Marina Bay to define S’pore the way the Bund defines Shanghai

 The Marina Bay will be a key platform and catalyst for Singapore’s future growth.

Speaking at the official opening of the waterfront promenade at Marina Bay on Sunday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said Marina Bay will boost Singapore’s position as a financial hub for Asia.

Mr Lee said the new Marina Bay will define Singapore in the same way the Bund defines Shanghai.

He said: “The private sector has shown its confidence in Marina Bay. Already, it has attracted $20 billion of private sector investments in real estate. And we’ve got firms, local and international ones from around the world – America, Australia, Europe, the Middle East – they’ve come, they’re optimistic and bullish about the development. In fact, they would like us to develop it further.”

Marina Bay is not just for businesses.

With the completion of the 3.5km waterfront promenade, which follows the opening of the Helix Bridge and Marina Bay Sands integrated resort earlier this year, visitors can now walk around the whole Marina Bay and take in the magnificent views.

Prime Minister Lee said: “I came here one evening a few weeks ago, walked along the helical bridge, walked most of the way around the Bay, and it was full of people – families, children, courting couples, tourists – taking in the sights, enjoying the atmosphere.”

With the upcoming Youth Olympic Games and Gardens by the Bay to open soon, Mr Lee said the area promises to be a vibrant destination for all Singaporeans and tourists.

He said the development of Marina Bay mirrors the government’s efforts to build best homes for Singaporeans.

And this is possible, as long as the economy prospers and people work together.

Mr Lee also launched the Marina Bay City Gallery.

URA’s group director (Urban Planning and Design), Fun Siew Leng, said: “The Marina Bay City Gallery shows the transformation story of Marina Bay – how it’s been developed over the last 30 years, from planning to implementation to what you see on site today. It tells the fascinating story of all the different events that happen in this area since the 1800s up to now.”

The gallery’s centrepiece is a model of the entire Marina Bay area.

Visitors can make the Singapore Flyer and Marina Bay Sands integrated resort light up, by just touching the interactive panels.

Admission to the gallery is free.

To celebrate the opening of the waterfront promenade, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has organised a two-day carnival, which started on Saturday.

It expects about 80,000 people to gather at Marina Bay area to enjoy the performances and activities.

Earlier Sunday, Prime Minister Lee flagged off some 20,000 participants for The New Paper Big Walk@Marina Bay at the Singapore Flyer. He then took a walk to the Youth Olympic Park, The Helix and the Mist Walk at the Marina Bay waterfront promenade.

Source : Channel NewsAsia – 18 Jul 2010