More homes in Marina South

Weekend, June 30, 2007

More homes in Marina South

Wong Siew Ying

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CITY-living in the midst of lush greenery and breath-taking views. This could be home to more people come 2010, when the Marina South Gardens by the Bay is ready.

More residential sites will be released in Marina South, as part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's upcoming Master Plan review 2008.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said that within the next five years the area around the gardens will be developed for high-end, high-rise residential use in the city area.

"It will not just have views of the gardens, but also of the water, the marina channel and across to the Straits," said the minister.

Analysts expect the new sites to attract international players and the units will not come cheap.

Even so, the move to set aside more land for residential use could take the heat off the property market.

With the Government releasing 41 sites in its recent land sales programme, some 42,000 new residential units could come on line by 2010, analysts predict.

Said Mr Donald Han, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield: "I think the Government is focusing on the supply. Don't rush out there on the basis that you think there is going to be a supply crunch."

There are also plans to further develop Sengkang and Punggol to offer more facilities and activities for residents.

The masterplan — which will be put up for public feedback by the middle of next year — is also about making Singapore a vibrant playground.

One plan is to cultivate the Lim Chu Kang-Kranji area as a rural leisure spot.

Said Mr Mah: "Liveability covers a whole range of things. I am talking specifically about spaces for arts and culture, spaces for recreation, spaces for entertainment, night entertainment for example."

New parks will be built and linked to existing parks. "We hope to expand the park connector network quite extensively," he added.

Bridges can be used to connect various attractions and turn the whole country into a complete leisure destination.

For instance, the Alexandra Link and the Henderson Crossing — to be ready by the year's end or early next year — will be tied up with the Southern Ridges which comprise Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill and Kent Ridge.

The Government also hopes to work with the private sector to develop the harbour front and spice up the entertainment scene. — Channel NewsAsia