Cover image by Peter Romey, AusHeritage.
FORT CORNWALLIS AND THE PADANG
OUTLINE HERITAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN
PRELIMINARY DRAFT OCTOBER 2012
© GTWHI
CONTENTS
1.
2.
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
EVIDENCE ...................................................................................................................................... 4
2.1
2.
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
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
3.5.1
Change / Adaptation ............................................................................................................. 28
Use ................................................................................................................................ 28
Fort Cornwallis & Padang Precinct Heritage Management PlanContents
Draft October 2012
3.5.2
3.6
4.
Adaptation ..................................................................................................................... 29
Approvals .............................................................................................................................. 29
3.6.1
Local Authority Department ............................................................................................... 29
3.6.2
Heritage Impact Assessment ........................................................................................ 29
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
4.3.1
4.4
Interpreting the Heritage Values of Fort Precinct .................................................................. 33
Interpretation ..................................................................................................................... 33
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
4.7.1
4.8
4.8.1
Change and Adaptation ........................................................................................................ 36
Future Development ...................................................................................................... 36
Approvals Process ................................................................................................................ 36
Compliance with Legislation .......................................................................................... 36
Fort Cornwallis & Padang Precinct Heritage Management PlanContents
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.
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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).
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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
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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.
th
Penang elevated to 4 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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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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)
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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)
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© Malcolm Wade
Figure 7: An old postcard of the Fort c.1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)
© Malcolm Wade
Figure 8: An old postcard of the Fort c. 1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)
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© Malcolm Wade
Figure 9: An old postcard of the Fort c. 1920’s (Image from the Malcolm Wade collection)
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2.2 Physical Evidence
13
25
8
20
2
7
9
2A
17
23 24 3
18
21
15 16 17
22 5 10
1
6
4
19
12
11
14
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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-blogentries/venoth/74/1288965509/tpod.ht
ml)
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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)
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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 1 of January 1957

The VOC Cannon illustrates the relationship between the Sultanates and the colonial powers in
the Straits of Malacca
st
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
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
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 18 and 19 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 18 century.

Early communication via flag (to send signal from the Fort to Penang Hill)
th
th
th
2.5 Rarity

Physical link between British, Malaya and India.

Rare example of 18 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
th
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2.6 Heritage Significance Of Components
Component within Fort
Rating
Overall form/ design and Structure of Fort
High
Discussion
Cornwallis Walls
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
Parade ground (in Fort)
High
Wooden Bridges
Low
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Original position?
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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
Open Space of the PADANG
High
Archaeology in PADANG
High
Basketball Court
Intrusive
Car Park
Intrusive
Discussion
Has its contribution/ significance to the
Fort
Food stalls
Intrusive
Playground
Intrusive
Navy offices
Intrusive
Abandoned Yacht Club
Intrusive
Visual connections between Fort and
High
Placement
Blocking the view
Government Buildings across PADANG
Connections btw the Port precinct &
Moderate
different Government/Administrative
buildings
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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
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•
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
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•
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
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
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.
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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:
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
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.
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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.
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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

18 century in South East Asia

Prepare inventory & assessment of cannons with recommendation

Undertake archaeology research programmes
4.4.2
th
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.
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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.
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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.
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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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