Cover image by Peter Romey, AusHeritage. · 2014. 6. 23. · Fort of nibong palm trunks started 2...

Cover image by Peter Romey, AusHeritage.

FORT CORNWALLIS AND THE PADANG

OUTLINE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

PRELIMINARY DRAFT OCTOBER 2012

© GTWHI

Fort Cornwallis & Padang Precinct Heritage Management PlanContents Draft October 2012

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THIS OUTLINE HMP ............................................................................. 1

1.2 LAYOUT OF THIS OUTLINE HMP ......................................................................................... 1

1.3 LOCATION & BOUNDARY OF THE OUTLINE HMP SITE .................................................... 1

1.4 TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS OUTLINE HMP ............................................... 3

1.5 AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ...................................................................... 3

2. EVIDENCE ...................................................................................................................................... 4

2.1 Historical Evidence .................................................................................................................. 4

2.1.1 Main Historical Periods for Penang ..................................................................................... 4

2.1.2 Timeline for Fort Cornwallis and the Padang ...................................................................... 4

2.1.3 Selected Historic Maps and Images .................................................................................... 8

2.2 Physical Evidence ................................................................................................................. 12

2.3 Evidence of Cultural / Intangible Values ............................................................................... 21

2. ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE .......................................................................... 22

2.1` Historical / Associational Significance ................................................................................... 22

2.2 Intangible/ Social/ Spiritual/ Cultural ..................................................................................... 22

2.3 Aesthetic/ Architectural ......................................................................................................... 23

2.4 Technical/ Scientific/ Education/ Archaeological ................................................................... 23

2.5 Rarity ..................................................................................................................................... 23

2.6 Heritage Significance Of Components .................................................................................. 24

Component within Fort ................................................................................................................... 24

Component on Padang .................................................................................................................. 25

3. ISSUES & POSSIBILITIES ........................................................................................................... 26

3.1 Management ......................................................................................................................... 26

3.2 Requirements to conserve Heritage Significance ................................................................. 26

3.3 Owner / Manager Expectation............................................................................................... 27

3.3.1 Tourism ............................................................................................................................. 27

3.3.2 Economic Return ............................................................................................................... 28

3.3.3 Government Precinct ........................................................................................................ 28

3.4 Use ........................................................................................................................................ 28

3.4.1 Visitors ........................................................................................................................... 28

3.4.2 Traffic and Parking Issues ............................................................................................. 28

3.5 Change / Adaptation ............................................................................................................. 28

3.5.1 Use ................................................................................................................................ 28

Fort Cornwallis & Padang Precinct Heritage Management PlanContents Draft October 2012

3.5.2 Adaptation ..................................................................................................................... 29

3.6 Approvals .............................................................................................................................. 29

3.6.1 Local Authority Department ............................................................................................... 29

3.6.2 Heritage Impact Assessment ........................................................................................ 29

4. CONSERVATION STRATEGIES .................................................................................................. 30

4.1 Management ........................................................................................................................ 30

4.1.1 This HMP ........................................................................................................................... 30

4.1.2 On-going management ..................................................................................................... 30

4.2 Conserving the heritage values of the Fort Precinct ............................................................. 30

4.2.1 General Policy ............................................................................................................... 30

4.2.2 Conservation of Significant Fabric& Spaces ................................................................. 30

4.2.3 Expert Advice ................................................................................................................ 32

4.2.4 Maintenance .................................................................................................................. 32

4.2.5 Services ......................................................................................................................... 32

4.2.6 Moveable Heritage ........................................................................................................ 32

4.2.7 Archaeology .................................................................................................................. 32

4.3 Interpreting the Heritage Values of Fort Precinct .................................................................. 33

4.3.1 Interpretation ..................................................................................................................... 33

4.4 Research and Investigation ................................................................................................... 33

4.4.1 Historical Research ....................................................................................................... 33

4.4.2 Records and Documentation ......................................................................................... 33

4.5 Operational and Financial Considerations ............................................................................ 34

4.5.1 Tourism ......................................................................................................................... 34

4.5.2 Facilities & Access ........................................................................................................ 34

4.5.3 Impact of Visitors ........................................................................................................... 34

4.5.3 Financial Viability........................................................................................................... 34

4.6 Ownership and Use ............................................................................................................... 35

4.6.1 Ownership ..................................................................................................................... 35

4.6.2 Use ................................................................................................................................ 35

4.6.3 Risk Management ......................................................................................................... 35

4.6.4 Community Involvement ................................................................................................ 35

4.7 Change and Adaptation ........................................................................................................ 36

4.7.1 Future Development ...................................................................................................... 36

4.8 Approvals Process ................................................................................................................ 36

4.8.1 Compliance with Legislation .......................................................................................... 36

Fort Cornwallis & Padang Precinct Outline Heritage Management Plan 1 Draft October 2012

1. INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND TO THIS OUTLINE HMP

This Outline Heritage Management Plan (Outline HMP) was prepared during a 5 day workshop on

Heritage Management Planning conducted on 15-17 May and 21-22 May 2012. The workshop was

led by representatives of AusHeritage, an Australian organisation offering heritage advice and training

in the Asia Pacific region. AusHeritage ran the workshop at the invitation of George Town World

Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI) with assistance from ThinkCity and the Penang Heritage Trust. The

2012 workshop followed on from a successful AusHeritage seminar and workshop on heritage

management planning in March 2011.

