Transportation, Road Plans For F1 Race Out

Sourc : The Business Times, July 4, 2008

Road closures, diversions from Sept 20-Oct 2; 26 bus services affected

TRAFFIC and transportation plans to transform Singapore's city streets into a race circuit for the 2008 Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix were unveiled yesterday.



















A series of road closures in the Marina Centre area will be implemented between Sept 20 and Oct 2 in three phases. Among the roads that will be either closed or restricted are St Andrew's Road, Raffles Avenue, Nicoll Highway, Esplanade Drive, Stamford Road and Temasek Avenue. Traffic wardens will be on hand to direct traffic.

'The best way to travel to the area is to use public transportation,' said Yam Ah Mee, chief executive of LTA, highlighting that congestion and delays were expected on the roads.

Stakeholders, such as those working in the area and delivery vehicles, will be given accredited labels for priority access into restricted areas. Public transportation services are also gearing up to cope with the high volume of commuters. Trains will be running every two to three minutes during peak and race dispersal periods, as opposed to the average three minutes currently. Operating hours for public transportation may also be extended.

However, 26 bus services will be diverted to nearby roads and the Marina Centre Bus Terminal will be closed during road closure periods. Non-basic bus services, such as the Night Rider and Premium Buses, will also be affected. Information regarding the diverted routes will be available at affected bus stops and on the websites of the public transport operators.

A complimentary shuttle bus service from Bugis and City Hall MRT stations will run between Sept 20 and 29, carrying passengers to four stops along North Bridge Road and in the Suntec City area.

The two existing taxi stands at Suntec Tower 2 and 3 will remain operational, while a third temporary one will be set up at Suntec City Driveway. Other operational taxi stands are at the Millenia Tower and the Conrad Hotel.

Planning For The LONG RUN

Source : The Electric New Paper, May 23, 2008

Joggers, rejoice - the URA's Leisure Plan means you'll be able to enjoy a 150km run around S'pore

FIND jogging along East Coast Park a bore?

How about a 150km jog around the entire country, passing through estates like Punggol, Sembawang and Jurong on the way?

The route, about 3 1/2 times the length of the Pan-Island Expressway, will be seamless - which means you will not be running across any of the expressways.

TNP Graphics: CHNG

And completing it should take you a whole day, assuming you've got the stamina to run such a distance.

The route is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's Leisure Plan, which includes provisions for a range of activities.

The plan was unveiled yesterday by Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan at the Singapore Institute of Architects 47th annual dinner.

Said Mr Mah: 'When fully completed, the round-island route will bring Singaporeans even closer to our coastline and greenery.'

The highlights of the Leisure Plan include enhancing Singapore's greenery, creating leisure destinations with unique offerings and encouraging greater buzz and nightlife in the city.

Some of the green enhancements include increasing park spaces from the current 3,300ha to 4,200ha.

The park connector network will also be more than tripled from 100km today to 360km.

The round-island route, which will allow people to cycle, stroll or run around the country, will also have sections linked by park connectors, coastal promenades and so on.

It will be ready in 10 to 15 years, said the URA.

Areas earmarked for change include Kranji and Lim Chu Kang.

New park land, agri-tainment such as farm stays, and greater access to nature areas will make this project a unique countryside attraction.

Other areas to get a revamp will be the Jurong Lake District, Mandai, Changi Point, Southern Ridges and the City Centre.

There are also plans to spice up Orchard Road, the Singapore River, Bras Basah, Bugis and Marina Bay to keep the city buzzing.

URA's chief executive officer Cheong Koon Hean said this is the first time that such an island-wide plan has been drawn up, with a range of leisure opportunities for all.

She added: 'We want to ensure that even as we continue to grow, we can still enjoy a very good quality of life.

'It is not just about providing space and facilities to play, it is also enhancing the variety and quality of leisure options we have round-the-clock, where there is something for everyone.'

The Leisure Plan is part of the Draft Master Plan 2008 Review.

The Master Plan is a statutory land use plan that URA develops to guide Singapore's development over the next 10 to 15 years. It is reviewed every five years.

Members of the public can give their feedback during the Draft Master Plan 2008 exhibition this Friday at the URA Centre.

Leisure Plan Promises Fun Times Ahead

Source : The Business Times, May 22, 2008

Devts include 150km round-island path, agri-tainment sites and urban hotspots

From a round-the-island jogging route to night festivals in the city, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has shown it is serious about fun by coming up with Singapore's first Leisure Plan.

According to National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, there is a need to 'further sharpen Singapore's distinctiveness as a vibrant yet liveable city'.

But the task is not simple, says URA chief executive Cheong Koon Hean. 'It is not just about providing space and facilities to play, it is also about enhancing the variety and quality of leisure options we have around-the-clock, where there is something for everyone.'

Built on the 2003 parks and waterbodies and identity plans, the Leisure Plan aims to enhance Singapore's quality of life. It is part of the 2008 Draft Master Plan that will also focus on sustaining economic growth.

The Leisure Plan seeks to provide recreation to suit everyone.

For those seeking active fun, more green spaces will be available.

For starters, a 150-km round-the-island route for joggers and cyclists is in the works. Linking park connectors and other trails from Changi to areas such as Punggol, Lim Chu Kang, Jurong Lake, Marina Bay and back, the route will be finished in 10-15 years. Stretches in some regions such as the Southern Ridges are already complete, and the next five years will see at least half the route laid out.

Bringing parks closer to homes, the park connector network will more than triple in size from 100 km to 360 km in the next 10-15 years. The web will expand further to include six more loops in the next five years, in areas such as Siglap-Kallang.

Parks will grow to 4,200 ha in the next 15 years, from 3,300 ha today. In the more immediate future, new parks in areas such as Lower Seletar Reservoir will appear.

Besides parks, more accessible waterways and new sports facilities will become must-go destinations for residents keen on outdoor play.

Beyond creating spaces, the Leisure Plan aims to carve out destinations with a distinctive character.

