For years, the future of Marina South in Singapore has been an ethereal vision, but proposals unveiled yesterday indicate a change in the waterfront’s design. Whether this vision becomes a reality or not, the future of the Marina South Waterfront in Singapore will be interesting to watch.
The origins of Marina del Rey date back to the 1880s, when real estate speculator M.C. Wicks envisioned the site as a commercial harbor for the Los Angeles area. He organized a Port Ballona Development Company, sponsored by the Santa Fe Railroad, to create a harbor in Playa del Rey. However, the development company went bankrupt and the harbor never became a reality.
The US Army Corps of Engineers first looked into the location for a new harbor, but encountered several issues. It took until the early 1960s for the project to be ready for initial operation. Additionally, the site was damaged during storms, requiring additional protection. The US Army Corps of Engineers also expressed concerns about wave turbulence, a potential hazard.
A breakwater was constructed in 1965. It was made of rocks from a Catalina Island quarry. Private developers then began building hotels and restaurants along the waterfront. By the 1970s, there were already several hotels and restaurants along the waterfront. The city’s population reached eleven thousand by the 2020 census.
Today, the city of Marina del Rey is a thriving and continually evolving marina “new town” that strives to maintain an optimum balance between private and public interests. The harbor and surrounding area are home to 4,600 boat slips, a number which increases annually. The marina is an active and thriving hub for Los Angeles County.
President Eisenhower signed Public Law 780, which authorized the construction of the marina at Marina del Rey. This federal loan paid for half of the project’s costs and allowed the local sponsor to fund the rest. The project broke ground in 1957. By November of the same year, the jetties were completed and the harbor took shape.
The War Memorial Park is a beautiful public park located in the heart of the Marina South neighborhood. The park features a two-tiered pond with a sculptural fountain. It can shoot water up to 18 metres in height and is surrounded by terraces on the waterfront. The park also features sculptures such as the Soaring Vision and the Spirit of Youth. It is the perfect place for a quiet afternoon spent reading a book.
The war memorial park is dedicated to the thousands of Singapore citizens who lost their lives during World War II. It features a memorial that is often referred to as the “Chopsticks Monument.” The memorial features four tapering columns, representing the four main ethnic groups in Singapore. The memorial also contains urns that hold the remains of some of those who were killed during the war.
Another notable attraction is the ArtScience Museum, a lotus-shaped museum that merges art with science. From its viewing platforms, visitors can take in sweeping views of the bay. The Gardens By the Bay, meanwhile, are a sprawling horticultural complex with over 250,000 exotic plants in giant domed conservatories. There are also the Supertrees, which are 25-50 metres tall vertical gardens with a 128-metre-long walkway.
A few other must-see attractions in Marina South near to Marina Gardens Lane are the Singapore Flyer and Esplanade Theatres. These attractions are located along the bayfront, near the 101-hectare Gardens by the Bay. A short drive away, the Marina Square is home to a large shopping mall and several top hotels in the country, including the Mandarin Oriental and the Ritz-Carlton Millenia. Another attraction nearby is the Suntec City Mall. This mall is noted for its Fountain of Wealth.
A visit to Supertree Grove is not complete without a visit to Supertree Observatory, which is situated at the top of the tallest Supertree. Aside from providing panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay, this open-air rooftop deck offers light refreshments and immersive digital learning experiences.
The Supertree Observatory is located at the top of the 50-metre-high Supertree and can accommodate up to 120 visitors. It features an indoor and outdoor walkway, four video panels focusing on climate change, and a cafe with drinks. It also has an interactive smartphone app which can scan the skyline and provide information about the Marina Bay area.
This observation deck offers a panoramic view of Marina Bay, Singapore’s cityscape, and the surrounding Supertree Grove. The gardens are home to more than 21,000 plants and 800 species. During the night, they glow with a unique light show. The Supertree Observatory is a new addition to the Gardens by the Bay area and opened on 27 December 2019.