During the AusHeritage 2012 HMP workshop, participants were divided into two groups with one

working on a draft Outline HMP for the Prangin Canal site (also known as Komtar Phase 5) and the

other on this draft Outline HMP for Fort Cornwallis and the Padang. These case study sites were

nominated by GTWHI, although the actual boundary of the HMP study area was selected by

participants during the workshop). Preliminary information on the sites was gathered by GTWHI prior

to the AusHeritage workshops commencing.

As this Outline HMP was largely the product of a training exercise in heritage management planning,

a key recommendation of this document is that a full HMP be commissioned.

1.2 LAYOUT OF THIS OUTLINE HMP

This Outline HMP follows the 4 step process being developed by GTWHI as a guide to heritage

management planning. The 4 steps can be summarised as:

1. Investigate the evidence (historical, physical and cultural)

2. Assess the heritage significance

3. Consider all the issues

4. Develop strategies for heritage conservation

1.3 LOCATION & BOUNDARY OF THE OUTLINE HMP SITE

The boundaries for the site covered by this Outline HMP include that area identified in Figure 1 which

includes both Fort Cornwallis and the Padang.

After the analysis of significance (summarised in Section 3 of this document) it was decided to extend

the boundary north to include the whole Padang because of the important heritage relationship

between the Fort and the Padang.

http://www.ausheritage.org.au/

http://www.gtwhi.com.my/

http://www.thinkcity.com.my/

http://www.pht.org.my/


Figure 1: Approximate location of the site (yellow dashed line) in relation to the World Heritage Core and Buffer Zones (Source GTWHS Special Area Plan Draft 2011).

Figure 2: Approximate location of the site (red outline) (Source Google Earth 2012).


1.4 TERMS & ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS OUTLINE HMP

AusHeritage http://www.ausheritage.org.au/

BIDS Business Improvement District Scheme

c. circa or approximately.

GTWHI George Town world Heritage Incorporated. http://www.gtwhi.com.my

GTWHS George Town World Heritage Site (Core and Buffer Zones)

Heritage significance Of historical, aesthetic, cultural/spiritual or research/educational significance

to a local, State or National community.

HMP Heritage management plan

PHT Penang Heritage Trust. See http://www.pht.org.my/

PSG Penang State Government (Penang State Secretary)

NHD National Heritage Department

MPPP Penang Municipal Council

1.5 AUTHORSHIP AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The Fort Cornwallis and Padang group included Bharathi a/p Suppiah, Tan Ai Gaik, Noorhanis Noordin, Siti Hajar Abdul Rahim, Cheah Swee Huat, Muhammad Nasir B. Haji Abd Razak, Ho Sheau Fung, Loh Boon Aik, Lim Yoke Mui, Noorida Binti Noordin, Ahmad Nasyuddin Bin Ismail, Ar Ong Keng Poh, Ang Sim Guan, Tan Hiap Hong The project was guided by Peter Romey of AusHeritage, who also provided the final edit of this Draft

Outline HMP.

All of the content, including photographs and diagrams are the product of the workshop participants

unless otherwise stated.

Assistance from the following in the preparation of this Outline HMP is gratefully acknowledged:

Ms Lim Chooi Ling (General Manager), Sunitha Janamohanan (Education and Outreach Manager)

and all the staff of GTWHI

Gwynn Jenkins, Consultant in Architecture, Heritage and Cultural and Social Anthropology

Marcus Langdon, Historian

Khoo Salma, President of the Penang Heritage Trust


2. EVIDENCE

2.1 Historical Evidence

2.1.1 Main Historical Periods for Penang

(Prepared by Marcus Langdon, Historian 2012)

pre 1786 Small Malay villages under Sultan of Kedah

1786-1830: East India Company (EIC) administration (Francis Light lands 17 July 1786).

1805–1830: Self-governing Presidency reporting to EIC Directors in London.

Penang elevated to 4th Presidency of India; Governor & Council arrive Sept 1805.

1830 – 1858: East India Company (EIC) administration continues.

1858 – 1867: Interim British Government/India Office administration.

1867 – 1941: British Crown Colony.

1941 – 1945: Japanese Occupation.

1945 – 1957: British Crown Colony.

1957 - : Merdeka – Independent Malaysia.

2.1.2 Timeline for Fort Cornwallis and the Padang

(Prepared by Marcus Langdon, Historian 2012)

1786–1805: under the authority of EIC’s Bengal Government

Francis Light lands 17 July 1786. Official flag-raising & naming ceremony 11 August 1786;

island officially named Prince of Wales Island.

Threat to security comes from local states and the Dutch at Malacca and Java.

Fort of nibong palm trunks started 2 weeks later after point cleared.

500 feet by 500 feet – same size as current Fort.

Fort completed by December.

