URA's reply, 8 Feb 2014

Development plans include commemorating Jurong’s history

I refer to the letter by Mr Aloysius Foo, Focus On History Of Jurong (Life!, Jan 18).

The Urban Redevelopment Authority agrees with Mr Foo that it is important to retain the sense of identity and history of Jurong as it continues to develop Jurong Lake District into a regional centre, providing jobs and amenities for residents in the west.

For instance, the former Jurong Town Hall has been conserved and refurbished as a key landmark in Jurong that symbolises Singapore’s economic and industrial progress.

Singapore’s first community museum, Our Museum @ Taman Jurong, was set up at 1 Yung Sheng Road. It features exhibitions about the culture and heritage of Taman Jurong created by residents and students. To raise awareness and commemorate the history of Jurong, a Jurong Heritage Trail with markers of historically significant sites in the area is being developed. This will be the first national heritage trail in Jurong and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

In addition, a heritage corner documenting the history of the Jurong estate will be set up later this year, within a new mall currently under construction in Jurong East Town Centre.

Besides commercial developments, a wide variety of amenities and recreational facilities will be added to Jurong. Some examples include the Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Jurong Community Hospital, and a new integrated transport hub at Jurong East. The redevelopment plans for the Science Centre are also being worked out.

More recreational facilities will be added at Jurong Lake under the Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters project. Plans are underway to develop a new 60ha park on the western bank of Jurong Lake. To be completed by 2016, this park is set to revitalise Jurong Lake Park, making it an exciting destination.

The URA will continue to work with agencies and residents to commemorate the history of Jurong and add more facilities for residents to enjoy.

Hwang Yu-Ning (Ms) 
Group Director (Physical Planning) 
Urban Redevelopment Authority

Letter, 18 Jan 2014, The Straits Times

Focus on history of Jurong

As a resident in Bukit Batok, I am happy about the opening of new malls in Jurong (Jurong Gets Hip, SundayLife!, Jan 12). 

I had looked at the Urban Redevelopment Authority's plans for the "Jurong Lake District". While I am glad that progress is underway, with a hotel already under construction, I am disappointed by the lack of announcements on the four to five "edutainment" attractions promised. Also, what about the new world-class Science Centre touted to be built next to Chinese Gardens MRT station? 

It is a sad reflection of our society that we measure progress by having more malls and restaurants. 

There is still room for improvement. Instead of transforming the Lakeside area into just another place for shopping or dining, the Government can turn the area into a "cultural town". Museums can be built there to display the industrial heritage of Jurong. Lush gardens and open spaces for street performance, among other things, can be considered. 

I hope the Government can take education and heritage seriously in its land planning, because these have intrinsic value. 

Aloysius Foo