To open on Jan 29, the boardwalk linking VivoCity and Sentosa will have five themed plots
tay suan chiang Straits Times 25 Dec 10;
A leisurely stroll along the new 700m boardwalk linking VivoCity and Sentosa should take about 20 minutes but visitors can expect to linger a little longer. That is because the $70- million boardwalk is packed with green spaces, rest stops and great views.
Designed by architectural firm Aedas, the bridge will open on Jan 29.
Pedestrians can look out onto the waters separating Sentosa from the mainland, with Resorts World Sentosa on the right and VivoCity on the left.
There are also five themed gardens, which feature tropical landscapes that are indigenous to Singapore, for visitors to discover. They are the mangrove, rock garden, terrain and hill, coastal flora and rainforest gardens.
To create the landscapes, more than 130 plant species and 40,700 plants are being planted on the bridge, which has sitting areas for people to enjoy the surroundings.
In the middle of the walkway is a 6m-high lookout point at the Promontory area where visitors can get unblocked views of cruise ships docking in the area.
There will also be two retail and four F&B outlets along the way for those who want to shop or enjoy desserts. Before the bridge is open to the public, visitors can reach Sentosa only by car, bus, cable car or the Sentosa Express rail.
While the boardwalk offers visitors plenty of greenery, it also has green features that are less visible. It is made of 28,900 planks of timber board, each weighing 21kg and measuring 5m in length. The material is made from recycled hardwood and resin so it is more environment-friendly than real timber. It costs 20 per cent more than real timber but does not rot or warp like timber.
Also, under the boardwalk is a specially constructed water catchment tank where rainwater can be collected. The tank can store three days' worth of water for irrigating plants.
While the walk is likely to be a hit with families, the elderly and handicapped can also enjoy it. There are travellators on the boardwalk and a covered walkway lets visitors get to the island on foot even on rainy days. Mr Kwoh Kok Kiong, Sentosa Leisure Group's planning and development director, says the bridge is designed to take 8,000 visitors an hour each way.
To encourage more people to walk to Sentosa, the entrance fee to the island for those on foot will be lower than those taking the bus or monorail.
Currently, visitors pay $3 to enter Sentosa if they take the Sentosa Express and $2 if they are on the Sentosa Bus.
Visitors on foot can buy island entry tickets at a booth near the end of the bridge. The price will be announced on Jan 29. But on Jan 29 and 30, Sentosa is offering free island admission for visitors who choose to walk. 'The boardwalk will become a destination in itself,' says Mr Kwoh.
