Channel NewsAsia 30 Nov 11;
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is drawing on strong public interest for bold and fresh ideas on ways to develop the Malayan railway land that was returned to Singapore in July 2011.
It has launched an Ideas Competition "Journey of Possibilities" to address the challenges and issues in turning the Rail Corridor into an extraordinary trail that can be enjoyed by all.
The URA said the challenge is to develop visionary and compelling ideas for the Rail Corridor, along five key issues identified after extensive engagement with the public.
These are bio-diversity and sensitive development; inclusiveness, accessibility and resolving conflicts; community ownership, pride and sense of well-being; heritage and great Ideas for a public space.
The URA said since the return of the former railway land, the Rail Corridor project has garnered widespread public interest.
It said feedback has shown there are many more people out there who would like to make tangible contribution.
The competition covers a 25.3km stretch from Kranji coastal mudflats in the north to Tanjong Pagar district in the south of Singapore, as well as a 1.9km stretch of former Jurong Line which spurs off from the main line near Bukit Timah Railway Station to Ulu Pandan Canal.
There are two categories: Open, which is for all interested participants and Youth Challenge, for secondary school students.
For the Open category, three cash prizes -- S$2,000, S$1,000 and S$500 -- will be awarded.
Three cash prizes -- S$1,000, S$500 and S$250 -- will be awarded for the Youth Challenge category.
An exhibition of selected entries, including all award-winners, will be held after the competition.
Those who're interested in the competition, which runs until 9 March 2012, can register via the Rail Corridor Ideas Competition site.
- CNA/wk
Ideas wanted on how to develop railway corridor
Grace Chua Straits Times 1 Dec 11;
HAVE an idea on what to do with the former Malaysian railway land?
The Government yesterday announced a competition for the best proposals to develop the former Keretapi Tanah Melayu corridor, which was returned to Singapore in July.
Winning ideas will be part of an exhibition, to be held after the competition, while the most useful ones could be part of a design brief to help companies create a masterplan for the area.
Those taking part in the competition can focus on any or all of five key issues. They are:
Biodiversity and sensitive development: The 26km stretch from Kranji to Tanjong Pagar is home to native plants, animals and birds.
Inclusiveness, accessibility and resolving conflicts: For example, cyclists and joggers may want to use a section of the land at the same time.
Community ownership, pride and sense of well-being: The land slices through housing estates such as Commonwealth, and residents might use it as a personal and community space.
Heritage: The former stations at Tanjong Pagar and Bukit Timah are slated for conservation and the railway itself is historically significant; these aspects could be preserved and celebrated.
Great ideas for a public space.
There is also a youth category aimed at secondary schoolchildren. Their proposals need not focus on any specific aspect.
'They could be wide-ranging, reflecting the interests and aspirations of the younger generation, and how the Rail Corridor could be especially meaningful to them,' said the Urban Redevelopment Authority.
Three top prizes of $2,000, $1,000 and $500 will be awarded in the open category.
The equivalent in the youth challenge category will be $1,000, $500 and $250.
Competitors can submit drawings, sketches, diagrams and photographs, with accompanying written narratives.
Since last year, civic groups have been campaigning to keep the tract of land a continuous, uncut stretch, citing its historic, natural and cultural value.
They are working with the Urban Redevelopment Authority and other government agencies to form a consultation group and organise competitions, talks and events.
For example, an exhibition on the Rail Corridor is being held at the URA Centre in Maxwell Road until tomorrow and at various venues thereafter.
For more details on the competition, see www.ura.gov.sg/railcorridor/ideas_comp/register.html