Under the second part of the plan, the 1,400-ha Kranji and Lim Chu Kang area will become a countryside getaway. Besides the 115 farms there, new parkland, new trails though Kranji Marshes, three agri-tainment sites and other facilities will be created.

In the city area, special lighting will dot areas such as Orchard Road, Bugis and Marina Bay to help give the island a vibrant nightlife.

And the National Heritage Board will step up the beat over two weekends in July in the Bras Basah and Stamford Road area, with night festivals featuring live music, street theatre and other performances. The Singapore Tourism Board will follow in September with its Singapore River Festival.

Arts activities and lifestyle hotspots such as Tanglin Village and Rochester Park will also provide urban entertainment.

Industry players are positive on more recreation. 'The development of recreational venues is a boon to surrounding residential areas,' said Cushman & Wakefield managing director Donald Han. 'With more attractions and infrastructure being built, we are likely to see higher demand and a sustainable price increase over the longer term.'

Supporting that view, director of marketing and business development at Savills Singapore Ku Swee Yong said: 'A planning approach that packages work and play around daily activities in one area, such as the proposed Jurong Lake District, will mean premium property prices in the area.'

In particular, more recreational venues will help the western region of Singapore shed its industrial image to present a better value proposition for home buyers. As Mr Han noted: 'Residential prices in the east are traditionally higher because of the diversity of attractions in the area - golf courses, the beach, restaurants and interesting food and beverage chill-out concepts.'

Kranji Countryside Association president Ivy Singh-Lim supports the increased focus on agri-tainment. According to her, visitors will benefit from a refuge away from the city and farmers can gain additional income.

But Mrs Singh-Lim is concerned that development could encroach on the area's rustic charm, and hopes agri-tainment will become just be 'part of the scene (of sustainable agriculture)'.

URA will launch the Draft Master Plan 2008 exhibition tomorrow for the public to give feedback.

Welcome To Leisure Island

Source : TODAY, Thursday, May 22, 2008

SOON, when someone claims there is nothing to do in Singapore, you can tell him to go fly a kite. Or cycle around the island, literally.

Alternatively, he can relax amid the rustic charms of Changi on a spa treatment table, soak up the carnival atmosphere at night festivals down by the Singapore River and Bras Basah area, or take in a theatre performance at the nearest community centre.

Apart from a more vibrant arts scene and nightlife, parks, green space connectors, farms and a 150km round-island route form the centrepiece of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) plan to up the Republic's leisure quotient — the first time the urban planners have drawn up a comprehensive scheme to help Singaporeans relax and have fun.























Notably, Changi's distinct colonial flavour would be retained, with all-time haunts such as the old Changi Hospital and former Hendon Camp converted to spa resorts. The vicinity's black-and-white bungalows could also be turned into boutique hotels.

Unveiling the "Leisure Plan" yesterday as part of the URA's draft masterplan for the next 10 to 15 years, National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said that with "judicious land use planning", Singapore would be able to set aside land for new leisure options — or "valuable gateways for our city dwellers".

At the same time, the URA will enhance the "night-time buzz" along Orchard Road, the Singapore River, Bras Basah and Bugis areas and Marina Bay through activities, bolder night lighting and new street furniture.

"Singaporeans need not be concerned that higher economic and population growth will come at the expense of a sense of space and greenery. Even as we seek to further green our city, we want to add life and colour to our city centre," said Mr Mah, who was speaking at the Singapore Institute of Architects' 47th annual dinner.

Touted to redefine the Republic as a "City of Garden and Water", the blueprint would see the creation of new trails into the previously inaccessible Kranji marshland, while the Sungei Buloh wetland reserve would undergo a makeover. The Kranji and Lim Chu Kang area would also be spruced up into a "unique countryside destination" boasting of farm stays, spa resorts and kayaking.

Some 900 hectares of land would be carved out as parks, increasing park space by 27 per cent to 4,200 ha. Eventually, the total park space in Singapore would be equivalent to the size of 15 Bishan Parks.

The round-island route, which would take a day of cycling or a whole weekend of walking to complete, would take visitors through the "nature retreats, breathtaking waterfront views, beautiful beaches and attractive parks".

For instance, a family can spend a morning at East Coast Park, enjoy the sea breeze at the Punggol promenade, take an evening stroll through the scenic Southern Ridges and end the day by pitching a tent at a campsite along the way.

Mr Mah enthused: "I think we may be the first and only people in the world to be able to take a walk, relatively easily, around our whole country."

Part of the route is already in place, with Changi Point linked to the Southern Ridges via East Coast Park -- a trail described by avid cyclist Joshua Lee as "beautiful".

Still, the 28-year-old pointed out: "Unless the park connectors have nearby amenities such as fast food restaurants and restrooms, they will not be fully utilised as most people would stay put within hotspots like East Coast Park."

By 2013, at least half of the route would be completed, in tandem with the creation of an extensive web of connectors linking up parks located all over the island.

The draft masterplan would be fully unveiled on Friday with a month-long exhibition at the URA Centre. The public is invited to give its feedback.

Leisure Island

Source : The Straits Times, May 22, 2008

NOTHING to do on the weekends in Singapore? Not if its city planners can help it.

Yesterday, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) revealed an ambitious blueprint to make Singapore a great place to work, live and have fun in.

Under its Leisure Plan, 900ha of new park space and 260km of park connectors will be added in the next 10 to 15 years.























The plan also includes an uninterrupted 150km round-island cycling and jogging route.

'I think we may be the first and only people in the world to be able to take a walk, relatively easily, around our whole country,' said Minister for National Development Mah Bow Tan, unveiling the plan at the Singapore Institute of Architects' 47th annual dinner last night.

He added that Singaporeans need not worry that higher economic and population growth will come at the expense of space and greenery.

The URA plan also earmarks six areas to be developed into leisure hotspots.

Five have been previously announced. Last night, Mr Mah added the sixth - the Kranji and Lim Chu Kang areas which will become a 'countryside' retreat for urban dwellers.

