Following an announcement in November 2007 on the plans for a new waterfront promenade and a park at Punggol Point, the URA recently unveiled the design proposals for the Woodlands Waterfront, comprising a coastal promenade and a park. These plans were exhibited at a community event officiated by Mr Khaw Boon Wan, Minister for Health and MP for Sembawang GRC, on 26 January 2008.

Promenade with a pretty view

To improve accessibility to the northern coast and to open up the scenic waterfront, URA will be building a 1.5-km long promenade and a 9-ha park along a tranquil stretch of coastline in Woodlands.

The new promenade is conceived as a linear recreational and fitness trail offering unobstructed, expansive views of the Johor Straits. The landscaped promenade will offer beautiful lush greenery and will be interspersed with rest points and fitness stations. The promenade in the form of boardwalk will be built over the seawall, bringing visitors closer to the water’s edge.

Waterfront park that offers something for everyone

To further capitalise on the sea frontage, a park will be created right next to the coastal promenade. The design of the park leverages on the existing terrain and Upping the Wow Factor in Woodlands contours to create interesting spaces and views.

For example, there will be jogging and fitness trail and cycling tracks for fitness enthusiasts; playgrounds for young children; event spaces to hold outdoor community functions; picnic areas for families; and nature trails as a haven for nature lovers. To bring visitors closer to the water, an old jetty connected to the park will also be refurbished to allow for recreational activities.

JY Huang Associates has been appointed to design and build the coastal promenade and park. Construction will begin in the middle of this year.

New links to nearby neighbourhoods

Costing an estimated $19 million, the Woodlands Waterfront will form part of the comprehensive network of parks and park connectors in the area. When it is completed in 2010, residents will be able to access and enjoy a large part of the northern waterfront. It will be linked to the new Admiralty Park, which opened last October. In future, it will also be linked to the Woodlands Town Garden via a park connector along Woodlands Centre Road and through the HDB estate.

A community affair

The idea to enhance the Woodlands Waterfront was first mooted and exhibited as part of the Woodlands Improvement Plan in February 2002. It was then incorporated into the Parks and Waterbodies Plan as part of Master Plan 2003 review.

URA’s CEO, Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, said, “This is another example that shows that our plans do not remain on the drawing board. The new facilities are part of URA’s plans to continually enhance the quality of our living environment and to strengthen Singaporeans’ sense of belonging and identity. We will continue to work in partnership with the community to provide an attractive living environment for all to enjoy.”

Much to look forward to

Members of Parliament for the Sembawang GRC welcome the plans to activate the coastline to provide an additional recreational destination close to the residents. “This will be one project highly anticipated by the residents. With the new facilities, they can indulge in a greater variety of leisure activities without having to travel very far,” said Mr Hawazi Daipi, MP for Sembawang GRC and Chairman of the Facilities Co-ordinating Committee for Sembawang, Woodlands and Yishun.

Residents in the area are also eagerly awaiting the completion of the project. Mr Santa Singh, a resident living in Woodlands, said, “(It) will give a big boost to the area.” Another resident, Ms Susan Shan, said, “It will be fantastic to have such a great facility close by – thank you!”