For the last year and a half, tourist attractions and passports have become a little like that fitness app we recently paid for: nice to look at but largely unused.
Border restrictions have killed the tourism industry in Singapore as well as countless other countries during the pandemic.
Now that countries are slowly reopening their doors to visitors again, we want to make sure we’re attracting as many visitors as possible.
Plus, with more and more Singaporeans venturing out of their homes looking for some excitement, attractions will soon be in great demand.
Fortunately for us, a new one will be built in Somerset.
Somerset Having a New Attraction That Will be Located Opposite Orchard Gateway
The authorities are seeking proposals for attractions from developers for a vacant plot of land in Somerset.
The 4,609 sq m site is located next to the skate park opposite Orchard Gateway.
The authorities are looking for “an attraction concept with differentiated and immersive experiences”, adding that uses which are a first in Asia, South-east Asia, Singapore, or Orchard Road would be viewed favourably.
The attraction should also utilise technology and innovation to improve visitors’ experience.
This could be an adventure ride like the Skyline Luge Sentosa, a concept museum like the Museum of Ice Cream, or even a lifestyle or a nature park.
While retail outlets that complement the attraction will be permitted, the site should not be used to set up an office, a nightclub, a fitness studio, a gym, or for accommodation and religious purposes.
The development can have a maximum gross floor area of up to 2,000 sq m and a height of up to 20m – about six storeys – but must not cover more than 60% of the site.
Tender Expected to be Awarded in Feb 2022
Developments that require complex piling and structural works may not be suitable as the maximum tenure allowed is six years Thus, a development that takes less time to set up would be preferable.
The tender is expected to be awarded in February 2022.
Other Attractions to Open
As part of its plans to revive the tourism industry, the authorities will be opening Slingshot, the tallest ride of its kind in Asia.
Located in Clarke Quay, Slingshot will catapult riders to almost 70m into the air, reaching a speed of 160km per hour.
Another attraction that will soon open is SkyHelix Sentosa, an open-air rotating gondola that will ascend 35m above ground.
Visitors of the attraction will get to enjoy a gorgeous view of Singapore’s southern coast. The SkyHelix will be a short walk from Sentosa’s cable car station.
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Featured Image: Shawn Eastman Photography/shutterstock.com