Come 2007, the National Day Parade (NDP) will have a new venue -
the Marina Bay.
A floating platform will be built on the bay near the Esplanade for
a spectacular NDP on water.
And the new venue will host the parade for the next three to five
years.
The NDP has traditionally been held at either the National Stadium
or the Padang.
Next year, the stadium will host the parade for the last time
before it's being redeveloped for Singapore's Sports Hub.
Come 2007, Singapore's biggest party will have a more exciting home
as it will be on water and right in the heart of the city.
Defence Minister Teo Chee Hean said: "2007, we are going to stage
NDP on the water here on the Marina Promenade. We will construct a
floating stage.
"It will be a very large floating stage, about the size of a rugby
field, and the seating will be along the shore line.
"I think we will offer many interesting opportunities for creative
ideas for the NDP.
"We should be able to do it here for the next 3-4 years, at most 5
years, be a temporary floating stage."
The platform will measure 130 metres by 100 metres, with gangways
connecting it to land.
It will be able to hold 10,000 people, 200 tonnes of props and five
30-tonne vehicles at any one time.
To complement it, a 30,000-seating gallery - complete with VIP box
and control booth - will be built on land at Marina
Promenade.
The platform will be modular in nature, so that the shape can be
reconfigured according to different needs.
Minister Teo said: "It will offer a wonderful opportunity for other
kinds of activities - concerts, boat shows, sporting activities on
the waters, Dragon Boat, etc. We wanted something that's different
and innovative and we thought doing it on the water will be quite
exciting."
Mr Teo made the announcement at the Waterfest which was staged at
Marina Bay for the first time.
Despite the bad weather, organisers say the two-day event was a
success, adding to the Bay's viability as an excellent venue for
all events.
Tenders for the platform will be called by year's end.
Public feedback will also be sought on how to make the NDP on water
more fun.
The Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA) will undertake the
design and construction of the facility.
The Singapore Sports Council and URA, together with other agencies,
will look into bringing in interesting events. - CNA/ir