GEORGE TOWN: The 111-year-old Beach Street fire station has reverted to its original name - Central fire station.
The fire station, the first in Penang and arguably the oldest in the country, was established in 1908.
Located at the heart of the George Town World Heritage Zone, the four-storey building was previously known as the Beach Street fire station but a new signage put up saw the name reverted to its original name Central fire station.
The new signage ceremony was officiated by Chief Minister Chow Kon Yeow today. Present was Penang Fire and Rescue Department director Saadon Mokhtar, Pengkalan Kota assemblyman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen and Komtar assemblymen Teh Lai Heng.
"One of the reasons why we reverted to the original name is because it is a tourist attraction.
"People will now know the building's original name when it was established,” Saadon said.
The building is also favourite Instagram spot for tourists taking their pictures.
Prior to the establishment of the fire station more than a century ago, the responsibility to put out fires was the duty of local policemen.
A total of 28 trained personnel took over the fire brigade once the fire station opened in 1909, a year after its construction began.
The fire station was said to feature a mix of different architectural styles, its classical-style façade merges with its Mughal-styled four- storey tower, with hints of Edwardian influences.
The fire station now serves the local area as well as other nearby spots to complement the main Jalan Perak fire station.
Saadon said that there would be no changes made to the appearance of the building which was according to the Special Area Plan (SAP).
"We have to preserve it but the quarters at the back will undergo some minor repair works," he added.