FAP Spending $1B to Squeeze Zoo + Bird Park Together to Free Land for 6.9M. Worth It?

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An honorable member of the Coffee Shop Has Just Posted the Following:

Govt and Temasek to spend $1B to develop Mandai

January 15th, 2015 | Author: Editorial

The government announced yesterday (14 Jan) that the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will partner Temasek Holdings to create a large-scale nature project in Mandai.
The first phase of the project is estimated to cost some $1 billion.

“This partnership will help realise the Government’s vision for Mandai to be a world-class nature-themed attraction for recreation and education, with green public spaces for Singaporeans and visitors to enjoy and appreciate nature,” the government said in a statement.

This project includes the development of new attractions that will be integrated with the existing Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari, it said. Possible new attractions mentioned include larger aviaries in a more natural environment and a rainforest safari where visitors would be able to walk on suspension bridges to view the forest canopy.

“As a unique nature cluster, Mandai will be a place where Singaporeans and tourists can enjoy leisure experiences in tranquil and rich green spaces, and see wildlife in its natural habitat. Visitors can look forward to new public spaces and waterfront trails, and enjoy the natural surroundings,” the government added.

“Mandai will also be a place for family fun and relaxation, as well as research and conservation. It will include learning opportunities for school children and youth.”

When completed, the Mandai precinct outside the Nature Reserves will comprise a total site area of about 120 hectares, including the current cluster of wildlife attractions:


In a speech last year, PM Lee said Mandai would be transformed, with a bigger and better zoo by about 2020, adding that Jurong Bird Park could be moved there.

Temasek, who is the majority shareholder of Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS) which operates the existing stable of Mandai attractions and Jurong Bird Park, has been selected as partner of the project. Temasek said it shared the Government’s vision for Mandai.

Commenting on the partnership with Temasek, Mr S Iswaran, Second Minister for Home Affairs and Trade & Industry, said, ‘Temasek’s concept builds on and significantly enhances the current WRS attractions in Mandai. The proposal is sensitive to the area’s unique environment, while including exciting ideas and developments that will bring benefits to both Singaporeans and tourists.”

“As a major stakeholder in Mandai, Temasek appreciates its uniqueness and importance to Singapore. With the expertise and experience it has gained from WRS, and its international network, Temasek will be able to create outstanding content for a world-class development in Mandai. The Government looks forward to working with Temasek to bring this project to fruition,” he added.

Temasek will be commissioning a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), with guidance from the National Parks Board.

Temasek will also work closely with relevant government agencies, such as PUB, the national water agency, to ensure reservoir water quality continues to be maintained, and consult with various stakeholders, including nature groups and wildlife experts, the government said.

Meanwhile, some netizens wondered how such billion dollar projects can help to solve bread-and-butter problems faced by Singaporeans everyday. The Alternative View wrote [Link]:
“PAP government and Temasek to spend $1b to develop Mandai Wildlife Park. This comes after Lee Hsien Loong’s $1.7b Changi Project Jewel.
Are you excited by these projects?
Do you think your life will be improved with these vanity projects that seem to be more geared towards attracting tourists than benefiting locals?”
What do you think?


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