Halt in Marine Cove redevelopment work due to traffic flow study

SINGAPORE — One-and-a-half years after the Marine Cove enclave in East Coast Park — where a cluster of restaurants, pubs and the famous McDonald’s outlet used to stand — closed to make way for redevelopment, little progress in new construction work seems to have been made in the area, leading some to wonder what was happening to the place.

Mr Albert Tan, a senior instructor at Inline Culture, the nearby skating shop, said he had noticed some construction soon after the area was shut in March last year, but these stopped about a month or two later.

Ms Liza Estraaten and Mr Freddy Ho, a married couple in their mid-40s who frequented Marine Cove almost weekly before its closure, were puzzled as to why things were still the same as when they last visited last month. “It was closed (then), so we came again to see if there’s anything new, but it looks the same as it did the last time.”

The former Marine Bowl building is also still there, although parts of other buildings in the area have been torn down.

In response to TODAY’s queries, the National Parks Board (NParks), which owns Marine Cove, said the delay in redevelopment work was due to a study on how to improve traffic flow around the area — congestion was not uncommon in the past.

“We seek the public’s understanding as such studies take time,” said NParks Director for Parks Development Yeo Meng Tong.

But what plans are in store for the once-bustling area remain unclear, with Mr Yeo saying only that Marine Cove will be developed “in line with the coastal theme” of East Coast Park.

“In view of the park’s popularity with visitors from all over Singapore, we will provide family-friendly amenities at Marine Cove, including a range of recreational options,” he added.

When the notice to Marine Cove tenants to clear out was first given in 2010, there were fervent petitions to keep the place going. Although two extensions were granted, the cluster was subsequently shut down last year.

Mr Tan, the 39-year-old skating instructor, still rues the closure of Marine Cove: “There used to be more people around here. It’s such a waste because nothing seems to be happening now.”

Mr Yeo said park users can continue to enjoy dining and recreational activities in areas such as Rain Tree Cove, Big Splash, as well as the coming Parkland@ECP, which is expected to be ready by the second quarter of next year. TIARA HAMARIAN