The famous 126-year-old market that is synonymous with Penang's heritage, Chowrasta market here, has been officially re-opened today after undergoing renovations to upgrade the market.

Penang Chief Minister, Lim Guan Eng said the renovations would help to create a cheerful atmosphere and facilitate the sale and purchase of goods at the market.

"Chowrasta market is a very special market in Penang as it is the biggest, greenest and hopefully now with the upgrades it will also be the cleanest market in the whole of Penang," he said at the re-opening ceremony here, today.

Lim said, the market is also the most environmentally friendly market in Penang as it had obtained a silver rating under the Green Building Index (GBI) making it the greenest market in the state.

It is learnt that the upgrading works of the market had started in 2013, however, they had to be postponed from Aug 24 2015 to Nov 30 last year as there were many difficulties encountered during the renovation process.

Meanwhile State Mayor, Datuk Patahiyah Ismail said the renovation project of the market was part of the Penang City Council's (MBPP) plan to upgrade markets and eateries in the state since 2009, and it cost around RM13 million.

She said, this upgrade project was undertaken by MBPP by taking into account the views and demands of the people through the concept of "Outcome Budgeting Base".

"We hope that with the upgrades done here, we have created a space that is comfortable and satisfies the needs of not only the vendors and sellers here but also all the visitors and consumers that come here every day," she said.

The market currently has 339 stalls of which 240 are at the outdoor market, 81 stalls selling general goods and 18 food and beverage stalls.

It has also been equipped with escalators, lifts and a five-storey parking complex with around 120 parking lots available. -- BERNAMA