Images of Ipoh: The Replacement

Thursday, January 24, 2013

The Replacement

There were many downtown shophouses abandoned since 10-20 years ago due to the rapid development at suburban areas that withdraw some population from city center. However, value of downtown buildings at certain areas are bouncing back in recent years. Somehow the redevelopment does not favor to the heritage buildings because many are reconstructing follow the suburban way. Although some would try to design the new building to be harmony with its neighbourhood but this has killed the root and uniqueness of this city. As I see many old shophouses have deteriorated to no-turning point, which are just waiting to meet its end, replacements as seen in this photo will gradually dominate this city's appearance.

1 comment:

IanfluenzaJanuary 25, 2013 at 8:45 AM
I'd rather see buildings undergo revamps and be utilised than driving past them everyday witnessing how they have lost their former glory rotting away in abandonment. At the very least, instead of tearing the whole building down and rebuild from scratch, they retained most of the structure and architecture, and throw in a fresh new coat of paint with a modern touch. Glad to see Ipoh is making a comeback!
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Ipoh, the capital city of Perak State, Malaysia, is the city that tin built. Located at the famous tin mining area, Kinta Valley, it used to be the world's largest tin mine since 19th century. Not only of its tin mine, but Ipoh also famous of its delicious food, beautiful mountain ranges, mysterious lime stone caves, attractive history & friendly citizen. Being the second in Malaysia that gain the status of city in year 1988 after Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh is one of the major cities in Malaysia with the population around 700,000. Began as a small village in 1870's, tin mine industry had brought in Chinese and Indian that boosted the town development since 1890's. The rapid growing town later upgraded to be the capital of Perak during the Japanese occupation at World War II. The rich tin resource had brought prosperity to many Ipoh miners that even make it once known as the City of Millionaires. Today, Ipoh has grown to cover a large area including the neighboring township such as Bercham, Tasek, Jelapang, Menglembu, Pengkalan, Simpang Pulai & Chemor. The city is still developing continuously while maintains its beauty of nature and harmony.