Sepoy troops housed on the Esplanade.

1787: Named Fort Cornwallis after Governor General of India, Lord Cornwallis.

Nibong palm trunks rotted fast and needed constant replacement.

1790/91: Sultan of Kedah threatens to expel EIC by force as no treaty signed.

April 1791: Light attacks Kedah forces; Treaty signed. The Kedah uprising was the greatest real

threat to Penang prior to WWII.

June 1793: inhabitants of Penang hear of war between Britain and France.


July 1793: Light commences rebuilding Fort in brick without permission.

June 1794: Walls completed to cordon, cannons mounted. No parapets built. Small ditch dug.

Light dies 21 October 1794.

Mid-1795: Light’s successor, Philip Manington, adds nibong parapets & external gun batteries.

Aug 1795: British take Malacca from the Dutch

Little done to the Fort over the next 9 years.

1800: Lt-Gov Sir George Leith signs treaty ceding Province Wellesley to EIC.

May 1803: Anglo-French war breaks out again after failure of 1802 Treaty of Amiens.

French warships and privateers a threat to EIC shipping and Penang.

Jan 1804: Lt-Gov Robert Townsend Farquhar arrives; orders major upgrade of Fort.

Brick parapet added, surrounding ‘ditch’ dug and lined, Gun batteries and ‘outworks’

constructed, Covered Way and Glacis built, new buildings constructed in the Fort, ground

levelled with ‘Red earth’ inside Fort.

Prangin ‘canal’ dug as a defensive measure to protect George Town from land attack.

Total cost Sp.$71,810 – includes Fort, Prangin ‘bound ditch’, drawbridge, other gun batteries.

1805–1830: Self-governing Presidency reporting to EIC Directors in London.

(War with the French continues):

Penang elevated to 4th Presidency of India; Governor & Council arrive Sept 1805.

British Admiralty dockyard proposed.

1806: Military engineer Thomas Robertson designs defensive ramparts along Prangin ‘bound

ditch’.

Robertson proposes a new 5-sided Fort on the inland side of Fort Cornwallis.

Extensive acquisition of property required so the new Fort never approved.

Destruction of Dutch Fort at Malacca by EIC nearly completed.

War between Britain & America broke out in 1812 – American ships a threat Penang.

1814: Gunpowder room to hold 650 barrels completed in Feb. This is the alleged ‘Chapel’ (no

chapel existed in the Fort).

62 cannons & 3 mortars mounted on Fort. 30 large cannons mounted on outworks.

Gov. Petrie orders massive upgrade of outworks to brick construction.

French & American Wars ended in 1815.

1816: Main artillery barrack along north wall of Fort rebuilt to 2 stories. Part of lower floor used

as military jail. Upper floor barracks open onto rampart. Officers’ quarters above E & W gates.

Gun batteries built on mainland and near jetty to defend the channel.


Furnaces for heating cannon balls built at these batteries and in the Fort: ‘red hot shot’.

Local citizen militia and vessels had been armed for fear of American attack.

1818: Malacca returned to the Dutch.

1819: Singapore established as an EIC port.

1819: EIC re-install Sultan of Aceh, deposed by Tengku Syed Hussain’s son in 1816.

1821: Fort given a new coat of whitewash – this was quite regularly done; Underground

channel dug from NE bastion to drain Fort ditch to the sea when required; Aqueduct extended

to reservoir near the Fort.

Siam invades Kedah. Sultan flees to Penang.

1824: Malacca exchanged for Bencoolen

August 1826: Singapore & Malacca placed under Penang Presidency Government.

Works at Singapore drain finances; no money for Fort Cornwallis – whitewashing &

maintenance only.

30 June 1830: Presidency Government abolished; Straits Settlements revert to being governed

under EIC’s Bengal Government.

Fort occupied by EIC troops from Calcutta and Madras until EIC abolished in 1858.

1867–1941: British Government Administration

1867: Straits Settlements become a British Crown Colony i.e. British Government

1867: Fort used as a ‘safe house’ for the first time when women and children flee there during

the Penang Riots.

Royal Artillery & European Infantry occupy Fort until 1881. Replaced by Sikh & European

Police.

Building over the East gate was the Governor’s town office in 1880s.

Small lighthouse built at Fort in 1888.

1904: Seafront land reclaimed to build 2 goods sheds for new Swettenham Pier.

1907: plan to demolish Fort for mercantile & shipping offices to serve new Swettenham Pier.

1912: $60,000 allocated in Budget to demolish Fort.

1914: New 70 feet high lighthouse completed at Fort [current one].

1914: Outbreak of World War I

WWI put demolition on hold.

1816: First Chinese Company of Penang Volunteers uses Fort for drill.

1818: WWI ends. Demolition of two land-facing walls of Fort proposed.

1922: ‘Moat’ filled in by Penang Harbour Board at a cost of $46,000 to enable demolition.


1928: Seamen’s Institute established in Fort.

June 1930: Carpark approved at Fort.

Sept 1930: Work began to demolish western wall of Fort & remove all buildings except

Seamen’s Institute & Signal Station.

