KUCHING – The Sarawak Performing Arts Centre is expected to be completed by June 2027, potentially allowing the restored complex to host cultural performances during the 2027 SEA Games later that year.
Sarawak Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the project to upgrade the former Sarawak State Legislative Assembly building had reached 46 per cent completion and was currently 1.6 per cent ahead of schedule.
He said the completion target was based on briefings from the Sarawak Public Works Department (JKR) and project consultants, provided there were no significant delays or other unforeseen obstacles.
The 2027 SEA Games are scheduled for September, giving the project several months between its expected completion and the regional sporting event.
Abdul Karim said the timing could allow the facility to be used for cultural programmes for visitors and ASEAN leaders attending the games.
He made the remarks after conducting a working visit to inspect the latest progress of the project in Kuching on Friday.
According to Abdul Karim, much of the more challenging structural work had already been completed, with construction activity now focusing largely on finishing works and the interior design of the complex.
The development involves three principal components. These comprise the performing arts centre, The Old Lapau, which is planned to operate as a restaurant, and the former fountain area, which is being upgraded as part of the wider complex.
The project also includes plans for the surrounding area to be developed as a public park, providing an open recreational space for families and other members of the community.
The transformation of the former legislative complex is expected to give the historic site a new function centred on arts, culture, hospitality and public use.
Its potential role during the SEA Games would also place the facility within a wider programme of activities associated with Sarawak’s tourism and creative industries, although the proposed cultural performances would depend on the centre being completed and operational in time.
The project schedule remains subject to construction progress and any factors that could affect delivery before the June 2027 target.
Abdul Karim also acknowledged the work of JKR Sarawak, the contractor consortium and consultants involved in the project, particularly their efforts to maintain progress at the construction site.
He noted that the project had maintained a record of zero accidents at the worksite, highlighting safety as another aspect of the ongoing construction programme.
The development is being undertaken as part of efforts to give the former state legislative site a renewed purpose while retaining its connection to Sarawak’s institutional and cultural history.
If completed as scheduled, the performing arts component could provide an additional venue for cultural activities in Kuching ahead of and during the 2027 SEA Games.
The visit was also attended by Sarawak Deputy Minister for Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Datuk Snowdan Lawan and Permanent Secretary of the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Morshidi Frederick. – Sarawak Daily
