GEORGE TOWN: The development of a hospital-cum-hotel in Taman Manggis, which has stalled for six years, has resumed, with the project set to be completed by 2029.
Nora Che Idris of architectural firm Arqitectnia Sdn Bhd, the consultant for the proposed Victoria Specialist Hospital, said the project developer, Kuala Lumpur International Dental Centre Sdn Bhd (KLIDC), resumed the project in 2024 after coming under new management.
The mixed-development project resumed without changes to the original design or the approvals previously granted by local authorities.
Nora said the tender submission process for the main building commenced on May 12 and concluded on June 27, during which five parties submitted bids for the project.
Currently, her firm and KLIDC are conducting technical and commercial reviews to ensure the appointed contractor could begin work as soon as possible.
The project involves a single 21-storey building, with 13 storeys designated for the hospital and the top eight storeys for the hotel.
The hospital will have 151 beds, while the hotel will have 264 rooms. The hospital is expected to generate 800 jobs, Nora said.
“Based on our project timetable, we aim to award the contract by early August, with construction work expected to begin by the middle of the month.
“Construction is expected to take 36 months from commencement until the issuance of the certificate of completion and compliance, which is expected in August 2029,” she said at a press conference led by Penang chief minister Chow Kon Yeow at Komtar today.
“Operations at both the hospital and the hotel are expected to commence in the fourth quarter of 2029.”
Nora hoped the development of Victoria Specialist Hospital would contribute to the growth of Penang’s private healthcare and medical tourism sectors.
The announcement of the project’s resumption follows Chow’s call last month for KLIDC to clarify the status and future direction of the development on the Taman Manggis site after years of delays.
KLIDC obtained the commencement of work and building plan approvals from the Penang Island City Council in January 2020.
The company completed the test piling and bored piling works by October 2020. However, construction halted for a prolonged period due to supply chain disruptions, labour shortages, rising construction costs, and cash flow and financing constraints.
