Work begins on 4.9km walkway - part of a plan to turn area into iconic waterfront town
March 2011. From an elevated viewing platform at Punggol Point, some residents look out onto tranquil waters. Others stroll along a sandy beach while enjoying the sea breeze.
Along a 4.9km-long promenade that begins here, they can also walk to playgrounds, fitness corners, fishing spots and even a horse-riding school. If hunger strikes, they can pop by eateries that dot the route.
The $16.7 million Punggol Promenade, which is part of a grand vision to transform the former backwater village in the north-east into Singapore's iconic suburban waterfront town, took a step closer to reality yesterday.
Construction began with a ground-breaking ceremony.
'We are one step closer to realising the vision of Punggol as a beautiful waterfront town with an array of leisure opportunities,' said Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean.
Mr Teo, who is an MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, noted that fresh plans for the walkway, released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority yesterday, had integrated feedback from residents, such as including fitness corners along the route.
This walkway is part of a 150km 'round-island route' that will eventually allow users to walk, cycle or jog around the whole island - connecting Singaporeans 'not only psychologically, but physically' as well, he added.
He was accompanied at the ceremony by National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, North East District Mayor Teo Ser Luck and other MPs from the constituency.
Developments in Punggol have accelerated in the last two years since Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong offered a new vision for it - called 'Punggol 21-plus' - in his 2007 National Day Rally speech.
He had unveiled sweeping plans for a beautiful coastal suburb with public homes built along a pristine waterway, amid nature trails and restaurants serving Punggol's famous chilli crab.
But it has not always been smooth sailing for Punggol, which more than 10 years ago had a population of only 500.
The vision for its transformation began as early as 1996, when it was announced by then Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong. But the Asian financial crisis halted the town's development, leaving many early residents miffed about the lack of amenities and critical mass in the new town.
Today, the town has a population of 53,600 and this is projected to grow to 70,000 by 2011.
The promise of Punggol is vivid in the mind of Madam Gillian Lim, 40, who has lived there for eight years. 'It's been a long time coming. I'm so glad we are finally seeing things built now,' she said.
Mr Teo Chee Hean told reporters the pace of Punggol's development will be determined by the demand for housing, which seems to be healthy.
Punggol is not the only town set for a metamorphosis. Mr Teo yesterday highlighted the Marina Bay area as one that is 'taking shape before our very eyes'.
Key projects like the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the Marina Bay Financial Centre will open their doors next year.
'But more than just the commercial developments...it is really a place for all of us. There will be many public spaces for us to enjoy,' he said earlier at an exhibition launch at Sengkang's Compass Point.
The 'My Endearing Home' exhibition, launched in May, aims to encourage the public to rediscover the island and inform them of upcoming development plans.
Mr Teo noted that a new 'double helix' bridge will soon connect Marina Centre to Marina South, and new attractions and event spaces all around the bay will be opened.
Besides the transformations in the city area, Singapore's heartland, such as the Jurong Lake District, is also set for an intensive makeover to become an alternative business and leisure destination.
Source: Sunday Times, 16 Aug 2009
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