1935: Governor Sir Thomas Shenton decides not to demolish the Fort & to restore the

remainder.

1936: Decision to commission a bronze statue of Light from England.

Sept. 1939: World War II breaks out.

1939: Light’s statue unveiled in Fort by Governor Shenton on 3 October.

1941–45: Japanese Occupation

1941: Japanese occupy Penang.

Fort and Esplanade used for military workshops and storehouses. Light statue removed…but

not melted down!

1945–1957: British Government transition

1945/6: British re-occupy Penang. Light’s statue mounted at Supreme Court.

1941: Japanese occupy Penang.

Fort and Esplanade used for military workshops and storehouses. Light statue removed…but

not melted down!

1945/6: British re-occupy Penang. Light’s statue mounted at Supreme Court.

1952: Fort Cornwallis declared an Ancient Monument.

1957: Merdeka

1970s: Amphitheatre & ancillary buildings constructed inside the Fort.

1977: Fort Cornwallis declared a National Monument under the Antiquities Act.

2000/2001: extensive restoration replaces the demolished Western wall. Archaeological

investigation undertaken.

2007: Fort Cornwallis part of the George Town UNESCO World Heritage Site.

2012: State Government considering new uses for Fort on long a term lease.


2.1.3 Selected Historic Maps and Images

Figure 3: Detail from the ‘Popham Map’ of 1794. The approximate position of the HMP area is shown by the red box (Image: Popham, Home Riggs (1799) Description of Prince of Wales Island in the Straits of Malacca with Its Advantages as a Marine Establishment. London)

Figure 4: Detail from the 1881 ‘Weld’ Map of George Town, Penang, The approximate position of the HMP area is shown by the red box. (image:JUPEM)


Figure 5: Detail from the 1893 ‘Kelly Map’ of George Town, Penang. The approximate position of the HMP area is shown by the red box. Note the presence of several buildings within the Fort (originally barracks and store rooms). (image: JUPEM)

Figure 6: Detail from a 1945 British Government map of George Town, Penang, showing the Fort and Padang as occupied by the Japanese during WW2. The approximate position of the HMP area is shown by the red box ( image not shown due to copyright regulations)


Figure 7: An old postcard of the Fort c.1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)

Figure 8: An old postcard of the Fort c. 1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)

© Malcolm Wade

© Malcolm Wade


Figure 9: An old postcard of the Fort c. 1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)

© Malcolm Wade


2.2 Physical Evidence

Figure 10: Numbering of the key elements on the site.

1. Fort Cornwallis

2. Fort walls (2A indicates that the western wall was demolished c. 1930 and rebuilt in 2000)

3. West entrance to the Fort

4. Store Rooms

5. Magazine (also known incorrectly as the Chapel)

6. Small magazine

7. Magazine

8. Seri Rambai Canon

9. Other canon along the northern rampart

10. Archaeology remains inside the fort (e.g. evidence of former buildings)

11. Meteorological Station

12. Lighthouse

13. Flagstaff

14. Western entrance

1

2

15

4 5

6

7

8

2A 20

14

11

12

13

9

3 23 17

21

25

16 17

18

19

10 22

24


15. Eastern entrance

16. Statue to Francis Light

17. Amphitheatre and ancillary buildings

18. Moat

19. Carpark

20. The Padang (also known in military terminology as ‘the esplanade’) Includes cricket field.

21. Tree lined service road through the Padang

22. Hawker stalls

23. Kiosk/Amenities building

24. Basketball Court / Playground

25. War Memorial

See Section 2.6 for the relative significance of the various elements of the site covered by this HMP.

The physical evidence for the site is presented in a series of annotated photographs.

Figure 10:

The western entrance into the Fort across a shallow depression which represents the position of the moat.

This is currently the main entrance and exit from the Fort.

This western wall and gateway were demolished c.1930 and reconstructed in 2000 and completed in 2001.


Figure 11:

The eastern entrance into the Fort.

Not currently in daily use.

Figure 12:

View from the SE toward the Fort. The view is visually cluttered with power lines and large signage boards.

Carpark on the left.

Figure 13:

View from the NE corner with the service access to the Meteorological Station and Lighthouse.


Figure 14:

Some of the brickwork of the Fort has been poorly repaired in the past using hard cement mortar which has resulted in erosion of the old soft bricks through ‘salt decay’.

Originally all the walls would have been lime rendered with a regular application of white lime wash.

Figure 15:

The north facing wall which features ‘sally ports’ allowing access to the shoreline.

Vegetation growing in the walls is also causing deterioration of the historic masonry

Figure 16:

Various cannon have been mounted pointing out to sea to the north.

The canons are corroded and the brick mounting plinths are probably increasing corrosion where rainwater is trapped between the cannon and the brickwork.

Historically the canon would have been stored on timber gun carriages and kept out of sight when not in use.


