Call for ideas for redevelopment of Marina Bay floating platform

SINGAPORE — Members of the public are invited to share their ideas and suggestions for facilities and activities that they envision for the Float @ Marina Bay, which will be redeveloped into a permanent space called NS Square.

In a press release on Monday (April 29), the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) and Ministry of National Development (MND) said that their aim is to transform the venue into a vibrant space where people can “enjoy arts, culture and sports activities at the waterfront all year round”. Pedestrian connectivity will also be improved around Marina Bay.

The public can provide their feedback at https://ura.sg/artsculturefeedback until May 24, 2019, or at the NS Square webpage at http://www.nssquare.sg until June 30, 2019.

FLOATING PLATFORM ‘NOT DESIGNED FOR LONG-TERM USE’

The Float @ Marina Bay was built as a temporary stage in 2007, and has staged events such as River Hongbaos, New Year’s Eve countdowns and National Day Parades.

Its redevelopment was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2017.

In their statement, Mindef and MND said that the venue had several limitations to its existing structures, which were “not designed for long-term use”.

“Event organisers often face difficulties staging events at the venue as only basic facilities are provided. Access towards the waterfront has also been restricted during event days, which affects public enjoyment of the Bay,” added the ministries.

DESIGN CONSULTANCY TENDER

In their statement, Mindef and MND also said that the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will launch a call for a two-stage design consultancy tender for the venue’s redevelopment.

The first stage involves a call for Expression of Interest in the second quarter of this year, where teams will submit their track records and their design strategy for the venue, among other criteria. In the second stage, shortlisted teams will be asked to translate their preliminary ideas into a concept design proposal.

Parties with “experience in projects of similar nature and scale” are welcome to participate, said the ministries.

The DSTA will also launch a Request for Proposals for the design and development of an NS-themed gallery showcasing the contributions of National Servicemen, and Singaporeans’ resolve in keeping the Republic safe and secure.