SINGAPORE – As part of an ambitious master plan to transform Singapore’s leisure and tourism industry, Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC) has unveiled blueprints to redevelop the islands of Sentosa and Pulau Brani.
Called the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan, the launch came at the back of the National Day Rally in August by the country’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong, who outlined exciting plans for Singapore’s Greater Southern Waterfront.
At a media briefing held on the resort island on Sept 20, SDC announced that the first milestone of the mega multi-decade project will be the 30,000sqm Sentosa Sensoryscape that connects the integrated resort Resorts World Sentosa (RWS) in the north to the island’s beaches in the south.
The Sentosa-Brani Master Plan will be implemented in phases over the coming two to three decades. Sentosa Sensoryscape, which will cost S$90 million (US$65.5 million), is set to begin construction works in the fourth quarter of 2019 and be completed by 2022. It is expected to double the capacity of footfall into Sentosa.
WHAT’S IN THE MASTERPLAN?
The Sentosa-Brani Master Plan will be rolled out in phases over the next two to three decades.
The redeveloped islands will feature five distinct zones – Vibrant Cluster, Island Heart, Waterfront, Ridgeline, and Beachfront – each delivering unique experiences, with the zones progressively taking on a more leisurely character as guests travel farther from the city into the islands.
To make way for the development, the island’s iconic Merlion structure – standing at a towering 37 metres – will be taken down. Its last day of operation is on Oct 20, 2019.
WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM SENSORYSCAPE?
Located at the heart of Sentosa island, the new Sentosa Sensoryscape, which is roughly the size of five-and-a-half football fields, will link RWS to Sentosa’s beaches in the south through a multi-sensory experience, replacing the existing pedestrian thoroughfare.
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An artist’s impression of one of the vessel-like structures which feature new public spaces and ambient lighting effects as part of the Sentosa Sensoryscape.
It will feature a series of novel, picture-worthy vessel-like structures, measuring some 25m wide and 13m tall. Each of these will be framed by unique architectural features, and is set to pique and amplify one of the five senses through various elements such as polyphonic water features, mist, as well as fragrant flowers and plant species with unique scents.
The redeveloped precinct will incorporate Universal Design principles to ensure easy access for all guests, as well as feature break-out spaces and expanded vistas through new photo and look-out points overlooking the beaches.
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An artist’s impression of open park spaces.
WHAT DID THEY SAY?
Singapore’s Senior Minister of State for Trade and Industry and Education, Chee Hong Tat, said the Sentosa-Brani Master Plan is one of the tourism developments to position the country as a leading destination for the next few decades.
“Sentosa Sensoryscape is the first project under this Master Plan. It will complement the expansion of Resorts World Sentosa and subsequent infrastructure enhancements on Sentosa and Pulau Brani,” added Mr Chee.
“Our tourism industry is doing well and still has plenty of scope for further growth and rejuvenation. It is one of our economic engines that can continue to create many good jobs for Singaporeans.”