Figure 17:

The Seri Rambai cannon in the NW corner of the Fort. This brass cannon from the Dutch East India Company (VOC or Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie), dates from 1603. It was initially presented to the then Sultan of Johor, Sultan Riayat Shah III in 1606 by the Dutch. In 1613, the Portuguese took possession of Seri Rambai and the cannon was taken to Java, where it stayed until 1795, when it was given to Acheh and brought to Kuala Selangor at Kota Melawati. In 1871, the British seized the cannon and placed it on board a ship called Seri Rambai to be transported to Penang. Before the ship reached the island, it was sunk by pirates. When finally salvaged the cannon was placed at Fort Cornwallis.

Figure 18:

Looking at the southern wall from inside the Fort The white building was originally storerooms. The door ways have been widened and the rooms are now used for interpretive displays. In recent decades they have had glass doors and air conditioning, however the doors have been removed and the air conditioning does not seem to be operational.

Note the ramp to the right of the picture. Much of this fabric is likely to be c.1790s. There would have been similar ramps in each corner of the Fort.

Figure 19:

One of the display photographs of the archaeological investigations in 2000 by the USM. The pavement revealed is likely to have been the original level of the ground inside the Fort. (Image: USM)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_East_India_Company

http://www.sabrizain.org/malaya/sgor5.htm


Figure 20:

The 1814 magazine, mistakenly believed to be a ‘chapel’ for many years.

Figure 21:

View inside the 1814 magazine.

The floor may have been raised over the years, however the terracotta tiles at the SW end of the building appear to be 19th century.

Figure 22:

The magazine on the ramparts in the SW corner of the Fort. Date unknown.


Figure 23:

Looking west down the northern rampart.

The history of the many other cannon on display at the fort requires further research.

Note the bridge to the amphitheatre on the left.

Figure 24:

Magazine in the NW corner of the ramparts. Date unknown.

Figure 25:

The Flagstaff, lighthouse and meteorological station in the NE corner of the Fort.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_-3sFl2d3ts8/SqFIrD51S-I/AAAAAAAABRU/6IaVcNMn3eg/s1600-h/Fort-Cornwallis-Penang-Harbour-Light.JPG


Figure 26:

Looking NE to the amphitheatre and Flagstaff.

The amphitheatre was constructed in the 1960’s.

Events are still being held in the amphitheatre.

Figure 27:

Behind the amphitheatre is the columned structure built in the 1960s possibly for a Hawker centre inside the Fort. The storage areas enclosing some of the columned space are more recent.

Note the tapering columns typical of mid 20th century modernist architecture.

Figure 28:

Statue of Francis Light erected in 1939, although the original location in relation to the Fort is unknown.

The pedestal that is existed in 1939 has been removed.


Figure 29:

The Padang looking east toward the Fort.

Figure 30:

Looking NE toward the Hawker stalls on the Padang.

Figure 31:

The playground to the west of Fort Cornwallis.

(Image: http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/venoth/74/1288965509/tpod.html)


2.3 Evidence of Cultural / Intangible Values

The Fort and Padang are used for many community activities including:

Basketball, Cricket, Playground, Entertainment, Food court

Esplanade is location of WWI Cenotaph, focus for remembrance day ceremonies

Padang contains the “Speakers Corner”, a designated spot for citizens of George Town to

express their opinions

Festival ground

Civil gatherings and rallies

Important State functions

The promenade is a popular evening and night recreational spot

The precinct retains its original name of Penang –Tanjong Penaga for some Penangites

Figure 32:

Soccer on the Padang

Figure 33:

Many events such as this Thai culture and food festival are held on the Padang (Image: The Star, August 9, 2012)


2. ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

2.1 Historical / Associational Significance

The Fort is on the site of the first landing place of Francis Light in Penang

The history of the Fort links back to the Kedah Sultanate

The Fort is symbolic of the history of the British in Penang

Early communication via flag (to send signal from the Fort to Penang Hill)

Established to protect the assets of the East India Company and settlers

Established to protect trading port (British & Regional)

Esplanade (Padang) - from military use to public/civic use

Padang as visual connection between civil and military establishment

Padang was used by the Japanese Period Warehouses

Fort precinct was heavily bombed by the Allies towards the end of WWII (January & February

1945)

Cricket Club during British

Used as a tourist destination since 1952?

Gazetted as National Monument in 1977

The Fort and Padang has been in government ownership since settlement by EIC in 1786

Declaration of George Town City Status held on the Padang on 1st of January 1957

The VOC Cannon illustrates the relationship between the Sultanates and the colonial powers in

the Straits of Malacca

2.2 Intangible/ Social/ Spiritual/ Cultural

Padang area used for sports (basketball and cricket), as a playground, for entertainment, and

as a food court

Esplanade is location of WWI Cenotaph, focus for remembrance day ceremonies

Padang contains the “Speakers Corner”, a designated spot for the citizens of George Town can

express their opinions

Millennium time capsule placed in padang in year 2000.

Padang is used as an important festival ground

Padang is used for civil gatherings and rallies

Padang is used for important State functions

The promenade is a popular evening and night recreational spot


VOC Cannon (Dutch EIC) - local myth important for Penangites

The precinct retains its original name of Penang –Tanjong Penaga for some Penangites

2.3 Aesthetic/ Architectural

Intact structure (military architecture & engineering)

The arrangement of cannons is not historical correct but is evocative of the fort as an imposing

defensive structure.