The Supertree Observatory at Marina South Waterfront is a spectacular place to catch a sunset or watch the sun rise. It has an excellent 360-degree view of the surrounding area and features the tallest Supertree in Singapore at 50 meters. This structure was built to showcase the latest environmental technologies and is an integral part of the entire site’s environmental system. For instance, 11 of the Supertrees are fitted with solar photovoltaic cells, which help to collect and utilize solar energy. Other trees are integrated with Cooled Conservatories and an energy centre.
The gardens at the South Waterfront are among the most popular attractions in the city. They feature several iconic attractions. Visitors can visit the Flower Dome, the largest greenhouse in the world, and the largest indoor waterfall in the world. Meanwhile, children can enjoy the Far East Organization Children’s Garden and the Floral Fantasy, which displays amazing floral magic.
Land reclamation is an important part of Singapore’s development strategy, and the city-state has embraced it to the fullest. Since independence, Singapore has reclaimed over 20% of its land area. Plans for the next three decades include redevelopment of the waterfront, and up to 50 acres near Marina Bay are now up for reclamation as part of the country’s 2030 Land Use Plan. In addition to creating a vibrant waterfront, the city-state aims to transform its waterfront areas into vibrant communities.
The Marina South Waterfront will have city streets and a mix of commercial, residential, and public amenities. It will also have shaded pathways, pedestrian walkways, and dedicated cycling paths. Located next to the Straits of Singapore, this area is near one of the city’s most iconic attractions.
Gardens by the Bay is an urban park composed of three distinctive waterfront gardens. They span 101 hectares and are interconnected via pedestrian bridges. They will also be linked to surrounding developments, attractions, and transport nodes. In 2010, the waterfront promenade was completed.
Reclaimed land for the Gardens has also influenced the development of the area’s landscape. The Marina Bay waterfront will feature new hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. The reclaimed area will also include a new youth Olympic park and an eco-friendly visitor centre. The former Central Promontory Site will be turned into an interim event space and a public space for events. The area is also connected to the new Marina Coastal Expressway, which will link the area to nationwide expressways.
Land reclamation has been a critical part of Singapore’s development strategy. Singapore’s urban land was only about 226 square miles in the 1960s, and it required a strong strategy to acquire land in the postcolonial period. This aggressive land acquisition strategy provided considerable economic benefits, but it also posed a significant social and ecological cost.
While it’s difficult to say what will happen with Marina South, there are several major developments planned for this part of town. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has proposed the creation of a new “Greater Southern Waterfront District” that will extend from Pasir Panjang to the Downtown Core. This plan will include a new waterfront walkway linking Gardens by the Bay and The Southern Ridges. This development is expected to drive up the value of properties in Marina South.
This new development will cover an area of 2,000 hectares. This area is about five times bigger than Marina Bay and more than twice the size of the Punggol housing estate. This will make it one of the most desirable locations in the city. It will also include a brand new MRT station and an arts and culture centre.
In addition to this, the URA also plans to introduce more residential units to the CBD. The number of units will vary based on the demand and market, but the main goal of these residential projects is to reduce commuting time for workers. Other neighbourhoods of the city are also currently undergoing detailed study and a number of housing projects are underway.
Parktown Residence at Tampines Avenue 11 is a highly sought-after residential development jointly developed by UOL and Capitaland. Situated in the bustling town of Tampines, this project offers an exceptional combination of modern comforts and convenient location. With its luxurious and spacious apartments, residents can enjoy a comfortable and sophisticated lifestyle. The development also boasts an array of top-notch facilities such as a swimming pool, fitness center, and playground, providing residents with ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. With Parktown Residence, residents can experience the best of both worlds – a tranquil and serene living environment within a vibrant and well-connected neighborhood.
In addition to the development of the Waterfront, the area around Pulau Brani will become an entertainment hub. The area will be renamed Downtown South and will include a waterfront promenade and nature trails. It will also link up to the nearby nature parks and Mount Faber, creating a green corridor. In addition, the city also plans to construct a barrage around Pulau Brani, which will provide an additional venue for watersports enthusiasts.
The development of the Greater Southern Waterfront will include housing projects, new attractions, and offices. In addition, it will also serve as a new gateway to the city, creating a hub for urban living. The development will take place in phases, beginning with the former Pasir Panjang Power District. This development is intended to be a game-changing tourism destination.