Boating activities such as kayaking will be permitted at the Kranji Reservoir and new parkland and nature trails will allow better access to the Kranji Marshes and the wetlands in Sungei Buloh.

A final plank in the plan is to inject more buzz into the city, especially at night. The URA is relooking everything from night lighting to street fixtures, and hopes to kick-start these after-dark activities with a new Night Festival in July.

The Leisure Plan is part of a bigger blueprint, the 2008 URA Draft Master Plan, which will be revealed tomorrow.

For ideas, URA planners combed the island looking for leisure opportunities for the young and old, said URA chief executive officer Cheong Koon Hean.

'We want to ensure that even as we continue to grow, we can still enjoy a very good quality of life,' she said.

Leisure Plan Drawn Up To Enhance Recreational Options In Singapore

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 21 May 2008

In the near future, one will be able to stroll, jog or cycle around the whole of Singapore just by following an extensive route.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is developing a 150-kilometre round-island path as part of its Leisure Plan.

Overview of Gardens by the Bay site

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan revealed details of new recreational options at the Architectural Design Awards 2008 ceremony on Wednesday.

The round-island route will be developed over the next 10 to 15 years, but up to two-thirds of the path – which includes the Punggol Coastal Promenade – could be ready in just five years.

At three and a half times the length of the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE), the route will comprise existing and new park connectors, waterfront promenades and other trails.

Related Video - http://tinyurl.com/3zhk6o

It will also cover leisure destinations at the Marina Bay, Changi Point and the upcoming Jurong Lake District.

Mr Mah said: "We may be the first and only people in the world to be able to take a relatively easy walk around our whole country. You can spend a morning with your family at East Coast Park, enjoy the sea breeze at the new coastal promenades at Punggol and Woodlands, or take an evening stroll through our hilltops at the Southern Ridges."

Besides visiting the rustic countryside and farms at Lim Chu Kang, the more adventurous will also be able to trek along new nature trails to the 17-hectare Kranji Marshes.

Furthermore, the National Parks Board will be launching a Wetland Master Plan in the Sungei Buloh area to promote "bio-learning" activities.

Cheong Koon Hean, CEO of URA, said: "We already have the very beautiful Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, which we will enhance. We will add 21 hectares of park land around it to protect the ecology of the entire system.

"The agri-tainment sites have been introduced because a lot of people just want to get away and experience farmstays, so we are creating opportunities to do that. Some sites will be tendered out for agri-tainment use."

Singaporeans can also look forward to more quiet retreats, which will be made available with 900 hectares of new green spaces, including the new Gardens by the Bay and the Diary Farm Nature Park.

Authorities also plan to triple the existing park connector network from the current 100 kilometres to 360 kilometres within 15 years.

Waterways like the one in Bukit Chermin will be made more accessible. At the same time, urban planners are considering converting some of the black-and-white bungalows there into boutique hotels or spas.

The URA has also come up with ideas to transform Singapore into a 24/7 city. One way is to create more lifestyle hotspots like the one at Dempsey Hill. In the years ahead, new chill-out places will be found at the Lakeside Village in Jurong and Kallang Riverside.

Some other leisure plans will be happening much sooner this year. Come July, the National Heritage Board is holding a Night Festival at the Bras Basah area, followed by the Singapore Tourism Board's Singapore River Festival in September.

Besides hosting more programmes, URA said improvements like better night-lighting, new street furniture and more attractive activity spaces will be introduced to create a better ambience for people to enjoy the nightlife in Singapore. - CNA/so

URA Announces Plans For New Leisure Destination

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 18 May 2008

In just three years, Singaporeans will be able to enjoy a new attraction in the southern part of Singapore as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) plans to develop the area around Alexandra and Labrador Park into a recreational and leisure hub.

Berlayer Creek is a place where you can find mangrove swamps and exotic birds. But not many people are aware of the natural treasures available there.

Related Video - http://tinyurl.com/5qevj9

With few amenities, access to the place is near impossible, but this is set to change in the next few years.

A mangrove trail, called the Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail, will be built, complete with lookout points, a plaza and a boardwalk.

Ler Seng Ann, director of Conservation & Development Services, URA, said: "The construction will be carried out carefully such that the eco-system will not be affected."

The Urban Redevelopment Authority will also be sprucing up a stretch of area along the eastern bank of Alexandra Road, between Depot Road and Telok Blangah Road.

The 830-metre stretch – to be called the Alexandra Road Garden Trail – will have footpaths and cycle paths. It will connect to the Southern Ridges recreational corridor and the Horticulture Park (HortPark), which were opened on 10 May.

The new trails will lead to the 330-metre Bukit Chermin Harbour View Walk, which promises a breathtaking waterfront view of the Keppel Harbour and Sentosa from an elevated boardwalk on the sea.

The whole stretch will be called the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, and construction is scheduled to start next year.

"The projects aim to enhance the Southern Ridges and southern waterfront as a leisure, recreation destination. When the project is completed in 2011, the public can visit the place from either Labrador MRT station or take a bus to Southern Ridges and walk all the way to VivoCity," said Mr Ler.

The plans were unveiled a few days after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially opened two pedestrian bridges, the Henderson Waves and the Alexandra Arch, linking Mount Faber to Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.- CNA/so

Two New Bridges = A 9km Scenic Walk

Source : The Straits Times, May 16 2008

Telok Blangah Hill Park now linked with Mount Faber, Kent Ridge Park

The wet morning yesterday did not dampen the excitement of Telok Blangah resident Habib Ismail.

He was among 500 residents who watched Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially open two pedestrian bridges - Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch.

Spanning 274m across Henderson Road, the 36m-high wave-shaped Henderson Waves is Singapore's highest pedestrain bridge. The other bridge, Alexandra Arch, is located in Alexandra Road. -- ST PHOTO: ASHLEIGH SIM

With these bridges, Telok Blangah Hill Park is now linked to Mount Faber on one side and Kent Ridge Park on the other.

