THE Singapore River, already a throbbing night-life spot, will get a large-scale makeover to add even more buzz to the waterfront area.
The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) on Friday morning announced plans to make it rock round the clock.
These include infrastructural improvements such as new lighting and signs, as well as adding a new river festival and other quayside events.
These are part of the effort to create more night-time buzz in the area, said Ms Margaret Teo, assistant chief executive (leisure) at the STB.
'Like Orchard road and the Marina Bay precincts, the Singapore River has the potential to stand out as a distinctive 24-hour entertainment lifestyle destination,' she said.
According to a 2006 survey by the STB, only 7 per cent of visitors polled actually visited Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, despite the fact that the STB has touted them as one of Singapore's must-see sights.
The STB and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the makeover will run into the millions but will cost less than the US$40 million facelift for Orchard Road.
The bulk of the costs will go towards infrastructural works.
The river enhancement project will be carried out in two phases, with the first expected to start in April and end in August, in time for the Formula One races Singapore is hosting in September.
It will see ambient lighting installed along the bridges, trees, river walls, boat landings, and staircases from Cavenagh Bridge to Clarke Quay.
These will include programmable lighting on bridges and underpasses, 'jellyfish' lights in the water, and even lit-river taxis.
Other improvements will include new signs and themed street furniture that will match each sub-precinct.
The second phase, to start in October and expected to be completed by March next year, will see similar improvements made to the area stretching from Robertson Quay to Kim Seng Bridge, near Zouk.
Cruise operators will also increase river taxi and cruise services along the river.
The STB will complement the 'hardware' with 'software', which will include a signature event - the Singapore River Festival - to be held from Sept 19 to 28 as a lead-up to the F1 season.
It will include a mega concert on the river, a river float parade, outdoor parties, art exhibitions, and food and beverage promotions.
The STB will work with stakeholders in Empress Place and Clarke Quay to develop their own themed events.
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