SINGAPORE: A five-storey regional library, a 20-court badminton
hall, six swimming pools and a 5,000-seater stadium with a
FIFA-approved football pitch are some of the facilities residents
can enjoy when the new town hub at Tampines opens progressively
from the end of 2016.
More than 2,000 Tampines residents came together on Sunday (Aug
30) for the official unveiling of the town hub's name, Our Tampines
Hub, and to receive updates on the features and facilities offered
at the hub.
Speaking at the event, Education Minister and Adviser to
Tampines Grassroots Organisations Heng Swee Keat said the community
and lifestyle hub was the culmination of tens of thousands of
residents' suggestions over the past few years.
The hub was first introduced in 2011 by then-National
Development Minister Mah Bow Tan as part of the town's five-year
master plan.
Phase One of the hub will be completed by the fourth quarter of
2016. Residents will be able to make use of the community centre,
retail, food and beverage (F&B) outlets, an 800-seat hawker
centre and the badminton hall.
MORE GREENERY, WALKWAYS, BICYCLE RACKS
Mr Heng, who is also Education Minister, also said they will be
planting more greenery and building covered walkways of up to 400
metres from the train station, as part of the town's Neighbourhood
Renewal Programme.
Mr Heng was joined by his Tampines GRC team, Mr Masagos
Zulkifli, Mr Mah Bow Tan, Ms Irene Ng and Mr Baey Yam Keng. Also
present were the People's Action Party's (PAP) new candidates for
the GRC for the coming General Election: Ms Cheng Li Hui, who is
vice-chairman of the Citizens Consultative Committee in Tampines
East, and Mr Desmond Choo, who is second adviser to Changkat
grassroots organisation.
Mr Choo and Ms Cheng will replace current Tampines GRC MPs Mah
Bow Tan and Irene Ng, who are stepping down from politics.
Earlier on Sunday morning, Mr Heng and his team launched a new 1
kilometre cycling route at Tampines Street 11 to mark the 10th
anniversary of the town's cycling committee.
Singapore's first model cycling town, now has a bike path which
links Tampines Changkat Community Club, Tampines Round Market and
Food Centre, as well as the HDB neighbourhood shops.
New dual bicycle racks will also be installed at Block 114
Tampines Street 11 near Tampines Changkat Community Club and Block
138 Tampines Street 11 near 137 Tampines Round Market. There will
be a total of 76 bicycle racks.
- CNA/ek