Self-propelled platform for up to 250 revellers in the offing
After the spectacular success of the National Day celebrations on the platform at Marina Bay, revellers can look forward to a smaller — and movable — version on the Singapore River.
The self-propelled stage — to be positioned as a "future icon" along the river — will allow partygoers to soak up the atmosphere on the waters while watching ballet, listening to a jazz concert or just chilling out.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), spearheading the project, has in mind a floating venue for arts and cultural events, performances as well as corporate functions.
The proposed stage — slightly smaller than an Olympic-sized swimming pool — will have room for 250 people and is likely to berth at four locations, giving it the flexibility to capture different targeted groups of spectators along the river.
The locations of the stages: Clarke Quay's The Central; near the site of Raffles landing and in front of the Asian Civilisation Museum; in front of UOB Plaza and Esplanade Park.
The URA's urban planning and design director Fun Siew Leng said the floating stage is part of the Government's initiative to improve Singapore's night buzz.
She said: "The floating stage will enhance the Singapore River's attraction as a lively and vibrant area for Singaporeans and visitors to enjoy.
"It will also contribute in creating more night-time buzz that can make Singapore an attractive 24/7 city to live, work and play in."
The URA is inviting the private sector and interested parties (under a RFI — Request for Information) to submit information for the design, construction, maintenance and operation of the proposed floating stage.
The design must be "distinctive, sculptural, attractive and in keeping with the scale and character of the Singapore River".
Singapore can draw inspiration for the stage from The Aquashell at Sydney Harbour and the floating stage used for The Henley Festival in England.
The Henley Festival of Music and the Arts — featuring classical music concerts, art exhibits, roving performers and outdoor restaurants — has been held for the past 25 years on the River Thames.
Stakeholders Today spoke to embraced the idea of building a floating stage.
Singapore Dance Theatre general manager Alvan Loo said the stage would be great for outreach events for performing groups. "The different backdrops of the river could also inspire our choreographers to put up different performances for audiences," he said.
IndoChine's owner Michael Ma, who operates a bar and restaurant at the Asian Civilisation Museum, said the platform could allow him to stage concerts with the city skyline as a backdrop. But rents should be affordable, he stressed.
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