An avid walker, Mr Habib, 44, a father of two, joined Mr Lee and the other residents on a tour of the bridges.

The bridges complete a 9km chain of greenery in the Southern Ridges, which consist primarily of three large hill parks - Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.

Henderson Waves, at a height of 36m, is Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge. A wave-shaped, steel-and-timber structure, it spans 274m across Henderson Road. The other bridge, Alexandra Arch, spans 80m across Alexandra Road.

The parks were previously separated by roads and wooded vegetation. Now, one can walk ridge-to-ridge, starting from HarbourFront MRT and ending at West Coast Park.

In 2002, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it would link up parks in the Southern Ridges as part of the Parks and Waterbodies and Identity Plans.

The project, which took two years to complete, cost $25.5 million.

Apart from the two bridges, the Southern Ridges now also boast the Forest Walk, a 1.3km-long elevated walkway that cuts through secondary forest at Telok Blangah Hill Park; and Marang Trail, which links HarbourFront MRT to Mount Faber.

Mr Lee also officiated the opening of the $13 million Horticulture Park - or HortPark for short.

With 20 theme gardens, HortPark is South-east Asia's first one-stop gardening and lifestyle hub.

The 23ha park, which has been open since December last year, took two years to build and also serves as a park connector between Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.

In his speech, Mr Lee noted that such projects 'provide a first-class living environment for all Singaporeans'.

He also announced upcoming plans to link the Southern Ridges to the Keppel Waterfront as part of a broader plan to develop a recreational and leisure hub in the south.

This includes having a park connector from Alexandra Arch to Labrador Park, building a mangrove boardwalk at Berlayer Creek and having a waterfront boardwalk that connects Bukit Chermin to VivoCity, with waterfront views along the entire stretch of Keppel Bay.

Details of these plans will be released soon, the URA said.

About 1 million visitors to the Southern Ridges are expected annually, and with the bridges open 24 hours a day, lovebirds might be expected to make a beeline for them after dark, especially as Henderson Waves offers panoramic views of the city and southern islands.

Mr Habib, a senior research supervisor, had stopped his daily jogs at Telok Blangah Hill Park due to work commitments. He is digging out his sneakers again.

'I'm making plans to walk along the new walk with friends,' he said with a smile.

Labrador Trail Afoot

Source : TODAY, Thursday, May 15, 2008

Newest pedestrian link between HarbourFront and West Coast Park launched

Come 2011, Singaporeans will be able to set foot on a part of Singapore's coastline that is currently inaccessible to the public.

The Labrador area, which is near Alexandra Road, has one of the few mangrove swamps in the south of Singapore. And plans are afoot to open a nature and coastal walk there.













It is part of a larger push to give a green hue to leisure and recreation in the southern part of Singapore.

The $10-million project, consisting of a 2.2-km trail and boardwalk, will be added to a 9-km series of green links starting from HarbourFront MRT Station and ending at West Coast Park.

The first of the links — two pedestrian bridges known as Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch at the southern ridges (Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge Park) — was officially launched last Saturday.

Yesterday, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) revealed details of the Labrador segment of its southern initiative.

The Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk will be connected to the southern ridges via an 830-metre Alexandra Road Garden Trail, which will see footpaths being widened and cycle paths built, as well as more landscaping being done alongside existing matured trees to act as a buffer from the traffic along Alexandra Road.

After crossing Telok Blangah Road, a visitor would reach the 960-metre Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail, which will feature an entrance plaza with an information gallery about the mangroves, as well as a rest area. The proposed trail will have lookout points with storyboards about the flora and fauna.

At the end of the Creek would be the 330-metre Bukit Chermin Harbour View Walk, which will have an elevated walkway providing scenic waterfront views of Keppel Harbour and Sentosa, in an area that was once exclusive to members of the Keppel Club.

URA's conservation and development services director Ler Seng Ann told reporters that the project aims to "enhance the southern ridges and southern waterfront as a recreational leisure destination … to allow the public to appreciate and enjoy areas that were previously inaccessible".

He added that construction work, scheduled to start next year, would be carried out carefully to ensure that the ecosystem would not be affected.

The nature and coastal walk is scheduled to be completed in tandem with the opening of the Labrador Park MRT station along the Circle Line.

New Connectors To Link Southern Ridges To Waterfront

Source : The Straits Times, May 14, 2008

A SERIES of connections will provide a seamless link at the Southern Ridges from Alexandra Road to the waterfront at Bukit Chermin, the Urban Redevelopment Authority announced on Wednesday.

Along the way, visitors can take in the greenery and rustic charm of the mangrove areas of Berlayer Creek, and the waterfront views at Bukit Chermin.

The Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk was first announced last Saturday by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at the official opening of the two pedestrian bridges - Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch - at the Southern Ridges.

URA said the plan is in line with its efforts to further enhance the attractiveness of Singapore's Southern Ridges and southern waterfront as yet another leisure and recreation destination for Singaporeans and visitors.

The Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk will offer three distinctive experiences:

# Alexandra Road Garden Trail
# Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail; and
# Bukit Chermin Harbour View Walk

'When completed, the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk will not only open up stretches of inaccessible coastline for the public's enjoyment, but also link up the attractions in the Southern Ridges and the southern waterfront to form a comprehensive recreational corridor,' said the URA.

'The project will allow visitors seamless connectivity while enjoying a variety of recreational activities.'

Visitors can enjoy scenic hilltop and nature walks across Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge Park, wine and dine at the food and beverage outlets at Gillman Village, explore the Berlayer mangrove creek, and take in the views of the Keppel Bay enroute to Harbourfront.

Said Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, Chief Executive Officer of URA: 'The Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, when completed, will allow us to better appreciate some of the very special places on our island that were previously not accessible.

'Together with the earlier completed links at Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch at the Southern Ridges, this new project will further realise our plans to create a memorable experience for Singaporeans and visitors in this part of Singapore.'

