An artist’s impression of the proposed Wisma. The structure will include a two-storey high 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-storey car park can accommodate 500 cars.
KOTA KINABALU: A 22-storey new Wisma Budaya (Cultural Heritage Building) to replace the existing rundown building is in the making at the same site along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman in the heart of the city.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Christina Liew announced this after witnessing the signing of a Financial Agreement between the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry (KePKAS) and Sabah Parks Board of Trustees and Sabah Tourism Board (STB) and Sabah Cultural Board (LKNS) at the Ministry’s Conference Room here today.
The signatories were KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Director Datuk Dr Maklarin Lakim, STB CEO Julinus Jeffery Jimit, and LKNS General Manager Mackey Apison who inked the document on behalf of their respective agencies.
Liew (seated, middle) displaying the document with other signatories. From left: Mackey, Dr Maklarin, Josie and Julinus. Standing from left: Dikin, Peter, Joniston and Mary.
“This is a landmark development as far as Sabah’s tourism and cultural sectors are concerned. We will soon demolish the old Wisma Budaya to make way for a modern structure, equipped with Information Technology (IT) and Audio-Visual (AV) facilities, among others.
“If everything goes well according to plan, the project should be completed, hopefully, within two years. When ready, KePKAS will be proud to have its own house. It will move to the new premises which will also accommodate all the agencies under the Ministry,” Liew said, while suggesting that it be named Wisma Pelancongan & Kebudayaan.
Also present were her Assistant Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Chairman Datuk Peter Lintar, LKNS Chairman Dikin Musah and KePKAS Deputy Permanent Secretary I Mary Malangking.