Visually impressive example of British military engineering fort layout

The Light House 1914 as the symbol of British arrival in George Town

The view of Town Hall and City Hall from the fort and from the Padang towards the Town Hall

and City Hall as part of the George Town cultural landscape

The largest and most impressive early brick building in George Town

2.4 Technical/ Scientific/ Education/ Archaeological

The fort demonstrates different phases of military building

The fort is an important tool for educating visitors and local people about the history of George

Town and the fort itself.

Fort and padang contain archaeological remains of earlier structures

Fort contains evidence of 18th and 19

th century, building techniques, fortification design, and

armaments.

The fort demonstrates the effectiveness or otherwise of previous conservation processes.

The function of moats as evidence of defensive technology in 18th century.

Early communication via flag (to send signal from the Fort to Penang Hill)

2.5 Rarity

Physical link between British, Malaya and India.

Rare example of 18th century British fort in Southeast Asia

Rare in that it retains its original setting

The rare example of the small British designed Fort criticised at the time


2.6 Heritage Significance Of Components

Component within Fort Rating Discussion

Overall form/ design and Structure of Fort

Cornwallis Walls

High

Reconstructed western wall & entry Moderate

Moat High

Amphitheatre Intrusive

VOC Cannon High

Cannons High The placement of the cannons is

misleading.

Chapel? High It is NOT a chapel

Magazine High

The eastern gate house Low Not very accurate

Flagstaff High Not the original structure, after 1884

Old Hawker Centre Intrusive Build in 1960s

Storeroom/ Gallery High They have been altered by enlarging

the windows and doorways

Air conditioning units in courtyard Intrusive

Francis Light Statue Moderate Original position?

Parade ground (in Fort) High

Wooden Bridges Low


Component within Fort Rating Discussion

Archeology within the Fort High

Trees/ Plants/ Benches within the Fort Intrusive Act 172, Part VA

Light house High Light house base office- Modern brick

building (intrusive)

Component on Padang Rating Discussion

Open Space of the PADANG High

Archaeology in PADANG High

Basketball Court Intrusive

Car Park Intrusive Has its contribution/ significance to the

Fort

Food stalls Intrusive Placement

Playground Intrusive

Navy offices Intrusive Blocking the view

Abandoned Yacht Club Intrusive

Visual connections between Fort and

Government Buildings across PADANG

High

Connections btw the Port precinct &

different Government/Administrative

buildings

Moderate


3. ISSUES & POSSIBILITIES

3.1 Management

• New developments need to be managed in accordance with the HMP

• HMP needs to be adopted by government as owner and consent authority

• HMP should be reviewed every 5 years

• Opportunities for some work to be exempted from approval if consistent with HMP

3.2 Requirements to conserve Heritage Significance

(Overall value of the site)

3.2.1 Conserve important heritage values of Fort Precinct

• Form, configuration, fabric of Fort

• Cannons (include VOC cannon)

• Magazines

• Parade Ground Space

• Light House & flagstaff

• Padang space

• Statue of (William) Francis Light

• Storerooms/gallery etc.

3.2.2 Retain important visual/associational values

• Open space of Padang

• Visual connections between Fort & important government buildings

e.g. City Hall, Town Hall, State Assembly Building

• View of Fort from important points e.g. from sea, from Padang, Light Street, Tun Syed Sheikh

Barakbah

• Use of Padang for community festivals, leisure etc.

• Retain precinct in public ownership

• Retain name “Fort Cornwallis


• Retain government administration in fort precinct

3.2.3 Enhance understanding of heritage values

• Develop interpretation model that responds to authentic values of fort precinct (based on

real research). e.g:

- Signage, guides/tours, audiovisuals/audio tours

- Plays

- Conservation work

- Archaeology

- Education programs (school students)

3.2.4 Programs/works to Reveal Heritage Values

• Remove intrusive elements e.g. amphitheatre, trees & benches in Fort

• Remove poor previous conservation works

• Reinstate original ground levels

• Archaeology excavations

• Commission historical reports

• Inventory & assessment of cannons

• Research people /officers / soldiers / police associated with Fort

• Undertake proper conservation works of fabric using traditional technique and experts

3.3 Owner / Manager Expectation

3.3.1 Tourism

• Attract more tourists to the fort precinct, to enhance understanding of George Town history

and culture.

• Develop interpretation centre for visitors

• To conserve the fort in particular for the long term asset for the government

• Use the fort as to train the manager, guides, conservation tourism and interpretation


• Continue to use for special events announcement etc.

3.3.2 Economic Return

• Generate sufficient economic return from visitors to pay for conservation and management

of the fort.

