Mr Alan Chan, Chairman, URA

Distinguished guests

Ladies and Gentlemen

Good morning

Introduction

Today we mark the groundbreaking ceremony of a landmark project – our new bridge at Marina Bay.

2 The Marina Bay area is shaping up well, with significant developments scheduled to be completed in the next 3 to 4 years. Just 2 months ago, we witnessed the commencement of construction of the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort (IR). Today, with the groundbreaking of the bridge, we are another step closer towards realizing our vision for Marina Bay.

Significance of Marina Bay Bridge

3 The new bridge is a significant milestone development for Marina Bay for two reasons. First, it will provide direct vehicular access between Marina Centre and the new Bayfront in Marina South. When completed in 2009, the bridge will also enable a continuous walking route that brings visitors to the major attractions framing the Bay – the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort, the Marina Bay Financial Centre, the Singapore Flyer, Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, as well as the upcoming developments at Collyer Quay.

4 Secondly, it is an iconic landmark that contributes significantly to our skyline. The design team, led by award winning architect, Philip Cox, has created an inspiring piece of architecture. Like the structure of DNA, which is the basic building block of life, the bridge is a symbol of “life”, “continuity”, “renewal”, and “growth”. These are our aspirations for Marina Bay - to be an attractive live-work-play environment, teeming with life, full of growth opportunities and offering new business, living and leisure options. The pedestrian component of the bridge is an engineering and architecture achievement, being the world’s first double helix structure. I have no doubt it will become one of the memorable icons to be identified with Marina Bay and Singapore.

5 Professor Thumboo’s poem, ‘Double Helix’ aptly captures the symbolism of the structure and the aspirations we have for the Marina Bay. This tribute to the bridge will become an integral part of the bridge to inspire and touch the hearts of generations to come.

Marina Bay’s next phase of development

6 What you are seeing here is only the beginning. We are actively planning the next phase of development for Marina Bay, which will focus on three main areas. The first is the Central sub-zone adjacent to Shenton Way. This will continue the seamless growth of the existing CBD, and maintain the momentum of building up Marina Bay. A ‘white’ site at Central Boulevard, adjacent to One Shenton Way will be released for sale in May this year. Secondly, we will continue the development along the Marina Bay waterfront, adjacent to the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the Marina Bay Financial Centre. The development in this area will commence from 2009. Thirdly, we will initiate developments southwards to frame the Garden at Marina South. The development timeline for this area will keep pace with the development of the Garden at Marina South.

7 The Government has so far invested S$2 billion in infrastructural developments for Marina Bay to support private development. In turn, we have attracted about S$9 billion worth of investments to-date. The Government will continue to put in place other public infrastructure such as the waterfront promenade, as well as the third phase of construction of the Common Services Tunnel, to support the development of the Bay.

Marina Bay Urban Challenge

8 But, creating a vibrant live-work-play environment at Marina Bay goes beyond just the hardware. Equally important is the software, which makes things happen. That is why URA, as the development agency for Marina Bay, is exploring various place-making ideas and opportunities. The New Year Eve countdown at the Bay is one such event. Coming up next is the Marina Bay Urban Challenge.

9 It will be an annual series of sporting events at Marina Bay, set against the city skyline. It will include races such as duathlon, vertical challenge and special runs for children and women. URA will be releasing more information soon.

Conclusion

10 The new bridge at Marina Bay is not just any other bridge. It is a bridge that links our present with our future, symbolizing ‘life’, ‘continuity’ and ‘growth’. I congratulate all our partners, including the design and engineering team at Cox, Arup and Architects 61; our construction team at Sato Kogyo; and our working partners LTA and NParks. Finally, many of you here today have played a part in shaping Marina Bay, from the planning process to the implementation works. I want to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you in sharing this vision with us, and joining us in this journey to create our future in Marina Bay. I look forward to taking our first steps together across this bridge in the near future.

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