The once upon a time buzzing Island Plaza in Tanjong Tokong is set to take the limelight once again after a Hong Kong businessman snapped up the iconic landmark and has vowed to make the place great again!
It will be renamed ‘Island 88’.
Since the emergence of new shopping malls in the state offered stiff competition with one another, Island Plaza was neglected despite being in the prime Tanjong Tokong area.
All is not lost though as the building is expected to go through redevelopment, re-design and major revamping on the road to becoming a preferred destination filled with exciting and fun activities once again.
Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow said back in the late 1990s, Island Plaza was a hub of commerce, entertainment, and social interaction.
“It was, at the time, one of the major shopping complexes in Penang, after Komtar.
“But as we all know, competition from other malls which emerged later took its toll on this grand structure that used to be Penang’s most glamorous shopping mall decades ago.
“All is not lost though, and with the new management taking over, it’s time to give it a much-needed new lease of life.
“The rebirth of Island Plaza into what shall be known as Island 88 is a testament to our commitment to preserving Penang’s heritage while embracing modernity and progress.
“This would not have been possible without the commitment of Paul Law and Philip Law from the management (Hong Kong), as well as their team’s tireless efforts and dedication to ensure that this project is kickstarted with the highest standards of quality and safety.
“Your unwavering dedication towards your vision of what Island 88 should be is similar to the values that make Penang a great place,” Chow said in his speech during the groundbreaking ceremony of the new project at Island Plaza in Tanjong Tokong yesterday.
The refurbished Island 88 will be a sight to behold, a modern, state-of-the-art facility that will provide our people with world-class shopping, dining, and entertainment options.
“It will be a source of pride for Penang, a reflection of our unwavering commitment to progress, and a clear indication of our resilience in the face of adversity,” Chow added.
