Work has begun on the construction of Punggol Promenade to develop the waterfront area in Punggol East. It is part of bigger plans by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to promote local tourism at lesser-known coastal areas in Singapore.
Even though many of the plantations and farms in Punggol are now gone, the rustic laidback charm of the area remains and this is a major draw for residents here.
By building the necessary infrastructure in Punggol, authorities hope to pave the way for local tourism. Plans include turning the jetty and beach at Punggol Point into a park with cycling tracks and eateries, and developing the stretch along Coney Channel into nature trails and fishing spots.
This has been a long wait for residents as plans were announced back in 2002, under the URA’s Parks & Waterbodies Plan and Identity Plan.
Pradip Mandal, a Punggol resident, said: “I’ll be looking forward to more recreation places. I’ve got young kids with me, and I need a bit of recreation for myself… cycling, trekking zones will be really nice to have.”
He may just get his wish as the promenade will be connected to other parks and hiking trails, forming a 150-kilometre route around Singapore.
The 5-kilometre Punggol Promenade is expected to be completed in 2011, at a cost of S$16.7 million. Members of Parliament broke ground on the project on Saturday.
Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean, who is also the MP for Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC, touched on future developments for the constituency at the ceremony.
“The pace, of course, will be determined by the demand for housing. The demand for housing still seems to be good and we’re very happy to welcome the new residents here to Punggol 21,” he said.
Punggol 21 is part of the government’s plans to bring waterfront living – complete with new residences and leisure options – to the town. It is expected to be completed over the next few years.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 15 Aug 2009
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