Remembering Those Behind the Scene

(St Joseph's Noviate before the Hunza Paragon Mall project began)

Remember Those Behind the Success of Paragon Mall

I refer to ‘Novitiate building transformed into dining and social hub’ (the Star 21^st January 2011) and express my congratulations to Hunza for the opening of St Jo’s at Paragon Mall. A magnificent piece of architecture as viewed from Gurney Drive, but I have yet to step inside Paragon Mall for a better view of the interior.

Every success that we have is always shaped by those around us. Our achievements, and our ability to face the odds, always come through the criticisms and support we get from others. I am sure, the success of Paragon Mall and the preservation of St Jo’s, came through individuals who dared to stand for what they believed to be right, holy and true

In the early stages of the Paragon Mall project, various parties voiced their dissatisfaction of the magnitude of such a project will do to the areas around Gurney Drive. There were environmental, infrastructure and heritage issues that many believed needed to be looked at before Paragon Mall can start building.

I myself, was a very strong critique to the fact that Hunza did not look into the need to preserve the St Joseph’s Novitiate as a heritage landmark. Hunza, according to the news, considered ‘relocating’ the St Joseph’s Chapel into another site (I have with me records of the letters I sent to the Star).

The Penang Heritage Trust (PHT) also stood behind the people of Penang, supporting penangites’ voices. The PHT, PHT members and I took great efforts in attending court proceedings at Komtar, Penang. I was privileged to have met the owner of Hunza at one of the court hearings.

After the many months of hard voluntary work to save St Joseph’s Novitiate as a heritage landmark, soon we got news that the building will be preserved. When Lim Guan Eng was elected as Chief Minister of Penang, again I was so delighted that the issues surrounding Hunza’s Paragon Mall project was looked into by the Chief Minister.

To the many Penangites who dared to make your views heard, I congratulate you. I thank the Chief Minister of Penang, Lim Guan Eng, who heard the voices of the people of Penang and ensured that the size of the Paragon Mall was reduced. I also wish to express my appreciation to Hunza, for the success of Paragon Mall and St Jo’s.

Today, as I pass through Gurney Drive, I am glad to see St Joseph happily sitting in the centre of the Paragon Mall project. Heritage Buildings such at St Joseph’s are never a waste, because the issues of the past remind us of what we can and should do today and in the near future. A master piece of architecture of the past, reminds us that if we persevere we can always succeed.

Bro Kenneth Mary Gan
Tanjong Bungah