FMS Railways Terminal Offices, George Town (1909)
The largest and highest building in George Town, Penang when built. A Clock Tower landmark awaits you at the jetty as you transfer from Prye (Prai) station to Penang Island by perahu across the Straits of Malacca. A conspicuous landmark from the harbour. Ferry service owned by FMS Railway.
Hubback’s Official Post/Role: Federal P.W.D Assistant Architect
Year Designed: 1904
Year completed: 1909
Contractor: possibly F.M.S Construction.
Brief Architectural Description: Foundations consist of bakau piles.
Ground Floor accommodated booking offices, waiting hall, restraurant, bar while the upper stories presented office space leased to the public.
Also referred to as the Malayan Railway Building and today, Wisma Kastam Pulau Pinang
Original Use: Terminal Office for FMS Railways
Original Building Type: Office
Current Name: Wisma Kastam Lama
Current Use: Office
Current Building Use: Office
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Welcome to Penang Island, An Illustrated Guide to the Federated Malay States, page 18 & 19.
“If you are in category (b) you are probably in a hurry and want to know how quickest to get from your steamer, arrived perhaps at 6a.m, so as to catch the train leaving at 8 am. Your quickest way is undoubtly to put yourself and your baggage into a sampan and make by sea towards the railway.”
ANM Acc. No. 2001/0058460
ANM Acc. No. 2001/0058755
ANM Acc. No. 2003/0008314