New town hub in Tampines to open in stages from end-2016

Singapore

A FIVE-STOREY regional library, a 20-court badminton hall, six swimming pools and a 5,000-seat stadium with a FIFA-approved football pitch are some of the facilities residents can enjoy when the new town hub in Tampines opens progressively from the end of 2016, Channel NewsAsia reported.

More than 2,000 Tampines residents came together on Sunday for the official unveiling of the town hub's name, Our Tampines Hub, and to receive updates on the features and facilities offered.

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 Q4 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.

Mr Heng also said there would be more greenery and covered walkways of up to 400 metres from the train station, as part of the town's Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.

The minister was joined by his Tampines GRC team - Masagos Zulkifli, Mr Mah, Irene Ng and Baey Yam Keng. Also present were the People's Action Party's (PAP) new candidates for the GRC for the coming general election: Cheng Li Hui and Desmond Choo.

Mr Choo and Ms Cheng will replace current Tampines GRC MPs Mr Mah and Ms Ng, who are stepping down from politics.

Earlier on Sunday morning, Mr Heng and his team launched a new 1km cycling route on 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. There will be a total of 76 bicycle racks. CHANNEL NEWSASIA