• The company leasing the fort to generate profit

• Lease for special events for economic return

3.3.3 Government Precinct

• Maintain the identity of the precinct as a symbol of civic administration

3.4 Use

3.4.1 Visitors

• Tourists to have a meaningful educational enjoyable experience

• Provide tourists interpretation to ensure they understand and appreciate the heritage value

of the fort and George Town

• Provide a range of interpretive media to assist tourism experience e.g. signage audio tours,

diorama, smart phone apps, map guide

• Provide modern and comfortable facilities for tourists e.g. toilets, gift shops, café, seating

• Develop training programme for managers and guides best practice

3.4.2 Traffic and Parking Issues

• Provide car parking and buses drop off point

• Provide disabilities access

• Effectively manage traffic circulation

3.5 Change / Adaptation

3.5.1 Use

Current use as historic site is appropriate for heritage significance


Intangible uses on Padang important and can continue

3.5.2 Adaptation

• Existing visitor facilities not adequate and need to be upgraded

• Current parking arrangements have an adverse impact on heritage values and need to be

better resolved

• Decisions about change or alterations need to consider potential impact on heritage

significance

3.6 Approvals

3.6.1 Related Department

Federal Level - National Heritage Department

State Level - Penang State Secretary,

- State Planning Committee (JPBD)

Local Authority - MPPP (Technical Review Panel - Heritage Department, Planning

Department, Building Department, Engineering Department, GTWHI)

3.6.2 Heritage Impact Assessment

Work requiring planning permission from MPPP needs an HIA prepared.


4. CONSERVATION STRATEGIES

4.1 Management

4.1.1 This HMP

This HMP should be used as the basis for all management and change to the fort precinct.

This HMP needs to be adopted by government as owner and consent authority.

This HMP should be submitted and endorsed by the consent authority as the basis for on-going

management and change of the fort precinct.

This HMP should be reviewed every 5 years to ensure it takes into account new information

about the precinct and to response to the future use as requirement.

4.1.2 On-going management

Decision about the precinct should take into account to all aspects of its significant as set out in

the Statement of Significant.

Arrange for minor work that is in accordance with endorsed HMP to be exempted from approval

(subject to concurrence by consent authority)

Proposed new developments need to be considered and assessed in accordance with this

HMP.

4.2 Conserving the heritage values of the Fort Precinct

4.2.1 General Policy

No work should be considered that could adversely affect the Outstanding Universal Value of

George Town, as this value is manifest in the Fort Precinct.

The higher significant elements or aspect of the Fort Precinct, the more care should be taken in

considering change.

Elements of high significant should only be minor change except where this involves the

removal intrusive or unsympathetic earlier alterations.

Elements of moderate significance should be retained and conserved. They may be modified in

keeping with the overall aims of this HMP.

Elements of some significance should be retained and conserved, where possible they may be

modified with some freedom while guided by the relevant conservation policies.

Intrusive elements may be removed or modified, following recording.

4.2.2 Conservation of Significant Fabric& Spaces

The important heritage significant fabric and spaces of the Fort Precinct should be conserved,

including but not restricted to:


Form, configuration, fabric of Fort

Cannons (include VOC cannon)

Magazines

Parade Ground Space

Light House & flagstaff

Padang space

Statue of (William) Francis Light

Storerooms/gallery etc.

Undertake proper conservation works of fabric using traditional technique and experts.

Remove, relocate or alter intrusive elements within and around the fort to reveal important

heritage values where this would not compromise intangible values or functional imperatives

e.g:

Car parking

Amphitheatre

Trees

Benches

Food stalls (outside the fort)

Air-con units

Basketball court

Pergolas

Old food stalls (behind the amphitheatre)

Investigate option for relocation of intrusive elements elsewhere on or outside the Fort Precinct

for intrusive elements that have important intangible values or functional

The important visual/associational values of the Fort Precinct should be conserved:

Open space of Padang

Visual connections between Fort & important government buildings

e.g. City Hall, Town Hall, State Assembly Building

View of Fort from important points e.g. from sea, from Padang, Light Street, Tun Syed

Sheikh Barakbah

Use of Padang for community festivals, leisure etc.


4.2.3 Expert Advice

A high degree of professionalism is required to conserve the Fort Precinct especially Fort Cornwallis. Advice

should be sought from experienced conservation professionals in conserving and undertaking change to the

Fort Precinct.

Expert advice and experienced trade persons should guide the conservation of building fabric, collections and

movable heritage items.

4.2.4 Maintenance

Maintenance of the Fort Precinct especially Fort Cornwallis place should be the single most important part of

the conservation programme. Systematic maintenance of the place must be undertaken to prevent

deterioration of the place in accordance with the maintenance schedule.

All inspection and maintenance works must only be undertaken by those with suitable professional knowledge

and experience of working with historic buildings and materials.

A maintenance plan and schedule should be prepared to ensure that building condition assessments and

maintenance works are carried out on regular basis.

4.2.5 Services

The provision of new services should be undertaken with the minimum interference to significant fabric and

the character of significant spaces. If new services are installed, existing services should be consolidated and if

redundant removed.

4.2.6 Moveable Heritage

A Collection Management Policy should be prepared to ensure that the management of objects at the site

continues to be carefully monitored and the acquisition of objects is appropriate to the cultural heritage values

of the place.

Artefacts and equipment relating to Fort Cornwallis should be retained on site, where possible other objects

with provenance to the fort should be acquired.

