NGO Calls for Penang Turf Club Land to Become Public Green Space After Closure
The impending closure of the historic Penang Turf Club, after more than 160 years of operation, has reignited calls for land preservation in Penang. Local NGO Penang Forum is urging the state government to place the 93-hectare site under a Special Area Plan (SAP) to safeguard its original recreational purpose and convert it into a world-class public park.
This follows the club’s recent announcement that it will cease operations after May 31, with plans to sell the land in eight separate parcels after a failed bulk tender exercise for all 39 lots.
Historical Significance and Original Intent of the Land
According to Penang Forum, the land was originally granted in 1864 for recreational use, and the current site was purchased in 1935 for 250,000 Straits Settlement dollars—equivalent to around US$6 million today.
The NGO emphasized that the Penang Turf Club land preservation effort is not just about open space—it is about honouring the historic value and public legacy of the land.
“The club has benefitted generously from the use of the land for more than 160 years. The site should now return to the people,” Penang Forum said in its statement.
Current Planning Status and Legal Implications
Parcel 1 of the site, which contains the clubhouse and golf course, has not received planning permission for land use change. Penang Forum argued that no development approvals should be granted without:
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Public consultation
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Public inquiries as required under the Town and Country Planning Act 1976
The NGO is calling for the land to be managed by a single-purpose entity or special purpose vehicle (SPV) to ensure consistent, community-focused use.
Turf Club Site Falls Under Key Development Zone
Under the Penang Structure Plan 2030, the site is designated as part of the Primary Development Corridor (KKP1), allowing for potential residential, commercial, and mixed-use development.
However, Penang Forum warns against the unchecked transformation of the site, citing the controversial Penang Global City Centre (PGCC) proposal in 2008. That mega-development plan, which was ultimately scrapped due to massive public protest, is widely regarded as a political flashpoint that contributed to the Gerakan-led state government’s electoral defeat that year.
Green Space Crisis in Penang: Below WHO Standards
Penang Forum’s appeal is also grounded in urban livability data. It cited that Penang currently provides only 7.8 square meters of green space per person, far below:
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The World Health Organization’s recommendation of 9 sq m
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Plan Malaysia’s national target of 20 sq m
With Penang Island increasingly characterized by dense high-rise developments, Penang Forum argues the site presents a rare opportunity to balance growth with sustainability.
“The island is already inundated with concrete blocks and worsening traffic. This site can become a world-class public park,” the NGO added.
What This Means for Investors and Developers
The Penang Turf Club land preservation debate introduces several key considerations for property developers and urban planners:
1. Planning Restrictions May Arise
If the state government adopts a Special Area Plan (SAP) for the site, land use may be limited to non-commercial and non-residential purposes.
2. Public Pressure May Delay or Halt Approvals
Given Penang’s politically active civil society, any large-scale private development on the land could face pushback and delays.
3. Green and Public Infrastructure Projects May Gain Value
In contrast, projects adjacent to large green zones typically enjoy higher long-term property values and stronger community support.
4. Potential for State-Led Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)
If turned into a park, the land could still present PPP opportunities—from eco-tourism, cafes, cultural centres, to event spaces.
Final Thoughts: A Rare Urban Legacy at a Crossroads
As the Penang Turf Club prepares for its final race in May, the spotlight shifts to the future of its vast, centrally located land. Whether it becomes another high-rise enclave or a celebrated public park will depend on the state’s next move—and the will of the public.
For real estate professionals, the outcome will reshape Penang Island’s urban planning landscape for decades to come.
