http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stori...348578/1/.html

URA announces plans for new leisure destination

By Hasnita A Majid, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 18 May 2008 2227 hrs


SINGAPORE: In just three years, Singaporeans will be able to enjoy a new attraction in the southern part of Singapore as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) plans to develop the area around Alexandra and Labrador Park into a recreational and leisure hub.

Berlayer Creek is a place where you can find mangrove swamps and exotic birds. But not many people are aware of the natural treasures available there.

With few amenities, access to the place is near impossible, but this is set to change in the next few years.

A mangrove trail, called the Berlayer Creek Mangrove Trail, will be built, complete with lookout points, a plaza and a boardwalk.

Ler Seng Ann, director of Conservation & Development Services, URA, said: "The construction will be carried out carefully such that the eco-system will not be affected."

The Urban Redevelopment Authority will also be sprucing up a stretch of area along the eastern bank of Alexandra Road, between Depot Road and Telok Blangah Road.

The 830-metre stretch – to be called the Alexandra Road Garden Trail – will have footpaths and cycle paths. It will connect to the Southern Ridges recreational corridor and the Horticulture Park (HortPark), which were opened on 10 May.

The new trails will lead to the 330-metre Bukit Chermin Harbour View Walk, which promises a breathtaking waterfront view of the Keppel Harbour and Sentosa from an elevated boardwalk on the sea.

The whole stretch will be called the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk, and construction is scheduled to start next year.

"The projects aim to enhance the Southern Ridges and southern waterfront as a leisure, recreation destination. When the project is completed in 2011, the public can visit the place from either Labrador MRT station or take a bus to Southern Ridges and walk all the way to VivoCity," said Mr Ler.

The plans were unveiled a few days after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong officially opened two pedestrian bridges, the Henderson Waves and the Alexandra Arch, linking Mount Faber to Telok Blangah Hill Park and Kent Ridge Park.


- CNA/so