While various proposals have been received on how to revamp the Rail Corridor for future use, there is “no rush” to develop the entire stretch at once, said Minister of State for National Development Desmond Lee on Wednesday (Mar 11).
Speaking at the 2015 Committee Of Supply Debate, Mr Lee announced that the authorities are ready to launch a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the concept master plan and design concepts for the Rail Corridor, which consists of the 24km-stretch of land left vacant by the former KTM raiway track.
The Government has been “actively seeking views and ideas” on what people would like to see in the vacated space, said Mr Lee. For example, a group called the Rail Corridor Partnership has been formed to foster dialogue with interest groups, academics, design professionals and government agencies.
Some of the ideas put forward including recreational use, such as for cyclists or trail walking, and community use, such as gardens and urban farms. The Government’s approach is to “encourage community ownership” of the Rail Corridor, Mr Lee said.
A public exhibition will be held later this year to showcase the various proposals, he said, following the launch of the RFP.
“However, given the length of the Rail Corridor, there is no rush to work on the whole stretch all at once. Instead, the enhancement of the Rail Corridor will be carefully and sensitively staged, and we will work closely with local communities to realise its full potential,” he added.
Source : Channel NewsAsia – 10 Mar 2015