From commercial to community – the next lap for the Sports Hub

WHEN news broke recently that the government would take back the Singapore Sports Hub from private consortium SportHub Pte Ltd (SHPL) on Dec 9 this year, the first reaction from many in my network was: what does this mean for Singapore sport? In my opinion, the slightly unsatisfying answer is, as with most complex issues, it depends.

From the government’s and Singaporeans’ point of view, the move is undoubtedly a good one. Taking back control of a major asset such as the Sports Hub will enable it to better achieve its declared aims of putting sports firmly back in the community, and Singaporeans at the centre of all that happens at the Hub.

The move to integrate the Sports Hub’s infrastructure more closely into the national sports agenda offers many important opportunities for synergies and strategic efficiencies. The government’s intent to embed sports more firmly in the local community, and to allow Singaporeans greater and more frequent access to the Sports Hub will go a long way to encouraging a more vibrant sporting culture.