In the name of development, one of Singapore’s iconic landmarks, the Merlion, will no longer be part of Sentosa’s landscape giving way to an all-inclusive architectural plan designed to upgrade Sentosa and Pulau Brani into a “game-changing leisure and tourism destination.” This was announced with plans for new spaces and concepts as well as rejuvenated beaches.
The “make-over” of Sentosa and Pulau Brani is a component of the Government’s initiatives to remake Singapore’s Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) and follows plans outlined by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech last month.
The Sentosa-Brani masterplan is expected to be implemented in phases over the next two to three decades, but construction on the first milestone project – a 30,000 sq m multi-sensory walkway – will begin in the fourth quarter of this year, said Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) at a media briefing on Friday.
The S$90 million walkway is expected to be completed in 2022.
Tourism experts’ response
Tourism experts welcomed the proposed plans for redeveloping Sentosa and Pulau Brani, noting that they are part of Sentosa’s constant renewal and evolution.
Managing director of international tourism consultancy MasterCounsult Christopher Khoo said that the masterplan was “another step” in Sentosa’s evolution.
“The inclusion of Brani is what makes it exciting,” he said, adding that it would open up commercial and tourism opportunities on the island.
Ngee Ann Polytechnic senior lecturer in tourism Michael Chiam said that he expects tourism numbers to rise, as it “comes with the novelty” of new attractions.
On the removal of the Merlion, MasterConsult’s Khoo said: “(The Merlion) fulfilled the function at that time. As tourism goes on, expectations are higher (and we have to) make way for something new. The renewal process means giving way.” /TISG