SINGAPORE – To keep Sentosa relevant and competitive as a regional tourist spot, the island will undergo several changes, including getting a new attraction.
The Merlion Gateway, a 12ha precinct that spans from Resorts World Sentosa (RWS), past the Merlion Plaza and onto the island’s beaches, will be enhanced, Sentosa Development Corporation announced on Tuesday (June 13).
The precinct – which lies on the north-south spine of the island – links pedestrians between key transport nodes such as a cable car station, two monorail stations and a coach terminal. Currently, guests can stroll through the area via an overhead bridge.
The plan is to, by 2021, build a 450m-long elevated walkway, from which visitors can have a view of the sea, linking RWS to the beaches. It will have wider passageways to accommodate wheelchairs and strollers, as well as photo points and interactive play areas.
SDC has called for architect-led consultancy teams to submit an “expression of interest” comprising a plan for the redevelopment. A separate tender will be called in the first quarter of 2019 for the construction works.
“The redevelopment of the Merlion Gateway Precinct is a key near-term project that will pave the way for Sentosa’s next phase of growth,” said SDC’s chief executive Quek Swee Kuan.
He added that it is part of a longer term 2030 masterplan for the island to ensure that it sustains its position as a choice destination for locals and tourists.
Through the masterplan, “we aim to further strengthen our position as a world-class leisure destination by enhancing the attractiveness of our various offerings and transport connectivity, while ensuring the efficient use of land, environmental sustainability and protection of our popular beaches”, said Mr Quek.
There will also be a new attraction on a 1ha plot of land situated on a slope between Imbiah Lookout and Siloso Beach.
SDC launched a tender in May for an outdoor attraction “combining nature and adventure elements” targeted at thrill-seekers, youths and families. More details will be available later.
Existing attractions will also be refreshed. The Skyline Luge Sentosa will add two new tracks later this year, in addition to its existing two.
The island’s iconic 37m-tall Merlion will also be revamped later this year with new content. And in August, Singapore’s first 50m-tall bungee tower will open on Siloso Beach.