The Government of Singapore has announced plans to redevelop the landmark floating platform in the city’s Marina Bay to include a water sports centre, a swimming pool and a National Service-themed gallery.
Singapore’s Ministry of National Development (MND) and Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) yesterday made the joint announcement of the award of the design consultancy tender for the redevelopment of The Float @ Marina Bay to a team led by WOHA Architects.
Redevelopment works are scheduled to start in March 2022 and completed by end-2025, although the project scope and timeline may be adjusted because of COVID-19.
In a press release, the Ministries advised that the proposal submitted by WOHA Architects, in collaboration with Populous Pte Ltd, "best fulfilled the objectives of creating an exciting and accessible community space in the heart of the city” adding that, when completed in 2025, the platform will be transformed into a "fit-for-purpose and flexible events venue for different scales and types of events.
The venue will feature various community sports facilities, such as a swimming pool and water sports centre, as well as a new waterfront promenade.
Food and beverage as well as retail offerings are also being considered, in line with feedback received from the public on enhancing the site's facilities.
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong announced in 2017 that The Float @ Marina Bay would be redeveloped into a permanent space and renamed NS Square, to serve as the primary venue for the National Day Parade.
Apart from hosting National Day parades, the redeveloped venue could also be used to stage large-scale national and community events such as River Hongbao and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown.
The new venue will also house an NS-themed gallery to showcase Singapore’s defence and NS story and to acknowledge the contributions of generations of National Servicemen.
The Marina Bay floating platform was built in 2007 as a temporary stage while the National Stadium was being reconstructed.
It was originally slated to be the venue of this year's National Day Parade, but NDP 2020 has since been scaled down in line with COVID-19 guidelines.
The Government received 25 submissions for the design consultancy tender. Five teams were shortlisted and invited to submit concept design proposals.
About the author
Nigel Benton
Co-founder/Publisher, Australasian Leisure Management
Born in the English county of Dorset, Nigel Benton is the co-founder and Publisher of Australasian Leisure Management, Australia, New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific’s only magazine for professionals in all areas of the leisure industry and the www.ausleisure.com.au website - the go to news resource for industry leaders and professionals.
With a long-term commitment to communicating all that is best about the leisure industry (aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues) his career has been defined by an ability to develop and implement industry communications.
Starting his career working in heritage visitor attractions and then adventure travel in Africa and the Middle East, an interest in writing about his experiences led to his change of career into magazine journalism and publishing.
In addition to publishing, Nigel speaks on marketing communications at a range of industry events.
He was made a Life Member of the World Leisure and Recreation Association in 2006 and is a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society (London).
In 2020, he launched the new Asian Leisure Business website.
As of October 2024, he was inducted into the Australian Fitness Awards Roll of Honour at the 2024 AUSactive National Awards.
Among a range of published works and features, his comments on a Blog (blogspot) from 2007 to 2011, when this website went live in its current form, may be interesting to reflect back on.
His philosophy on life is to be kind to all and to indulge those that you love.
His passions include family, Newcastle United and motorcycles (especially British ones) as well as caring for Stella the pug.
Click here to connect with him via LinkedIn.
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