It was no surprise that news of its conservation announced at its official closing ceremony on 13 April 2006 were welcomed warmly by the public.

A new chapter begins
The conservation status meant that the original structures of the pier will be restored and retained as part of a 2.62-ha site with the former Custom Harbour Branch building. The site will be launched for sale as part of the Confirmed List of the Government Land Sales programme for development into a lifestyle and retail hub. This hub will form part of the necklace of existing and upcoming attractions and activity-generating uses that are planned along the waterfront of Marina Bay, such as Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, the integrated resort at Bayfront, new bridge across the Bay, and Marina Barrage.

Marina Bay to come alive
Although the last boat has sailed out of Marina Bay and pier operations have moved over to the new Marina South Pier on 1 April, a new and exciting era for Clifford Pier and Marina Bay is just about to begin.

The construction of Marina Barrage and the transfer of boats from Marina Bay to Marina South have opened a new "arena" within the Bay to host more world-class on-water events and recreational activities. Host to the New Year's Eve countdown last year organised jointly by URA and The Esplanade, which attracted some 200,000 people, Marina Bay is set to become a bay of celebration. URA is working with agencies like Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Sports Council, as well as partner stakeholders, to bring in more events into the Bay. Exciting activities and events to take centrestage in Marina Bay include the National Day Parade and various sports tournaments.

How Ang Teng Beh Tao got its name The locals affectionately know the pier as the Red Lamp Pier because of a red lamp that used to be hung at the pier to serve as a directional sign for the incoming sea vessels. Today, four red standing lamps mark the entrances into the main deck at the seaward end of the pier. These will be kept in the conservation.