Housing Affairs and Urban Heritage Conservation in George Town World Heritage Site, Penang Island

Abstract

ABSTRACT In recent decades, issues relating to affordable and inclusive housing have become pressing in the light of globalization and urban neo-liberalism. The predicament is not only common in modern cities but also unfolding in historic cities, especially after receiving the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site inscription. While there are upsides and downsides to the debate on how urban heritage conservation intersects with housing affairs, arguably, the situation and outcomes differ across temporal and geographical contexts. This study aims to examine the relationship between urban heritage conservation and its implications on affordable and inclusive housing in the George Town World Heritage Site. Based on mixed research methods, the findings gathered indicated that following two defining moments namely, (i) the repeal of the Control of Rent Act; and (ii) the UNESCO inscription, socio-economic transformations have altered the demographics, socio-economic base and housing demands/needs of the heritage site. Undoubtedly, gentrification has set in and housing is deemed unaffordable, especially to low-income citizenry. The study recommends that conceptual notions, policy affairs and action plans in GTWHS should integrate the aspect of inclusive housing to ensure that no one in the heritage site is deprived of a roof above their heads.