By P Chandra Segaran
The heritage and stunning looking Ipoh town hall was given a new lease of life after major renovation work was carried out.
Built in 1914, the iconic building has hosted many state and private functions over its 110 year-old history.
The popular Ipoh Town Hall will be opened after almost two years to host events while the old post office next to the building is being converted into an art gallery and digital works.
The two heritage buildings will soon host events like cultural,art, musical and concerts in the past and will open early next year.
Renovation work started in November 2022 and completed in May this year. The two projects were implemented by the Northern Corridor Implementation
Authority (NCIA) under the Ipoh Heritage Tourism Package 2 costing RM11 million.
Perak Housing and Local Government Chairman Sandrea Ng Shy Ching who visited the buildings said:”the projects included conserving, rehabilitation, restoration and upgrading works.
“The project is a continuation of upgrading Ipoh Padang and Kinta Riverwork slated under Package 1 which was completed in 2022.
“This development is to upgrade existing facilities for visitors and tourists in the heritage area centred at Ipoh Old Town which is close to the railway station that connects Kuala Lumpur to Padang Besar to become a tourist attraction,” she added.
Earlier, she witnessed the handing over ceremony of the Town Hall by NCIA Perak and Penang regional chief Fauzan Ismail to Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin@Md Daud.
The mayor handed over the keys of the post office to the National Visual Arts Development Board Director General Amerrudin Ahmad.
Ng also stressed that with the upgrading works, the name of Ipoh City will be elevated on an international level.
The project will also be a boost to the music industry after Ipoh City was recognized by UNESCO as the UNESCO City of Music.
