The new Miri City Hall, which is set to be Miri City’s new iconic landmark, was declared open by Chief Minister YAB Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg on 15 November 2021.
Located at Marina Parkcity facing the South China Sea, the building’s design concept is that of an oil barrel, symbolising Miri’s identity and historical significance as a thriving oil town.
At nine storeys high, it features various smart features for Miri City Council (MCC) to be able to deliver its services and perform its management and administrative tasks digitally.
More importantly, it has been accredited with certified Green Building Index (GBI) status, making it the first building to have such certification in northern Sarawak.
This means that the design of the city hall is incorporated with GBI elements including efficient use of energy and water; environmental quality assurance; sustainable site planning and management; efficient use of materials and resources; innovative design; and promotion of sustainability in the built environment.
“This achievement is in line with the aspiration to make Miri a smart city by prioritising sustainable living environment,” said the Chief Minister in his remarks during the city hall’s official launch.
Although its construction began in 2018 and completed in October this year – 10 months past the original completion date of December 2020 – the idea of developing Miri City Hall was first proposed in 2004 following the application to upgrade Miri Municipal Council to MCC, but was faced with numerous challenges due to the council’s financial constraints.
“This city hall has long been planned. What I did in 2018 was that I told (MCC) to not use the council reserve funds. Instead the (Sarawak Government) would provide them with funds to build the city hall.
“I said as long as Miri wants it, I will give the funds to have the building and today, I have fulfilled my promise.
“This cost us RM92 million for the land and another RM70 million for the building. This city hall is a reflection of the close collaboration between the state and local government and citizens,” recounted the Chief Minister.
Meanwhile, MCC mayor YBhg Mayor Adam Yii said in his speech that the council has been planning a second phase for the city hall which will be built on the sea surface and connected to the main building via a bridge, in line with the design concept of an offshore production platform.
Together, these buildings will serve as a tourist attraction to tourists, visitors and the people of Miri.