Construction for the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk is scheduled to start in 2009 and it is expected to be completed in 2011.

The 830 metre Alexandra Road Garden Trail will stretch along the eastern bank of Alexandra Road between Depot Road and Telok Blangah Road.

It will be well connected to the Southern Ridges recreational corridor and the HortPark. The nearby Gillman Village and the recently completed Alexandra Arch will also act as attractions for the users of the park connector.

In line with the Garden Trail concept, footpaths and cycle paths will meander around the matured roadside trees along Alexandra Road, and special landscaping such as flowering shrubs will add interest to the walk. There will also be rest points and information centres along the trail.

The second segment of the project is the 960 metre Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail. Berlayer Creek is one of the few mangrove areas located in the southern part of Singapore and in close proximity to the city area.

The proposed mangrove trail will offer urbanites a quiet nature retreat from the busy city life and the opportunity to enjoy the natural charm of the mangrove.

The Bukit Chermin trail will culminate at the 330 metre Bukit Chermin Harbour View Walk proposed at the mouth of Berlayer Creek.

This elevated boardwalk on sea will skirt around the foothill of Bukit Chermin, and connect to the future promenade of the Reflections at Keppel Bay condominium eastwards and Labrador Park westwards. Rest points along the boardwalk will allow visitors to soak in the beautiful southern waterfront views of Keppel Harbour and Sentosa.


A New Playground in the South

The Southern Ridges, Labrador area and Keppel waterfront will collectively form a major recreational and leisure destination at the southern part of Singapore.

Two attractive linkages at the Southern Ridges - Henderson Waves and Alexandra Arch and their connecting elevated walkway - are now open to the public.

Visitors can take a seamless stroll from HarbourFront MRT station all the way to Kent Ridge Park through a series of other interesting trails.

Mount Faber, a key node within the Southern Ridges, has also been revamped to cater for better facilities such as restaurants and eateries while developments along the Keppel waterfront such as St James Power Station, VivoCity and Harbourfront Centre have anchored the waterfront as a leisure and vibrant commercial centre.

Singapore Flyer Officially Opens

Source : The Business Times, April 16, 2008

PM Lee describes ride as 'enjoyable and spectacular'

FIREWORKS and lasers lit up the Marina Bay skyline last night as the world's largest observation wheel was officially opened.












Drumming up support: PM Lee (left) and Florian Bollen (right), chairman of Singapore Flyer, giving a resounding start to the attraction's official opening

Gracing the festivities at the Singapore Flyer was Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, who made his first trip on board the $240 million attraction.

Speaking to reporters after a half-hour ride on board one of the 28 capsules, Mr Lee described the experience as 'enjoyable and spectacular'.

Singapore Flyer

'We have a beautiful city and this is a remarkable view of it,' he said. 'The Singapore skyline is constantly growing and changing. The Flyer is an addition to that skyline, as well as to view the city around us.

'I'm very happy with the project. It's on time and it has achieved what we hoped for. We are optimistic it will do very well (with regard to) passengers and become one of the busiest flyers in the world.'

Also at the opening yesterday were 350 guests, including families and the elderly from various grassroots and social welfare organisations.

The Singapore Flyer board and management also presented a $28,000 cheque to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund, which was received by Straits Times editor Han Fook Kwang.

The 165 m tall Singapore Flyer took over five years to conceptualise, plan and build.

It was opened to the public on March 1, after a soft launch on Feb 11 for corporate customers. The attraction is expected to draw about 2.5 million people in its first year.

It is seen as a key part of Singapore's plan to grow tourism and attract 17 million visitors by 2015.

PM Lee Officially Opens Singapore Flyer

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 15 April 2008

Singapore's latest iconic attraction was officially opened by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday evening.

The launch of the Singapore Flyer was marked by an open-air extravaganza that included performances and fireworks.

The laser and pyro displays were choreographed to a music composition which was specially arranged by well-known local composer Iskandar Ismail.

Related Video - http://tinyurl.com/5oc2f6

The S$240-million Singapore Flyer took more than five years to conceptualise, plan and build.

Mr Lee took a ride on the 165-metre tall Singapore Flyer, which is the world's largest observation wheel.

"We've had a very enjoyable, spectacular ride. We have a beautiful city and this is a remarkable view of the city," he said.

"Many things are happening at Marina Bay as you know - the IR is coming up, the F1 is coming, the circuit will pass all around the Flyer. We can see all the buildings coming up around the Bay, and the Singapore skyline (is) constantly growing and changing," the prime minister added. - CNA/ac

Slew Of Events To Add Buzz To F1

Source : The Straits Times, Apr 15, 2008

A DIZZYING array of events will ride shotgun with the Singapore Grand Prix when it motors into town in September.

Tourism officials and the private sector have lined up everything from jazz concerts to float parades to capitalise on the influx of visitors expected for the Formula One weekend, which runs from Sept 26 to 28.

To date, eight events have been arranged under the banner of the Singapore Grand Prix Season, which takes place from Sept 20 to Oct 5.

More events are expected to be announced, and the season will be promoted through advertising campaigns in regional markets such as Australia, China and India, said the Singapore Tourism Board (STB).

Ms Lynette Pang, director of cluster development (events and entertainment) for STB, said planning for the event started last year.

'By encouraging the private sector to organise or coincide their events with the season, we hope not only to up the buzz in Singapore's events and entertainment calendar... but also to give stakeholders a greater sense of participation in Singapore's first F1 race,' she told The Straits Times via e-mail.

Mr Adrian Hobbs, chief executive of events company One Lifestyle Group, is bringing in jazz singer Diana Krall for a concert at the Marina at Keppel Bay - one of the key events of the season.

The company will also be sailing in a luxury yacht to host private parties for clients at the same venue.

It hopes to launch a jazz festival during next year's F1season.

'I envisage a clamour for luxury events during the Singapore Grand Prix,' said MrHobbs.

'By next year, there should be an even bigger smorgasbord of activities.'

