E&O looks to the arts

EASTERN & Oriental Bhd (E&O) is set to raise Penang's profile as a cultural and tourism attraction next year with the opening of the northern region's first performing arts centre.

The RM7.5 million seafronting Penang Performing Arts Centre is part of E&O's waterfront development, Seri Tanjung Pinang, on the island.

The centre will be managed by Kuala Lumpur-based The Actors Studio (TAS), which is helmed by renowned performing arts couple Joe Hasham and Datuk Faridah Merican.

Located at the soon-to-open Straits Quay retail marina, the 22,000 sq ft performing arts centre will feature two theatres: a proscenium theatre that can seat 304 and an experimental theatre which can accommodate 150 people.
E&O managing director Datuk Terry Tham said yesterday that RM7 million will be funded by the company for the proposed project, while the balance of RM500,000 will be borne by TAS.

"At E&O, we believe in creating distinctive lifestyle experiences, as is Straits Quay, a festival retail marina like no other in Penang," Tham said at the signing ceremony between E&O and TAS in Penang yesterday.

Also present were E&O executive director Eric Chan Kok Leong, Hasham and Faridah.

"Penang has always been at the forefront of the performing arts scene and with this new arts centre, we can take it to a whole new level," said Faridah.

Straits Quay is a 4.8ha festival retail centre and commercial development in Seri Tanjung Pinang featuring a comprehensive mix of outlets and attractions.

The 270,000 sq ft centre borders the upscale Quayside Seafront Resort Condominium development.

The RM1.8 billion Quayside currently serves as the region's first private waterpark within a gated community.