Latest phase of one-north Park to open today

SINGAPORE — Another phase of a park that will eventually span the length of the one-north development has been completed, with features such as a butterfly garden and a forest boardwalk for office workers, students and residents of the area to explore.

The latest phase of one-north Park, comprising four spaces in the Rochester and Fusionopolis areas, officially opens on Saturday (June 18), and spans about 3.7ha in total.

The National Parks Board (NParks) said in a press release on Friday that several environmental initiatives were adopted during development to maintain the rustic character of the area.

For example, no street lights were installed in one-north Park: Fusionopolis South — the name of one of the new park areas — to “minimise impact” on birds that nest in the area.

“A boardwalk has also been sensitively incorporated to allow park users to better observe and enjoy the surrounding biodiversity,” NParks said.

Efforts were also made to retain existing vegetation — including remnant secondary forests — in this park area, with some enhancements to allow these areas to become a nature sanctuary that can support existing bird populations.

For example, the Weeping Fig tree’s figs are attractive to a large number of insects and birds such as the Pink-necked Green Pigeon.

Meanwhile, the butterfly garden in the Fusionopolis North park area features butterfly host and nectar plants, which provide food for butterflies, caterpillars and other insects. “A winding path through the garden provides a place for observation of the biodiversity,” said NParks.

The rain garden in this park area was planted with wildflowers and grasses that help to filter storm water runoff within the park, and also creates a habitat for butterflies, dragonflies, birds and other aquatic

wildlife.

The other two park areas — Rochester West and Rochester East — have gathering spaces for park users.

A large Ficus tree in the Rochester East park area was retained, and overlooks the entrance to the space.

With the opening of these four new areas, more than half of the planned 16ha one-north Park is complete. Areas opened earlier are one parcel in the Biopolis area, and one in Mediapolis.

The entire park is part of JTC Corporation’s master plan for one-north. When completed, it will serve as a green link connecting developments such as Biopolis, Fusionopolis, Mediapolis and the one-north MRT station.

NParks said future land parcels at the park will be developed on a “just-in-time” basis and completed as developments come on stream. “These developments will be progressively carried out over the next five years,” it added.