New Sabah landmark: 22-storey tourism and culture centre to be built in KK

 

An artist's impression of the proposed 22-storey building which will be a centre for Sabah tourism and culture. Pic courtesy of Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will have a new landmark to showcase the state's rich tourism and culture sectors. 

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew said the building, to be named Wisma Pelancongan dan Kebudayaan, will be the future home of both promotional and heritage-focused entities.

It will replace the current building in Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, replacing the ageing facility so as to be a modern cultural and administrative hub for Sabah. 

The structure will include a two-storey atrium hall, the office tower lobby gallery, a performing arts centre, a dance studio, and a "Black Box" theatre hall, among other facilities.

Its multi-story car park will be able to accommodate up to 500 cars. 

Liew said this in a statement following the signing of a financial agreement between her ministry, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees, Sabah Tourism Board, and Sabah Cultural Board.

She said the new building will feature information technology and audio visual (AV) facilities, setting a new standard for public cultural infrastructure in the state. 

"If everything goes well according to plan, the project should be completed within two years. 

"The ministry will finally have its own house, and all agencies under the ministry will be accommodated under one roof." 

The signing ceremony was held at the ministry's conference room, with its permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabah Parks director Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim, Sabah Tourism Board chief executive officer Julinus Jeffery Jimit and Sabah Cultural Board general manager Mackey Apison. 

Also in attendance was Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

-nst online.