Successful Sports Hub Bidder Needs To Work Hard Before Deal Is Inked

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 18 January 2008

Saturday (19 Jan 2008) is D-Day for the three consortiums bidding for the Sports Hub project when the preferred bidder is named.

Singapore Gold's proposal

But there will still be more work ahead before the final deal is inked and construction starts.

The project will be the largest sports infrastructure built on a public and private partnership - or PPP - basis in the world.

Singapore Gold were the first to reveal their design in March 2007. Its "Lucky Horseshoe" shape will be the world's first waterfront-retractable roof stadium.

In November, the public got to see the other two designs. The "Wrapped" Stadium by Alpine Mayreder has a special fabric material which allows it to be lighted up in any colour.

And though conventional looking, the "Cool Dome" design by the Singapore Sports Hub promises air-conditioned comfort.

Singapore Sports Hub Group's proposal

However, design only constitutes a quarter of the evaluation criteria for the project. The bulk, or 40 percent, would depend on the programming - that is how much activity can be brought to the complex.

Financial and legal appeal constitutes 25 percent, while facilities management makes up the final 10 percent.

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And even after the announcement, the government's preferred bidder will still have a few hurdles to cross.

Among the issues to be settled are the project's funding, legal documentation and even fine-tuning of the design. Only after these are sorted out, can the deal be considered signed and sealed.

Alpine Mayreder's proposal

Construction of the main hub will start after the existing National Stadium is demolished. Then the first piles will be driven into the ground and Singaporeans can look forward to the new S$800 million Sports Hub.

The new icon at Kallang is scheduled for completion by 2011. - CNA/ch