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In the first quarter of 2027, Penang’s Gurney Drive Hawker Centre will be moving to a new purpose-built home at Gurney Bay. For many Malaysians, the beloved hawker centre is one of the most iconic places to enjoy Penang street food.
Famous for local favourites like char kway teow, oyster omelette, wantan mee, satay, and rojak, it has long been a must-visit food destination in George Town. The new hawker centre is currently under construction, with physical progress reported at 4.16%.
Once completed, it will house 127 food stalls, 7 beverage stalls, 17 retail units, and 43 mobile kiosk spaces. In other words, visitors can expect a much larger and more organised setup designed to handle the crowds that flock to Gurney Drive every day.
Priority will be given to the existing traders who have helped build Gurney Drive’s reputation over the years. This includes 93 hawkers currently operating at Anjung Gurney and another 12 temporarily licensed hawkers around the Gurney Drive roundabout.
The relocation will be carried out in stages so businesses can continue operating with minimal disruption.
According to Penang state local government and town and country planning committee chairman H’ng Mooi Lye, the new centre is one of the key public attractions planned as part of the waterfront development.
The goal is to provide a cleaner, more comfortable, and better-organised space for both hawkers and diners, while complementing Gurney Bay’s growing role as one of Penang’s most popular recreational spots.
While the number of tables and chairs has yet to be finalised, the final layout is expected to offer a more spacious and pleasant dining experience.
Rental rates are also still being determined, with authorities taking into account operating and maintenance costs to ensure the centre can be managed sustainably over the long term.
With the moving set to take place in 2027, what makes Gurney Drive Hawker Centre so special stays the same: some of the best Penang hawker food, gathered in one place.
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