They praise its iconic design, functionality but voice concerns over hefty price tag
SINGAPOREANS have given the design of the new Sports Hub at Kallang the thumbs up, praising its iconic design and functionality.
Their only concern: the project's hefty price tag. However, the $1.87 billion figure is not only for the cost of building Singapore's new National Stadium and its surrounding facilities, but also for running the Hub for 25 years.
The figure had increased from previous estimates of $800 million because of rising construction costs and extra features like a public watersports centre, which was added last year.
However, some people fear that the high cost of the project may translate into high usage fees.
'If it's going to cost so much, I hope ordinary people will not have to pay through their nose to use it,' said marketing executive Genevieve Loh, 28.
But, even if they have to fork out more to watch a sports event or swim in a pool, Singaporeans are getting a world-class sports facility in return.
For the new 55,000-capacity dome-shaped stadium will have a retractable roof to cater to all weather conditions, a first. Two other unprecedented features are the indoor aquatic centre and the whitewater rafting facility.
There will also be 41,000 sq m of leisure, shopping and dining facilities.
On Saturday, the Government announced that the Singapore Sports Hub Consortium (SSHC) was the preferred bidder for the project. It beat two other consortia - SingaporeGold and Alpine.
To be completed by 2011, the Kallang development is believed to be the world's first integrated sports public-private partnership project.
Once the contract is signed in March, the Government will pay $1.87 billion to SSHC over a 25-year period. The consortium will, in turn, foot the bill for the construction and operating costs, estimated at $1.2 billion.
This means that it will pay for the project's capital expenditure, and take on risks involved, like the rising cost of materials or labour.
Third-party revenue such as ticket sales and rental of facilities will be shared between the consortium and the Government.
At a press conference on Saturday, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, assured Singaporeans that the money will be well spent.
'In the sporting arena, we will become a key node in a global system where events are held, where you will participate and watch top international sporting events,' he said.
'People will come to Singapore and Singaporeans will also be able to find jobs, pursue their passion in sports. This will therefore be a project which will open up many more opportunities for our people.'
Cost aside, readers gave full marks for the new design.
Said engineer Dennis Png, 40: 'I think the best design won. The dome looks futuristic and gives the sense that Singapore is moving forward with the times.'
But, some, like corporate communications executive Kevin Tan, felt that the money for the Sports Hub could have been put to better use.
'It's a steep price given the current economic climate,' said the 32-year-old. 'Perhaps the money could have been channelled to enhance our existing sports programmes.'
Businessman Paul Ong, 30, also questioned the need for such 'extravagance'.
'Tan Howe Liang won an Olympic medal without any fancy facilities,' he said. 'The money could have been spent on the 'software', like the people and the athletes.'
But others believe the benefits brought about by the new Sports Hub will outweigh its initial cost.
Said sales manager Michaes Chan, 28: 'It sounds very expensive, but I believe the Government has done its homework.
'The Sports Hub should boost the economy in the long run, which will also benefit me.'
What NSAs say
'We have been looking for a whitewater rafting facility for the last 15 to 20 years. Hopefully, when it is completed, more canoeing and rowing events will come to Singapore.' - HENRY SIM, honorary secretary, Singapore Canoe Federation
'The design is aethestically pleasing. But I hope it won't cost too much to hire the stadium for sports events.
It's a big stadium, and whatever athletic events held there have to have big-name athletes. Otherwise, the crowds won't come.' - LOH LIN KOK, president Singapore Athletic Association
'With World Sports Group on board, the winning consortium has a very strong appreciation of local and regional football.
It's good to have a stadium with four sides. That gives a gladiator-type feeling for both athletes and spectators.' - STEVEN YEO, general secretary of the Football Association of Singapore
'I'm glad to see that they plan to make the new Sports Hub more than just a sporting venue.
Leisure activities are very important. Perhaps beach volleyball can be introduced on the Kallang waterfront. That would help attract more people to the area.' - BAEY YAM KENG, president, Volleyball Association of Singapore
'I think it would definitely meet our sporting needs. But it still needs some tweaking. The whitewater rafting, for example, might reduce the space for other water sports.' -
LOW TEO PING,
President Singapore
Sailing and Singapore Rugby Union
.jpg)
No comments:
Post a Comment