Some areas in Mandai including the former orchid farm and an abandoned village will be redeveloped into an integrated wildlife and nature heritage precinct.
The project will be jointly undertaken by state-owned investment company Temasek Holdings and the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) after Temasek responded to STB’s call in 2010 to explore concepts for Mandai.
Mandai is home to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari, and these attractions are owned and operated by Wildlife Reserves Singapore (WRS), a Temasek subsidiary.
In a statement, Temasek revealed it has proposed a concept that integrates the designated site with the current WRS attractions. The site is outside the Nature Reserves and is expected to be developed in phases over a decade or so.
Dilhan Pillay Sandrasegara, Head, Enterprise Development Group at Temasek said: “Our proposal seeks to build carefully and thoughtfully on this wildlife heritage in Mandai for present and future generations.”
“We see the new Mandai as a haven for our broader community of Singaporeans and visitors, young and old, to enjoy nature in a fun and inspiring way,” he added.
Temasek had been in discussions with relevant government agencies, nature experts and leading institutions to gather ideas and explore possibilities for the area.
At the same time, consumer surveys were done which showed strong public interest in nature attractions, while study trips overseas were organised to understand best practices in managing nature attractions.
At present, Temasek is working with the National University of Singapore, including the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, to undertake an Environmental Impact Assessment of the development.
Image: Artist’s impression of the Mandai concept plan. (Source: Temasek Holdings)
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Singapore Editor of PropertyGuru Group, wrote this story. To contact him about this or other stories email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
