Atkinson clock tower: 'Explain obsession to develop area'

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Housing and Town Development Authority (SHTDA) is bent on developing a 16-storey commercial complex, next to the Atkinson clock tower.

But Heritage Sabah wants the SHTDA to explain why it wants to proceed with the project at the expense of the tower.

It wants SHTDA to clarify its statement that the complex will not have a negative impact on the 105-year-old structure.

Architect Richard Nelson Sokial, who recently set up the heritage conservation group, said there was simply no logical argument to justify the commercial development except as an excuse that it would enhance the aesthetic value of the clock tower, which is the city’s oldest historical site.

Sokial was commenting on a statement by SHTDA chairman Rubin Balang that the proposed development would “give a much-needed facelift with proper infrastructure that would make the clock tower a real tourism attraction”.

“In what way does a 16-storey commercial mall-cum-hotel built metres from the clock tower beautify the place?” asked Sokial.

“Based on approved building plans, the tower will only get the full view of the mall’s parking lot, which is actually the rear of the building,” he said in a statement.

He said based on his understanding of the development plan, it looks as though it will involve the cutting of a nearby hill.

“The developer will have to cut the trees on the slope to build their mall. Is this their idea of upgrading? It does not enhance the tower. It just destroys its cultural significance,” he said.

Heritage landmark

Sokial said an upgrade of the area close to the clock tower should be translated into better upkeep, paving, lighting, repair of the broken staircases and signs to help promote the structure.

On Tuesday, it was reported that the State Environment Protection Department (EPD) had rejected the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for the proposed project, but that the developer could appeal.

The project, which came into the limelight recently, is a joint venture between SHTDA and a private developer.

Sokial pointed out that the proposed project at the city’s oldest heritage landmark would jeopardise any hope of further promoting the structure for tourism.

“This is not an ordinary project. It involves the wellbeing of the city’s most enduring heritage landmark.”

He added that one did not have to be a town planner or architect to see that the project would not enhance the lives of the people living in the city.

He said based on public feedback, there were too many malls in the city, some of which are still empty.

“Heritage Sabah represents the public who would rather see the clock tower and its surrounding area turned into a public recreation park for everyone to gather.

“We hope SHTDA will reconsider its plans and do the right thing for our city,” he said.

Subject to conservation law

On Wednesday, former Sabah chief minister Yong Teck Lee also waded into the controversy by revealing that the clock tower has been protected since 1997 under the Cultural Heritage (Conservation) Enactment 1997.

"It was one of the first heritage buildings to be protected by the newly enacted law soon after being passed by the Sabah Legislative Assembly in June 1997. The adjoining Padang Merdeka is similarly listed as a cultural heritage site," Yong said.

Any plans to develop the land containing the old building of the Housing and Town Development Board, which is located between these two heritage sites, are subject to the heritage conservation law, he said.

"The relevant law forbids any 'building or wall abutting upon the cultural heritage' as well as forbids the destruction of any tree standing in the area, encroachment, digging or disturbing the landscaping and physical features of the area.”

Offenders are liable to be fined up to RM 50,000 or jailed five years or both.

“I am sure the minister of tourism, culture and environment and other government officials are aware of this law,” Yong said.

"Neither the Central Planning Board nor the Ministry of Local Government and Housing has authority over a heritage site.”

“Authority is instead vested in the Sabah Cultural Heritage Council under the minister responsible for culture,” said Yong, who is also Sabah Progressive Party president.

courtesy of FMT