What about Runnymede?

GEORGE TOWN: What is to become of Runnymede, home of Singapore's founder Sir Stamford Raffles, has become the talk of the town as no building plan has been submitted for the site despite planning permission obtained in 1999.
This is despite a UK-based architect's website revealing the site as a £60million (RM323million) project comprising offices, retail spaces, luxury residential units and a hotel.
E-architect had identified engineering consultancy Web Structures to draw up the masterplan and GDP Architects to design the buildings.
Emails to the two companies seeking more information have yet to get a response.
Local Government Committee chairman Chow Kon Yeow said the Penang Island Municipal Council has yet to receive any fresh application for developing the site which sits just outside the heritage zone.
He said the 1999 plan for the three lots was for three office blocks and a hotel but only the present Menara KWSP has been built.
He also said a notice has been issued to Runnymede Hotel Sdn Bhd to clean the remaining two lots where Raffles' house and the famous Runnymede Hotel is situated.
He added the place was now run down and the notice had requested the owner to repair any damages to the eight structures there, install safety hoardings and to clear overgrowth.
"The owner has indicated that they will do something to protect the building," he said at a press conference yesterday adding that the 1999 plan required the Runnymede Hotel structure to be preserved.
Runnymede was built in 1807 but fire destroyed the house in 1901 with the hotel subsequently being built in the 1930s.
The British Navy took over the place in 1940 with the Japanese Army taking control during World War II.
The site then became a government rest and recreation centre following Independence and was the headquarters of the Malaysian Army 2nd Division until the early 2000s before moving to Bayan Lepas.
There are currently eight structures on the site in various states of disrepair while heritage NGOs have urged the administration to ensure the site be preserved.