are some of the most charming in George Town, as they curve to follow the course of the road. Unfortunately these roads might not be preserved. What was once a busy road when the Sia Boey market was in full swing, is but a forlorn version of its old self, not that the wholesale market has been relocated to Macallum Street Ghaut.
Getting there
From the Komtar Bus Terminal, walk in a southeast direction along Tek Soon Street until it ends at Maxwell Road.
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