4.2.7 Archaeology

Archaeological investigation or excavation for services should be preceded by research to determine the likely

location and significance of the sub-surface features, and these should be progressively mapped.

When archaeological investigations are being carried out then provision should be made for appropriate visitor

engagement with the process, and where possible the use of volunteers.


4.3 Interpreting the Heritage Values of Fort Precinct

4.3.1 Interpretation

Develop interpretation plan to communicate authentic heritage values of fort precinct to the visitors

Interpretation plan should be prepare on the basis of research, visitors, surveys, consultation with tourism

groups, etc.

Interpretation should consider missing or obscured elements e.g. water front, the original shore line,

demolished buildings, other structures, functioning of the fort,

Historic people associated with the fort and padang.

Interpretation should include range of media: e.g:

Signage,

Guides, tours, audio visuals, audio tours

Plays

Conservation work

Archaeology

Education programs (school students)

4.4 Research and Investigation

4.4.1 Historical Research

Commission on going programme of research into history of:

Fort Cornwallis

Padang

People /officers / soldiers / police associated with the Fort

East India Company

Development of the Docks area

18th century in South East Asia

Prepare inventory & assessment of cannons with recommendation

Undertake archaeology research programmes

4.4.2 Records and Documentation

Any works or changes carried out in the fort precinct especially Fort Cornwallis should be recorded and

catalogued for future review of the effectiveness of the works.


Sourcing and cataloguing of historical maps and records should be undertaken on-going basis to enhance the

information about the history of the fort precinct.

4.5 Operational and Financial Considerations

4.5.1 Tourism

Develop interpretation and activity programmes to attract more tourists to the fort precinct, to enhance

understanding of George Town history and culture.

Interpretation and activity programmes should be designed to allow visitors to have a meaningful educational

enjoyable experience base on authentic interpretation.

Develop an interpretation centre to provide a focus for interpretation by visitors of the heritage value of the

fort and George Town. The design and location of the interpretation centre must be consistent with the

heritage significance of the fort precinct and not result in adverse impact of heritage significance.

Use the fort as a centre for training, management, guides and other personnel involve in Fort Precinct

conservation tourism and interpretation

Undertake on-going surveys and analysis of visitation to the precinct to access effectiveness of interpretation,

visitor expectations, origin and type of visitors.

4.5.2 Facilities & Access

Provide modern and comfortable facilities for tourists e.g. toilets, gift shops, café, seating in locations that do

not adversely impact on aspects of heritage significance identified in this HMP

Maximise access for visitors with a disability to all parts of the fort precinct

Provide car parking and buses drop off point in locations that do not adversely impact on aspects of heritage

significance identified in this HMP

Undertake review of traffic circulation to increase efficiency and minimise impact on heritage value of the fort

precinct

4.5.3 Impact of Visitors

The impact of visitors and visitor numbers to Fort Cornwallis should be monitored and evaluated to ensure

that the impact of visitors is minimised while enabling as many people as possible to visit the site.

4.5.3 Financial Viability

Maximise economic return from visitors to fund for conservation and management of the fort, consistent with

appropriate conservation approach set out in this HMP.


Investigate external funding sources to support conservation projects consistent with appropriate

conservation approach set out in this HMP

Allow for lease of the fort for special events that are consistent with its heritage significance

4.6 Ownership and Use

4.6.1 Ownership

Retain precinct in public ownership

Retain name “Fort Cornwallis”

Retain government administration in the fort precinct should continue historic role as the centre of a

government administration for this area George Town

4.6.2 Use

The current use of the fort precinct and Fort Cornwallis in particular as a historic site is appropriate for its

heritage significance and should continue.

Continue to use the Padang and Esplanade for special events announcement etc.

Continue use of Padang and Esplanade for groups for special association with the precinct e.g. war veterans,

descendants of Sikh police unit.

Continue use the Padang and Esplanade for informal leisure activities by families and other group.

Maintain the identity of the precinct as a symbol of civic administration

4.6.3 Risk Management

A consolidated Disaster Preparedness Plan should be developed to integrate risk management, evacuation and

safety plans already in place.

4.6.4 Community Involvement

A Consultation Strategy should be developed to ensure that the views of key stakeholders (for example the

descendants of the Sikh police units) and the community properly considered in regards to the management

and care of the Fort Precinct.

Consultation should be taken with the George Town community to increase knowledge of the history and

importance of the Fort Precinct.


4.7 Change and Adaptation

4.7.1 Future Development

Conservation and compatible use of existing significant structures should take precedence over new

development.

New development to upgrade visitor facilities or to respond operational requirements should be develops in

accordance with the conservation policy of this HMP and avoids adverse impact of heritage significance.

4.8 Approvals Process

4.8.1 Compliance with Legislation

All proposals other than minor works that can be exempted as being in accordance with this HMP should be

undertaken with the necessary approvals from the relevant consent authorities.

Public notification should be under taken and all comments consider in determining any application for works

within the fort precinct.

A Heritage Impact Assessment should be prepared by relevant consent authorities for any works requiring

consent under the legislation.

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