Sarawak Performing Arts Centre 46 pct complete, ahead of schedule for June 2027

1 hour ago 7

ADVERTISE HERE

By Shikin Louis

KUCHING, Oct 2: The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre project at the former State Legislative Assembly (DUN) building has reached 46 per cent completion and is 1.6 per cent ahead of schedule, with completion targeted for June 2027.

Minister of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project was progressing well, with the heavier and more difficult works largely completed and the focus now shifting to finer works inside the building.

“The heavy works are already done. Now it is more towards the finer works inside, including the interior design and other details,” he said during a site visit to the project here today.

He said the June completion would allow the centre to potentially host performances during the September 2027 SEA Games for visitors, including heads of state and delegates from Southeast Asia.

“We would want those from different nations in Southeast Asia to be entertained, to see our culture and other performances, so they come not only for the sports but also for recreation and culture,” he said.

Abdul Karim said the project comprised three components — the main performing arts centre, the former Lapau Building which would be converted into a restaurant, and the former fountain area, which would also be upgraded as part of the overall complex.

He said the progress was particularly encouraging given that the project involved upgrading an existing building rather than constructing a new one.

“If it is a new building, we can design our way. But if it is an old building, we have to adapt to the structure,” he said.

The former DUN building, he said, was more than 50 years old and carried its own history as the former seat of Sarawak’s Legislative Assembly.

Abdul Karim said much of the building’s original character would be retained, including its distinctive golden glass mosaic roofing.

He said he had insisted that the original roofing be preserved instead of replacing it with metal roofing, as this would affect the building’s aesthetic value.

“It might be slightly costly because it has gold leaf in it, but it will make the building stand out on its own.

“There are new things and old things. In a way, there are a lot of memories for those who are used to the old building and the old remnants,” he said.

The building also holds personal significance for Abdul Karim, who said he served his first term as a State assemblyman for Asajaya there and took his oath of office in the building in 2001.

He said a small gallery could be established at the complex to document the building’s history, while a coffee-table book would also be produced after the project was completed.

Although the building has not been gazetted as a heritage building, he said the gallery and coffee-table book would help preserve its history and the memories associated with it.

Meanwhile, the surrounding area will be developed as a “Taman Rakyat” or people’s park, in line with Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg’s vision for the complex.

Abdul Karim said the area would provide a recreational space for families, while the performing arts centre itself would serve as a venue for performances and cultural activities.

He also revealed that several players in the performing arts industry, including groups from Kuala Lumpur and the Philharmonic community, had already expressed interest in collaborating with Sarawak.

“We have received proposals from several people in this industry who want to collaborate with us as far as performing arts is concerned,” he said.

He said some had also offered to be part of the future team as advisers when the centre begins operations.

On the centre’s eventual name, Abdul Karim said “Sarawak Performing Arts Centre” was currently being used as the project name, but a specific name had yet to be decided.

He said the matter would be brought up with the Premier and other relevant authorities.

Abdul Karim also commended the Public Works Department (JKR), consultants and consortium of contractors involved in the project, saying he was impressed by the progress during his latest visit.

With a total contract sum of RM247 million, the project commenced construction on May 16, 2024, and is scheduled for completion on June 5, 2027.

Inspired by London’s Royal Albert Hall and designed to meet standards comparable with top venues in the United States, the centre will feature a two-level theatre hall, black box theatre, art gallery, multipurpose hall, dance studio, theatre studio, music recording studio, function hall, office spaces, resource centre and a walkthrough connecting to the Lapau Building.

Outside, a grand boulevard and landscaped surroundings will be enhanced, while the Lapau Building will be renovated into a banquet venue.

Project management and implementation fall under the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR), with Arkitek Visireka Sdn Bhd as the appointed architect. Various consultants are handling the structural, mechanical and electrical aspects, while the main contractor is Performing Arts Centre Consortium Sdn Bhd (PACC).

Also present were Deputy Minister for Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan; Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts (MTCP) permanent secretary Morshidi Fredrick; and JKR Kuching Divisional Engineer Wang Say Kwang.