__________________________________________________
Tantalising line-up

Singapore River Festival, Sept 19 to 28

Expect concerts, outdoor parties and a float parade that will pass nightspots such as Ministry of Sound and Zouk.

# Amber Lounge party at Conrad Centennial Singapore, Sept 27 and 28

An all-night fiesta for F1 drivers, sponsors and other glitterati.

# Formula One - The Great Design Race at the National Museum of Singapore, Aug 25 to Oct 2

Check out designs of F1 cars over the past 50years and other engineering marvels from London's Design Museum.

# The Hefner Collection at the National Museum of Singapore, Sept 1 to 28

American businessman Robert Hefner's collection of 70 pieces by modern Chinese artists will make its Asian debut.

# Singapore Biennale at City Hall, the former Non-Commissioned Officers' Club Building in Beach Road and Marina Bay, Sept 11 to Nov 16

This showcase of contemporary art returns for its sophomore instalment, and will feature a new Boutique Show segment for international gallery owners and collectors.

# Bvlgari Watch Exhibition at Paragon, Sept 18 to 28

More than 100 timepieces from the European jeweller will be on show, including limited editions created just for this event.

# Diana Krall Live In Concert at the Marina at Keppel Bay, Sept 26

The best-selling Canadian chanteuse will be the first performer to hold a concert at the open-air venue.

# The Singapore Motorshow 2008 at Suntec, Sept 26 to Oct 5

This biennial event returns with cutting-edge cars and other related bells and whistles.

Farm Fun On S'pore Vacations

More farms going into agri-tainment for extra income

CITY-SLICKERS here can now go a little bit country if they want to.
And the place to do it is in Singapore's boondocks, where farms are re-inventing themselves.

D'KRANJI FARM RESORT: Visitors can expect a spa, a seafood restaurant and a beer garden with a live band. Opens in September. -- MARK CHEONG

Sure, these farms are where you can buy fresh produce - but think also hotel-style villas with terraces looking out onto fields of bananas.

Think spa, seafood restaurant and beer garden with a live band playing by night.

This is what visitors can expect from a stay at the 5ha D'Kranji Farm Resort when it opens in September in north-western Singapore.

Run by Indonesia-based HLH Agri-International, this $10-million venture is the latest and most costly instance of how farms here are marketing themselves.

ORCHIDVILLE: Orchid farm in Mandai. Its restaurant, Forrest, opened six months ago.

Termed agri-tainment, this business concept draws people to out-of-the-way farms with restaurants, cafes and farm-stay opportunities.

Smaller farms can stay viable with this new income.

To date, eight farms out of 228 here have visitor amenities like food outlets and souvenir shops, said the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority.

NYEE PHOR FLOWER GARDEN: In Kranji. Petals and leaves Bistro is rented out for retreats and weddings. Farm stays planned

HLH hopes to attract 500,000 visitors to D'Kranji Farm Resort every year.

Bollywood Veggies in Neo Tiew Road, owned by former Netball Singapore president Ivy Singh-Lim, added the Poison Ivy bistro to its premises in 2004. A culinary school is on the cards.

The bistro brings in about $400,000 a year. The money is used to cover expenses like rent and wages.

BOLLYWOOD VEGGIES: In Neo Tiew Road. Poison Ivy bistro opened in 2004. A culinary school is on the cards.

Green Valley Farm at Bah Soon Pah Road in Sembawang opened a cafe serving finger food, made with its produce, last year.

It may also introduce farm stays, said Mr Casey Oh, one of the owners.

Over at Nyee Phoe Flower Garden in Kranji, the three-year-old Petals and Leaves Bistro is rented out for retreats and weddings. Farm stays are also planned.

Nyee Phoe Group's business development manager, MrKenny Eng, said: 'Why should someone come to a farm to buy something rather than go to the supermarket? It must be to experience a different lifestyle.'

This is what engineer Sentiono Tan, 43, and his family hanker for on their visits to the Kranji farms. His daughters aged four, eight and 10 are thrilled to see animals like goats there, he said.

'It's something different to do in our free time besides shopping. It would be nice for families if more farms had places to eat and stay.'

Agri-tainment is good for the farms here, said Mr Eng, adding that more players and public awareness will help sustain these businesses. The additional source of income will also help to cover utilities and other bills.

'Agriculture is a tough industry in Singapore and we need more like-minded players. We need everybody to prosper,' he said.

Mandai's Orchidville orchid farm, for instance, has doubled its weekly visitors to 500 since its restaurant, Forrest, opened six months ago. Takings from the sale of orchids have also doubled to $5,000 every weekend.

The extra income has cushioned it against higher oil and fertiliser prices.

Its managing director, MrJoseph Phua, said the farm's dining facilities encouraged visitors to linger.

'That encourages them to buy more flowers. It's a good synergy,' he said.

He sees agri-tainment as a way of keeping a more relaxed way of life alive here, where things zip along at a hectic pace.

Ms Singh-Lim, who also heads the Kranji Countryside Association, agreed, saying that the rural atmosphere must be retained even as agri-tainment grows.

'We are trying to make sure that this doesn't become another Sentosa,' she said.

F1 Trackside Hotels See Good Demand For Rooms

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 31 March 2008

Hotel rooms that provide a good view of Singapore's first Formula One Grand Prix race in September are being snapped up, including those that cost more than S$13,000 a night.

Most hotels that line the track said business is good. With six more months to go before the big event, some have already had confirmed bookings for 50 to 95 percent of the rooms.

From the 26th floor of Fairmont Hotel, one gets to see almost half of the Singapore Grand Prix track – from Suntec Singapore to Nichol Highway, through St Andrew's Road and the Esplanade.

Related Video :- http://tinyurl.com/2n4hgy

During the F1 period, the Penthouse Suite at the hotel, which normally costs S$5,000 a night, will go for S$13,800. And with a minimum five-day booking period, that's S$69,000 in total.

