Public awareness and perception on adaptive reuse of heritage building in George Town Penang

Heritage building adaptive reuse has become a critical response in supporting sustainable urban development especially in UNESCO World Heritage Sites where the need to conserve and the need to integrate with modern-day urban functionality must be achieved in a neutral manner. This study examines existing adaptive reuse in George Town, Penang and evaluates how effective it is concerning authenticity of heritage, appropriateness of its functions, and compliance with UNESCO principles. A quantitative methodological approach was applied based on the structured questionnaires filled in by a sample of 100 respondents, including the residents, tourists, government officials and built-environment professionals located in the heritage core and the surrounding districts. The descriptive statistical methods were used to assess the level of the respondents of awareness, perception, and acceptance towards adaptive reuse initiatives. The findings indicate a more positive attitude of the people, and participants have recognised adaptive reuse as a valid tool in maintaining architectural integrity, a combination of old and new design forms, and meeting new challenges related to modern city demands. However, the data also shows that the awareness of the current adaptive reuse projects and local authority promotion is moderately low, which highlights the need to implement more efficient communication and stakeholder outreach methods. The paper clarifies how adaptive reuse can lead to environmental sustainability, cultural continuity and a rejuvenation of urban areas in George Town and is also a contribution to the academic literature surrounding the topic of heritage-led sustainable development. The results provide useful information to the policymakers and practitioners who aim at perfecting the concept of adaptive reuse in World Heritage Cities.