Singapore Government Press Release
Media Division, Ministry of Information and The Arts,
MITA Building, 140 Hill Street, 2^nd Storey, Singapore 179369
Tel: 837-9666

Distinguished Guests,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

NParks is the custodian of public parks in Singapore. Its mission is to turn Singapore into a city in a garden. That is why NParks must not only develop new parks but also continually upgrade existing parks for the enjoyment of Singaporeans. In the past 5 years, NParks spent over $50 million to upgrade 12 older parks. They include West Coast Park, Labrador Park and Mount Faber Park. Visits to these upgraded parks have increased significantly after upgrading.

We are here today at our latest redeveloped park, Changi Beach Park. This park, where we gather today, is Singapore's national heritage. Once known for its coconut plantations, Changi has been a haven for Singaporeans since the 1800s. As early as 1845, it was already a favourite picnic venue, where the open land and sandy beach offered a peaceful get-away from the bustling city area. It remains one of the few areas in Singapore that offers a relaxed kampong atmosphere.

Beach parks in Singapore are a fast dwindling recreation resource. They are vital in helping us maintain our "island" character. Here at Changi Beach Park, we can readily experience this "island character", with its sandy beaches, seashore trees and of course, the sea.

NParks has improved the facilities at the park at a cost of over $4 million, whilst preserving its original ambience, an ambience which older Singaporeans remember well. There are now 26 new shelters based on a kampong design, new washroom facilities, new park lighting, a fishing pier and 3 new car parks. NParks has also extended Changi Beach Park by 10 hectares onto the reclaimed land adjacent to Changi Coast Road. Both the existing and newly reclaimed beaches have been preserved to provide more opportunities for water-sports.

In line with NParks' efforts to upgrade parks to meet the recreational needs of our residents whilst preserving their original essence and heritage, I am pleased to announce that the Singapore Botanic Gardens is redeveloping its Heritage Core, or the Tanglin section of the Gardens.

This section of the Gardens is the oldest. Many of us have fond memories of spending good times with family members, strolling through the Botanic Gardens and feeding the swans, turtles and fishes. These simple but precious moments enrich the fabric of our lives.

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a multi-faceted park that has served Singaporeans and overseas visitors well over the course of its rich 142-year history. It is being actively upgraded for the continued enjoyment of our future generations. The redevelopment of the Heritage Core is the next phase of the overall redevelopment masterplan that was drawn up in 1990 for the Gardens. This latest phase is expected to take 4 years to complete.

The earlier phases saw the development of the National Orchid Garden, the Heliconia Garden, Palm Valley, a Visitors Centre and the Bukit Timah Discovery Core. These new features have been very well received by local and foreign visitors. Other features are underway and they include a Ginger Garden, a Children's Garden and an "Evolution Garden".

With the redevelopment of the Heritage Core, there will be easier access to the Tanglin section of the Gardens. A new drop-off point will ensure safe and convenient entry into the Gardens. A section of Cluny Road will be widened and re-aligned to ease traffic congestion and facilitate smoother traffic flow. More car park lots will be provided to better meet the needs of visitors, especially during peak periods or whenever there are special events at the Gardens.

To further add to the overall enjoyment of the Gardens, there will be a new food and beverage outlet to cater to the needs of visitors. When ready, it will offer a range of food, including local favourites, in a garden setting.

A new herbarium and library will be built. The Singapore Botanic Gardens currently houses one of the region’s most significant botanical and horticultural reference collections and specimens. It has more than 600,000 botanical specimens and its library boasts archival materials dating back to the 16^th century. In the new herbarium, this priceless collection of our national botanical treasures will be properly conserved and made more accessible for public viewing. These developments will better position the Singapore Botanic Gardens as a premier botanical research institution in addition to being the leading park of Singapore and a popular tourist destination.

NParks will continue to strive to provide a variety of quality parks for our different recreational needs. It will continue to improve the level of facilities in these parks whilst preserving their original character and charm.

It is my pleasure now to officially open Changi Beach Park. I invite all Singaporeans to make use of this wonderful park as a peaceful getaway.

Thank you.

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