A pedestrian friendly Civic District

The Civic District is earmarked for rejuvenation by URA, scheduled to be completed by 2015. When that happen, the areas encompassing Empress Place, Fort Canning and the Esplanade park; will see a more pedestrian friendly park. More art performances are expected within the Civic District.

 Full article

A place to live, work and play

The map is extracted from an article, the remaking of the CBD, Straits Times Nov 10, 2012.

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/26457663/the%20remaking%20of%20the%20cbd.jpg

 

The Central Business District (CBD) is divided into Shenton Way, Raffles Place and Marina Bay. Shenton Way was traditionally the financial district developed in the 70’s while Raffles Place was developed in the 80’s. Today, however the heart of the CBD is at Marina Bay also known as the new downtown. A new concept is coined at Marina Bay – a place to live, work and play. Aside from the usual work place, the new downtown is also a place to live.  More residential are added to the new downtown over the last 5 years. To make the new downtown a place to play, Gardens by the bay was opened early this year in addition to the Integrated Resort at Marina Bay Sands. Quality night life and top notch eateries are common sights at the new downtown.

The CBD is now a place to live, work and play.

The next waterfront city

News is just in that there is a consolidation of all existing ports to Tuas mega port. Currently, there are 5 container ports - Brani, Keppel, Tanjong Pagar, Pasir Panjang T1 and T2. The consolidation will pave the way for the development of the next waterfront city at Tanjong Pagar that rivals the current Marina Bay. Potentially, land at Keppel and Tanjong Pagar could be very valuable due to the proximity to the city. The news on the ports consolidation coupled with the relocation of the former Railway Station will further enhance the value of Tanjong Pagar.

 

News Article from Today

Affordable food at the heart of Central Business District

NTUC Foodfare has launched its first outlet in Singapore at Marina Bay Financial Centre on September 26. Simply put, it is fine dining at food court price. The set-up is distinctly upscale and cosy with a live performance area for jazz. Yes, you did not hear it wrong, jazz music inclusive.

I have been waiting for this to happen since The Marina Bay Link Mall opened its door for business more than 2 years ago. I have yet to visit the place. I will definitely be heading down some time in Oct.

Care to join me?



NTUC Foodfare Website

River taxi, anybody?

The Urban Redevelopment Authority is introducing a new water taxi service that ply the Singapore River. The new service is not just for tourists but also for the regular office commuters who prefer to beat the traffic by boat. River Taxi is popular mode of transport in Bangkok Chao Phraya River where man dressed in suit and tie hopping onto a boat to get to office, is common sight.

This is going to happen in January 2013. Check out the news aticle below.

News article.

Railway land swop deal

Singapore joint-venture development with Malaysia that arose as part of the railway land swop deal has just broke ground at Marina South. Exciting times ahead in the new Central Business District. When completed in 2017, there will be more first class offices, residentials and amenities to add on to the vibrancy of the new CBD.

News article is attached here.

Fort Canning Light

There is a lighthouse right at the downtown core at Fort Canning Hill.

Most of the lighthouses in Singapore are out of bound to the public. The Fort Canning Lighthouse, however, is accessible. It is situated at the top of Fort Canning Hill. In the early days, the Fort Canning Light is one of the most important lighthouses in the Straits of Malacca. Though modern technology has made this lighthouse obsoleted functionally, its glorious past is not forgotten. Every lighthouse has a story to tell. Don't miss this one. Go and take a stroll at the park with your family.

Notice Fort Canning Light in the background on top of Fort Canning Hill

Fort Canning Light then

Fort Canning Light now

Gardens by the Bay

The highly anticipated, Gardens by the Bay, is opening officially on June 29 2012. Spanning 101 hectares, the billion dollar garden is home to many rare plants and this is definitely a great news for nature lovers like me. Just like The Central Park in New York, Gardens by the Bay is also situated at the heart of the city.

One of the highlights is the man-made supertrees, some towering as high as 50 meters. The supertrees act as a vertical garden and they are fitted with solar panels that convert sunlight into electrical power, which provides lightings and to control the temperature of the surroundings.

Besides the supertrees, there are two cooled conservatories, prominently located at the Gardens. Here are some facts about the Cloud Forest, one of the two conservatories.
http://dl.dropbox.com/u/26457663/GBB.pdf

For more information, do visit the Gardens by the Bay website.
http://www.gardensbythebay.org.sg/

akan datang

The first phase of the cycling network at Marina Bay is expected to complete in Q1 next year. By 2014, there will be 16 km of cycling paths within Marina Bay. This will form part of the Island Wide cycling network connecting the heartlands such as Bedok, Changi, Simei, Pasir Ris, Sembawang, Jurong and Yishun. Exciting time ahead!

News release can be found from the link below.

News article from CNA.

He aint' heavy

A video clip dedicated to my best friend. Enjoy.

The River’s Tale



Tides of change

Check out the book in the link below, compliment of URA. 

The Singapore River Trail

Spanning 6 kilometres in length, the Singapore River is the centre of Singapore history. The book features walking trail along the three quays; the Boat Quay, the Clarke Quay and the Roberson Quay. Have yourself a good pair or walking shoes and enjoy the trails.

View of The Read Bridge

Progress Report

a picture that captures all....

It has been 4 years since the first residential project at Marina Bay, The Sail, was issued Temporary Occupation Permit (TOP). Back then, MB Sands was not even there yet. Sands was fully opened last year with latest attractions such as ArtScience Museum and LV Crystal Pavilion added to the list. Today, the bay is much more matured with most of the projects along the 3.5km bay walk completed. The 2^nd Phase of the Marina Bay Financial Centre (MBFC) is about to be completed this year. When completed, the number of shops at the Marina Bay Links will be doubled. There will also be a 9,000 sq ft food court at MBFC newest tower operated by NTUC. Asia Square, when completed will have another first class hotel (Westin) by the bay. All these are adding a lot of life and vibrancy to the bay. Later this year, Gardens by the bay will be officially opened. Gardens by the Bay is a billion dollar project and will further enhance the excitement in the bay area.

Have you taken the 3.5km walk around the bay yet?

Gardens by the bay - to be opened later this year