Ian Wilson, General Manager, Fairmont Singapore, said: "The other thing which this view provides is some real perspective on the course and that you can really get a sense of how fast those cars are moving because you can see them over a longer distance."

Some 70 percent of the other 769 rooms at Fairmont Hotel, which are priced from S$1,320 onwards for a night during the F1 week, have already been booked.

The rooftop of the Fairmont Hotel offers a spectacular view of the race track, but it is not open for public booking. Only a few of the hotel staff will get to watch the race from that location.

Swissotel - another hotel within the same vicinity - did not provide actual figures, but they said demand is good. The lowest rate at this hotel is S$1,500 per night, with a minimum five-day booking period.

Both Swissotel and Fairmont are also offering hospitality suites at the Raffles City Convention Centre, which has a view of the track action.

Another hotel that is close to the action is Marina Mandarin and it has seen more than half of its rooms booked for the F1 period.

The hotel's most expensive room is priced at S$3,000 a night, with a three-day minimum booking period.

Serene Law, Director, Sales & Marketing, Marina Mandarin, said: "At this point, we are still awaiting confirmation from the F1 organisers on how they are going to set up the circuit and the peripheral barricade before we decide on whether the rooms with a good view will come with a premium."

The Ritz Carlton Millenia Singapore is not imposing any minimum number of days to be booked. The hotel said more than 95 percent of its rooms have been taken up for the last week of September.

Others like the Fullerton, Mandarin Oriental and Pan Pacific Hotel did not reveal the take-up rates, but said they have been receiving many queries. They added that their rooms will cost about three to four times the usual rates.

Hoteliers also generally feel that the 30 percent government levy on trackside hotels during the race week will not impact demand for their rooms. - CNA/so

Architect Says New F1 Pit Design Will Be Spacious, Integrating Surroundings

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 16 March 2008

A night street race will make Singapore's Formula One circuit stands out, but its pit design is something to take note of.

Artist's impression of new F1 pit design

Costing $4 million, the pit is meant to give an impression of space.

There will be an outdoor viewing gallery for guests to get close to the race. It will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 people.

The designing team said one of the key challenges was to integrate the design with the rest of Marina Park.

The team also took the cues from pit designs in Kuala Lumpur and Shanghai.

The final product will be completed in June.

Mr Tah Kong Han, Director (projects) of Architect 61, said: "The way it is organised, the way the spaces are planned, by and large are similar to all the pit buildings because of the way they want to operate. But it is how the form comes together, and I think that was the key difference with all the rest of the pit buildings." - CNA/de

F1 'Rooms With A View' May Not Have A View

Source : The Business Times, March 8, 2008

Signages, lighting system may foil fans trying to get a free view

Fans of the Formula 1 (F1) Grand Prix hoping to get a free peek of the race - from the comfort of hotel rooms, for example, without forking out for the tickets - are likely to be disappointed during the Singapore leg.


















Sources said that Singapore GP Pte Ltd, the organiser of the race here, is likely to put up fencing and advertisement hoardings which could obstruct views from 'unofficial' locations come Sept 28.

There are also plans for a lighting system that could make watching the race from such unsanctioned locations very hard, the sources said.

The news is unlikely to go down well with hotels, which have been selling rooms at up to three times the normal going rates for the week the race will be in town.

When contacted, Singapore GP told BT that 'safety and operational measures' such as safety fencing, advertising signages and the lighting system for a night race will need to be put in place for the event.

'Once these are put in place, views of the race from unofficial locations may be obstructed,' said Alastair Hunt, circuit park & events manager for Singapore GP. 'At this point, there is no way that any venues along the circuit route would be able to guarantee unobstructed views of the Singapore Grand Prix.'

Sources said that the organisers could be looking to minimise 'leakages'. This refers to the issue of people who don't buy a ticket and instead watch the race from conveniently located properties - such as hotels and high-rise office buildings - along the route.

Most trackside hotels are charging two to three times their usual daily room rates during the peak race days.

Bookings have been strong for the race week, the hotels have said. In addition to Grand Prix fans flying in to watch what will be the world's first night race, hotels are also seeing lots of corporate bookings, especially from multinational corporations with offices here which are looking to host staff and clients from overseas.

It was previously expected that in addition to watching from ticketed locations, fans will also be able to have a clear view of the race from numerous trackside hotels such as Swissotel The Stamford, Pan Pacific, The Oriental, Marina Mandarin, The Fullerton and Ritz Carlton.

But even as customers have been snapping up rooms and F1 packages from the hotels, most hotels are not offering any kind of 'view guarantee'.

'Demand for the rooms is very strong,' said Cheryl Ng, Pan Pacific's public relations manager. 'But we do not offer any kind of view guarantee.'

Said Singapore GP: 'To be assured of the best views and overall race experience, tickets and corporate packages should be bought directly from Singapore GP.'

The organiser is working to maximise the viewing locations for the race due to the overwhelming interest. Ticket sales have already started, and more tickets will be released for sale once Singapore GP secures agreements with other partners, it said.

But some fans are worried that if non-paying spectators are kept away from the circuit, it will deflate the very 'buzz' the race hopes to generate for Singapore.

The F1 race is one of several initiatives geared towards achieving the government's target of attracting 17 million visitors to Singapore by 2015.

F1 Will See Singapore Host World's Business Bigwigs

Souce : TODAY, Monday, February 18, 2008

The inaugural Formula One Grand Prix in Singapore will give the island's economy a significant boost.

F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone is convinced the first night race on a downtown street circuit is where multi-billion-dollar business deals will be sealed from September.

Apart from an estimated 40,000 tourists visiting the island during the race, the 77-year-old told TODAY in an exclusive interview from London that Singapore will play host to some of the world's most influential captains of industry from team sponsors like ING, HP and Allianz.

"Everyone is excited about going there (Singapore); all the companies," he said.

"Among the sponsors alone, whom the teams will invite, there will be 3,000 to 4,000 key sponsors and, for sure, their top people there," he said.

