http://www.straitstimes.com/archive/...-city-20140913

Green haven in heart of city

Published on Sep 13, 2014 12:41 AM


The Marina One integrated development that opens for a preview period today aims to be a haven for nature as well as for people.

At least 250 species of plants will be part of the 3.67 million sq ft project.

The 65,000 sq ft garden will be the largest within a development in the city.

"Today, buildings are starting to disappear into this sort of mountain of greenery, or are becoming mountains of greenery in their own right," said Mr Henry Steed, design director at ICN Design International, which is heading the landscaping efforts at Marina One.

In line with the Urban Redevelopment Authority's move to encourage developers to plan for more green spaces, its developer M+S has planned for 1.7ha of green communal spaces to replace land that has been displaced by the development of Marina One.

Public spaces will also be a feature at the building, where up to four events can be held at the same time, said Mr Steed.

The 99-year-leasehold development in the Marina Bay area will have two 30-storey office towers with 1.88 million sq ft of net lettable area, as well as two floor plates measuring 100,000 sq ft - one of the largest in Asia.

Its 1,042 homes, ranging from one- to four-bedders, are expected to go for an average price of $2,600 per sq ft.

Only one of the two 34-storey residential blocks is expected to be put up for sale today.

CHERYL ONG