KUALA LUMPUR: Penang's famous Gurney Drive will be getting a new landmark called "Gurney Walk" next year.
The project's developer Plentitude Bhd is touting it to be "an invigorating social and cultural hub."
While no investment figure for the project has been given, it is expected to boast 60,000 square feet of leasable space.
Gurney Walk will be directly connected to the 37-storey Ascott Gurney Penang, which will comprise 271 serviced residences.
Ascott Gurney Penang is taking over the space of the former The Gurney Resort Hotel and Residences.
It is currently undergoing renovation and refurbishment, and is slated to open in the third quarter of 2021.
"Gurney Walk is specially designed to cater to consumers with contemporary taste. Careful consideration and planning have gone into the use of space, to strike a balance between design and functionality.
"It is a place where people can break away from the mundane and come together to experience something truly refreshing or to be inspired. Needless to say, it's going to be very Instagram-worthy," Plenitude chief executive officer Tan Seng Chye said.
The ground floor of Gurney Walk will feature a wide-ranging and a mix of food and beverage and dining outlets.
Gurney Walk is said to have received considerable interest by potential tenants, with over 30 per cent of net leasable areas within the development been taken up.
"We have received positive responses from prospective tenants, who are confident of the immense potential presented by Gurney Walk," Tan said.
He said the retail space in Gurney Walk had been carefully curated to ensure a fresh and interesting trade mix.
Gurney Drive is currently home to two lifestyle shopping malls - Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon respectively.
Each features tenants which include international retail names and also engaged in food and beverage.
The Plenitude Group commands a diverse portfolio and track record of property development and hospitality-related business ventures, both locally and abroad.
They include The Marin in Penang, townships in Kedah and Johor, as well as nine hotel assets.