Punggol's 'Vibrant' Coast

Source : TODAY, Monday, November 19, 2007

$13m waterfront plan to jazz up its rustic charms

ITS idyllic beachfronts and charming nature tracks make Punggol Point one of Singapore's best-kept secrets. While some prefer to keep its quaint surroundings untouched, most residents feel a facelift is long overdue.

Yesterday, Minister for Defence Teo Chee Hean announced that the 4.9km waterfront would go through a two-year, $13-million facelift from the middle of next year.

Speaking at the Pasir Ris-Punggol Kampong Family Day, Mr Teo, who is one of the Group Representation Constituency's Members of Parliament, said the upgrade could turn Punggol into a vibrant seaside town.

"Punggol is growing very rapidly and it's becoming a very vibrant town. But there are a lot of young families here and some are very adventurous, so the redevelopment will provide exciting things for everyone," said Mr Teo.

By 2010, residents can expect a promenade stretching from Punggol Point to Sungei Serangoon, and additional features include sea sport and recreational facilities, a nature trail and a return of its once-popular dining establishments.

These plans, which were drawn up in 2002, are also timely.

Said Mr Teo: "The Housing Development Board has indicated that it is building several thousand new flats over the next few years and a very large proportion of them will be in the Paris Ris-Punggol GRC, specifically in the Punggol and Buangkok areas, so many more residents can be expected."

To those concerned about Punggol Point becoming commercialised, developer Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) promised that the rustic charms of the area will be left intact.

Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, the URA's chief executive officer, said: "The facilities will improve the accessibility and connectivity of the area … Together with the new leisure attractions, the distinct character of Punggol Point will be enhanced and the area enlivened."

However, some green groups are concerned about any impact on the area's wildlife.

Mr Grant Pereira, head of Green Volunteers Network, said: "Impact studies are important. The URA should gather feedback from environmental groups."

Mr Wilson Ang, of the Environmental Challenge Organisation Singapore, added: "I think it's important that they strike a balance between development and preserving nature, but my bigger concern is how people can get to appreciate the environment, with the littering in open spaces such as Punggol Point."