Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years

Escape Waterpark set to be done in two years

PENANGITES can have splashing fun near their ‘doorstep’ when the first phase of the RM120mil ‘world-class’ theme park in Teluk Bahang is completed in about two years.

The entire ‘Escape Theme Park Resort’ involving three phases would be completed in six years, said Sim Choo Kheng (pic), the managing director of Sim Leisure Consultants Sdn Bhd.

“The work on the first phase — Escape Waterpark – is expected to begin in the first quarter of next year and it is expected to be completed in 18 months,” he told reporters.

Earlier, the company signed the 60-year agreement to lease the 12.5ha land located downstream of the Teluk Bahang Dam with the Penang Water Supply Corpo-ration (PBA) Sdn Bhd.

Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng who was present said the company would pay RM40mil to the PBA.

“This is the beginning of a new and exciting chapter for the state’s tourism industry.

“The project will benefit the Penang Municipal Council which will receive assessment revenue,” he said.

Lim said it took nearly 18 months for the tender process to be completed in a transparent manner.

“The company was awarded the contract by the tender committee based on merit.

“Among others, it was picked because of its offer of superior lease rental payments, inno- vation design concept and its international track record in delivering similar projects throughout the world,” he said in his speech before the signing ceremony at a hotel in George Town yesterday.

Sim signed the agreement on behalf of the company while PBA was represented by its general manager Jaseni Maidinsa.

Sim Leisure was involved in the design and construction of the Universal Studios Theme Park in Singapore. It has also set up theme parks such as the Wahoo Waterpark in Bahrain, Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and Desa Idaman and Hotspring Resort in Malay-sia.

Sim told reporters that the pro-ject would be undertaken in line with the state government’s ‘Cleaner, Greener Penang’ ini-tiate.

“Our company has designed over 50 parks around the world and we hope this will be a new beginning for Penang and the tourism industry,” he added.

Lim added that the theme park resort would set the benchmark for the industry.

“It will provide 500 jobs. Each visitor will also spend money on food, lodging, transportation services or gift purchases.

“It is estimated that the theme park will add RM1.5bil into the state economy through visitors’ spending,” he added.

-News courtesy of The Star-