Jazzing Up S'pore River's Sights And Sounds

Source : The Business Times, March 1, 2008

COME September, visitors will be treated to a new look and an enhanced experience of the sights and sounds of the Singapore River.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB), together with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), yesterday announced plans for a series of infrastructural developments as well the staging of new signature events to promote the nightlife alongside the river.

STB spokeswoman Margaret Teo said: 'The Singapore River has the potential to stand out as a a distinctive 24-hour entertainment lifestyle destination.

'Plans lined up will add to the precinct's overall appeal and augment our international standing as an exciting, dynamic and vibrant city and a leading events and entertainment capital in Asia.'

There are three parts to the plans. The first is a series of infrastructural changes which will see more night-lighting, street furniture such as benches, signage and storyboards, in addition to new bumboat landing points and ticketing kiosks.

The lighting plan will see new ambient and programmable lighting for the Read and Cavanagh bridges, that would be able to change to suit various festive occasions. Underbridge lighting along the Clemenceau, Coleman and Elgin bridges will be another feature, besides floating 'jellyfish' lights on the river and enhanced landscape lighting along the three-kilometre stretch.

The URA will soon be launching a tender for the construction of a mobile floating stage at Boat Quay, which will accommodate a range of arts and cultural performances, concerts and dance acts.

The next approach will involve STB working with stakeholders of the various quays to create an annual events calendar for the area.

The highlight will be the Singapore River Festival, an annual event held in conjunction with F1 Singapore GP seasonal festivities spanning the two weeks leading up to the race.

At other times, each quay is expected to organise an event that mirrors its unique character. For example, the Empress Place event might have a greater focus on the arts, heritage and culture while the Clarke Quay event will play up its entertainment nightlife facade.

The final part of the plans is a continued partnership between the public and private sectors, such as 24-hour licensing for round-the-clock operations or even government seed money for lifestyle events by the entertainment industry.

The first phase of infrastructural works will be completed by September, with the second phase to be launched in October with expected completion next March.