Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong said the close partnership between the government and private sector was critical to the successful development of Singapore’s new downtown at Marina Bay.
Mr Goh was speaking on Tuesday evening at the opening of Asia Square Tower 1.
“Looking ahead, we must continue to upgrade Singapore’s business infrastructure in order to meet the changing needs of global business and finance and to serve the financing and investment needs of a growing Asia,” Mr Goh said.
“Our business spaces should be innovative and flexible, and our downtown should provide attractive lifestyle options for those who work, live and play here.”
Mr Goh said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) conceived the blueprint for Marina Bay, with many agencies providing the infrastructure and facilitating its growth.
Located at the heart of Marina Bay, Asia Square Tower 1, along with the yet-to-be-completed Tower 2, will add another 246,000 square meters of office, hotel and retail space by 2013.
The development provides lifestyle amenities which includes an array of retail and dining options, the largest fitness centre in the central business district (CBD) and the five-star luxury Westin Hotel, which will be ready when Tower 2 is completed.
Asia Square is also a green building, achieving the highest sustainability award from the government.
In addition, developers will also be promoting “green” transport by providing 400 bicycle racks for those who work in Asia Square.
Mr Goh noted the private-sector developers, builders and designers have breathed life to these plans with their capital, energy and ideas.
This reflects their confidence in the political stability, growth and continued good governance of Singapore.
Mr Goh said the government takes a long-term approach in attracting global companies to Singapore.
Beyond Marina Bay, new growth areas are being developed. They include Changi Business Park, Jurong Lake District and Paya Lebar Central.
These areas offer an alternative location for companies which do not need to operate in the city.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 8 Nov 2011