Weld Quay was created as part of a massive land reclamation project in George Town in the late 19th century, which pushed the coastline further east.

[9][10] In the olden days, the development of the Port of Penang into one of the most important entrepôts in British Malaya made Weld Quay one of the more bustling areas in George Town.

Cruise ships and coastal steamers either docked at Swettenham Pier or anchored in the Penang Strait, while lighters and merchant vessels loaded and unloaded their cargo at Victoria Jetty.

Mercantile firms and traders, including Yeap Chor Ee, also sited their offices within the elegant colonial buildings along Weld Quay.

[11] Today, only the Raja Tun Uda Ferry Terminal and Swettenham Pier remain in use, with the latter becoming one of the main entry points for tourists into Penang.