Proposed Esplanade Park

Esplanade Park is the proposed park of the George Town Special Area Plan. This is an existing public park that is older than most cities in Malaysia, having been created in the late 18th century as parade ground. Covering 13.37 acres, it is the biggest public space in the inner city of George Town.

Appreciating the History of this Site

As with most cities established by the British, George Town had a parade ground that was used for military purposes. By the late 19th century, the parade ground doubled as a recreational park for sports. In the early days, only Europeans, and later Eurasians, were allowed to partake in sports activities at the park. This led the newly-rich Chinese community to establish their own recreational ground, the Chinese Recreation Club.

Structures on the Esplanade Park have come and gone. Near the present-day Millennium Monument and Speakers Square was a Municipal Bandstand. Clubhouses for the Penang Sports Club and Penang Recreation Club were also on the park. These were destroyed during the Second World War, and never rebuilt. On the Light Street side of the park, across from Penang Street was the Vermont Memorial, now also gone.

Location Map of Esplanade Park

Location of the public realm is marked with "HERE".