Big, green and luxurious

The Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre is a collaboration between the state government and property developer SP Setia, writes Marina Emmanuel

Setia SPICE Convention Centre at Bayan Lepas, Penang is the first hybrid solar-powered convention centre in the world.

PENANG’S spot on the world map as the preferred venue for conventions and exhibitions has received a boost with its latest attraction — Setia SPICE Convention Centre. SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) is touted to be the world’s first hybrid solar powered convention centre. The project is a collaboration between the Penang government and property developer SP Setia.

Boasting 6,503 sq m of event space, the “green” convention and exhibition centre is also said to be the first Eco Green (GBI) Certified convention centre in Asia and also the first to implement ISO 22000:2005 (for food safety management).

“We are proud to unveil one of the country’s biggest pre-function spaces,” SP Setia general manager (property) Ng Han Seong told JOM! during a recent site tour of the centre. Setia SPICE Convention Centre at Bayan Lepas, Penang is the first hybrid solarpowered convention centre in the world.

The SPICE Convention Centre is home to a 4,546 sq m pillarless ballroom which provides an unobstructed view of the stage, 13 supporting function rooms and Setia SPICE Convention Centre at Bayan Lepas, Penang is the first hybrid solarpowered convention centre in the world.

an expansive and beautifully landscaped roof garden.

“The ballroom,” said Ng “is a truly unique event space which offers great flexibility, including a modern retractable partition system to ensure space flexibility. It can be divided into four smaller halls.”

The grand ballroom can accommodate up to 8,000 guests theatre-style and currently holds the distinction of being Penang’s biggest ballroom.

Ng said the convention centre’s to the Penang International Airport (five minutes drive) will serve as a plus point to those attending events at the site.

“While the normal taxi fare from the airport to this area is about RM15, we are working with Uber to provide free rides from the airport to SPICE,” he said.

A business-class hotel is set to open its doors at the site by 2019. According to SP Setia, the hotel project will boast an art concept and is poised to be the “new vibrant heartbeat” of Penang’s art and culture scene.

“We are looking to offer a hotel with the finest art collection in the country,” said Ng.

For visitors to SPICE and those living in the vicinity of Jalan Tun Dr Awang in Bayan Lepas where it is located, a 2.8ha landscaped roof garden sits atop the building, where an urban spice garden is taking shape.

“It is the perfect space for recreational activities or to enjoy a cup of coffee,” said convention centre sales manager Walter Ng Whing Tzhing.

Also available on the rooftop is a specially curated playground for children with special needs.

The centre’s futuristic design which showcases plenty of glass and allows for natural lighting to enter the building, is already causing passersby to stop and admire its iconic entrance.

A total of 1,600 laminated glass sheets were carefully hoisted to form an impressive driveway entrance.

Setia SPICE Convention Centre also offers the Setia SPICE Arena which is touted to be the largest indoor arena for sports, concerts and exhibitions and has a 10,000 terrace capacity.

The Setia SPICE Aquatic Centre meanwhile, is home to the largest indoor Olympic-sized pool with salt water treatment, has a competition diving platform and comprehensive clubhouse facilities.

Also in the facility is Setia SPICE Canopy, which serves as a one-stop lifestyle hub, and is home to trendy eateries and a sanctuary of relaxation with spa and wellness tenants.