The Float @ Marina Bay, a popular venue for both national and community events such as River Hongbao, Marina Bay Singapore Countdown and National Day Parade, is set to get a facelift and a new name in the next few years.
Ministry of National Development (MND) and the Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) in a joint press release have invited members of the public to share their ideas and suggestion for facilities, possible activities and exhibits that they envision taking place at this venue.
Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong had announced in 2017 that The Float @ Marina Bay will be redeveloped into a permanent space and renamed NS Square when works are completed.
It was built as a temporary stage in 2007 and there are several limitations to the existing structures, which are not designed for long-term use.
Event organisers often face difficulties staging events at the venue as only basic facilities are provided. Access towards the waterfront has also been restricted during event days, which affects public enjoyment of the Bay.
“In redeveloping the platform and the seating gallery, the intent is to transform the venue into a vibrant events and entertainment space where the public can enjoy arts, culture, and sports activities at the waterfront all year round,” said MND and MINDEF in the release.
The redevelopment will also improve pedestrian connectivity and provide a continuous loop around Marina Bay.
To showcase Singapore’s NS story, the new NS Square will include a gallery where visitors can experience and witness the contributions of generations of National Servicemen, as well as the resolve of all Singaporeans in keeping Singapore safe and secure.
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will launch a call for Expression of Interest (EOI) for the redevelopment of the Float @ Marina Bay into NS Square, in the second quarter of 2019. DSTA will also launch a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and development of the gallery.
People can provide their feedback via the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) website until May 24 or at the NS Square webpage until June 30.
Members of the public will have opportunities to view the submitted design of the selected team for the new NS Square development at a public exhibition in 2020. More details on the public exhibition will be shared closer to the closer to the last dates.