"Oh, I think it will do people good. People are going somewhere they wouldn't normally go, perhaps see things they would not normally see and become interested. It will be good for Singapore; you will get big exposure," he added.

Mr Ecclestone also noted that with Asia and Australia set to host seven races by 2010 (once South Korea and perhaps India get on the calendar), Singapore and the region stand to benefit from the kind of F1-centric £3-billion ($8.3-billion) motorsports industry enjoyed by the United Kingdom.

"I wouldn't be surprised to see that happen, within two or three years, for sure. You need a bit of time for that to happen," he said.

Singapore has been on his F1 radar screen since 1990, two years after he took control of the sport that was near begging, turning it into a US$4-billion ($5.7-billion) business. That was the year he first gave his old friend, hotel and property tycoon Ong Beng Seng, the rights to host F1 in Singapore.

But the Government turned down a proposal to build a permanent racetrack, so in the late 1990s he took his idea elsewhere in Asia, adding Malaysia to the F1 calendar in 1999 and China five years later.

As more countries queued for the F1 starting grid, Singapore's interest was aroused once again, signalling it was keen on another bite of the F1 pie.

In May last year, Mr Ecclestone obliged, giving Mr Ong the green light to host a night race here — a global first.

The reason for the change of heart? "I am very bullish about the East," said Mr Ecclestone. "It has been so for more than 15 years (since talking to Ong), and hopefully I have been proven right because they have come on in that part of the world and now they are very strong … and Singapore is obviously in that region."

And Mr Ecclestone is confident that Singapore will eventually become a jewel in the F1 crown. - TODAY/so

S'pore F1 Promoters Looking At Leasing Strategic Locations Along Race Route

Source : Channel NewsAsia, 24 January 2008

There has been strong demand for the corporate hospitality suites which will be set up for the Singapore F1 race later this year.

Singapore Cricket Club

About three quarters of these suites, as well as the Paddock Club tickets, have been taken up.

To capitalise on this, organisers Singapore GP is looking to rent out other choice locations along the track to provide more viewing options.

These include a strategic venue along the race route - the Singapore Cricket Club.

Related Video Link - http://tinyurl.com/2t3czm

"No timeline has been fixed but they have made offers to us. They have given us various options and we are considering it. But we are nowhere near concluding it... the door is still open for negotiations," said Anwarul Haque, president of the Singapore Cricket Club.

And up for discussion is the upper terrace which can accommodate up to 300 people. For this location, the club president added that Singapore GP plans to charge close to S$7,000 per head.

The Singapore Cricket Club is not the only location along trackside that the race promoters have approached. Other venues include the Singapore Recreation Club and the Boat House at the Fullerton, but nothing is confirmed at the moment.

What is certain, however, is that the adjoining Padang will also be leased by the race organisers. Part of it will be turned into a grandstand that can seat 12,000 spectators while the rest of the Padang will be converted into a carnival ground.

Some have other bright ideas to cash in on the world's first night street race in Singapore.

"A lot of people are thinking of locations far away from the F1 track, so that you can give an experience of Singapore which is totally different from the usual busy city life Singapore. (Locations) as far as Seletar are being considered, and Changi as well," said Anand Vathiyar, Executive Director of UP Media.

Vathiyar claimed that a few very high-end places are already organising viewing parties far away from the track, and the cost per guest is likely to be around S$2,000.

And that is the price guests will pay for a 5-star treatment to view the race, minus the deafening noise of the F1 cars. - CNA /ls

政府料不会在F1大赛前放宽服务公寓限制

《联合早报》Jan 22, 2008

尽管新加坡酒店客房吃紧情况日益严重，但新加坡市区重建局和新加坡旅游局预料不会在9月，举行一级方程式大赛之前，重新检讨对服务公寓（serviced apartments）所实施的“至少住七晚”限制。

服务公寓业者两年前开始与有关当局会面，争取让服务公寓接待短期旅客的可行性，从而协助解决酒店客房短缺的情况。即使近期酒店短缺情况愈演愈烈，而且9月26日至28日车赛期间的客房叫价已超过1000元，但以上枷锁仍没被松开。

旅游局指出，这是由于至今仍未获服务公寓协会（Serviced Apartment Association）取消“至少住七晚”限制的计划书，而该局也不断采取各项措施确保客房供应充足，今年将有10个酒店开张，供应1700个客房，因此没打算暂时取消限制。　　

对此，服务公寓协会主席王健忠解释说，当年向有关当局提出这要求，用意并不单是为了舒缓酒店客房不足的压力，同时也希望为旅客提供多一种选择，以及改善行业的服务水平和设下一套监管准则。

然而，在经济强劲增长带动下，新加坡服务公寓去年平均住用率超过90％，要比酒店的80％以上住客率来得高，平均租用期介于3至6个月，业者已应接不暇，因此没极力争取或提呈这方面的计划书。

王健忠说：“新加坡服务公寓有3000多个单位，占新加坡酒店客房总数的10％，即使放宽让我们接待短期旅客，对市面上的供应也不会有显著影响。”

市建局是在1998年11月发布对服务公寓的要求，以便区别服务公寓和其他的住宅发展及短期住宿地点如酒店和宿舍。除了住宿期外，它也限制服务公寓的开设地点、必须提供的设施和服务等。

尽管过去几年平均住客率都在95％以上，经营400多个单位的辉盛国际管理（Frasers Hospitality）总裁曹炳森仍支持取消“至少住七晚”限制，并表示曾多次有顾客要求短期住宿。他认为，这能使新加坡的旅客住宿达到伦敦和悉尼等国际大都会的水平，也让旅客拥有更多选择。

有别于酒店，除了酒店式服务外，服务公寓房间较大，布置和设施像住家，有厨房、洗衣机等，适合长期住宿。随着到访旅客人数激增，王健忠指出，过去两年有不少新业者加入本地服务公寓行列。不过，在这同时，也有不少人假借服务公寓名义，把房子出租却没有提供全套服务，货不对办有损新加坡形象。