SINGAPORE — After months of speculation, the Ministry of Defence
(MINDEF) has finally confirmed that next year’s National Day Parade
(NDP) will be held at the Marina Bay floating platform, and not at
the Sports Hub.
The S$1.33-billion facility, which is expected to open its doors in
April next year, had been touted as a possible venue, with Acting
Minister for Culture, Community and Youth Lawrence Wong not ruling
out the prospect, even up to two weeks ago.
In response to TODAY’s queries, NDP 2014 EXCO Chairman Colonel Wong
Yu Han said that the Sports Hub will not hold the parade because
“preparations ... require the venue to be confirmed a year
ahead”.
The decision on the venue for NDP 2015, though, has not been
finalised, he added. “The NDP EXCO 2015 has just been formed and
will consider various venues for the event.”
When contacted, SportsHub Pte Ltd’s (SHPL) Chief Executive Officer
Philippe Collin Delavaud said it noted MINDEF’s decision and added:
“We remain open to working with the organisers should they require
our support in the future.”
In May, SHPL had raised hopes that next year’s NDP could be held at
the Sports Hub, saying: “We have already begun our discussions to
understand their needs as it is a large-scale event. We will work
closely with the organisers during the NDP preparation period, to
ensure that Singaporeans have an exhilarating experience at the new
National Stadium during NDPs.”
Although Mr Wong had pointed out that the NDP organisers’ final
decision would hinge on logistical and operational requirements —
including sufficient lead time for rehearsals — before deciding on
the venue of the parade, he did not rule out Sports Hub as a
possibility when he answered a question in Parliament in September
on the progress of constructions.
Noting that works were progressing on schedule, he had said: “This
means that the new National Stadium would technically be available
for the NDP in August 2014.”
At the announcement two weeks ago of the S$50-million, 15-year OCBC
sponsorship of five facilities within the Sports Hub, Mr Wong also
confirmed that discussions have taken place over the possibility of
the Sports Hub’s National Stadium staging next year’s NDP.
But he added: “MINDEF is working out with the SportsHub people
about the NDP in 2014, but it may be difficult because of the
timing.”
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