Future Singapore: The New Heart of the City
Why everyone’s buzzing about NS Square
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong just dropped the big news on National Day: the old Marina Bay floating platform is being traded for a brand‑new event hub called NS Square. The new space will sit smack in the new downtown area and will be the place where all the big national celebrations—and maybe even a few surprise pop‑ups—live.
What’s inside the fresh‑off‑the‑press design?
- Massive stage for the National Day Parade – it can host up to 35,000 people, a step up from the Float’s current 27,000. The final bit of construction is slated for the end of 2025.
- NS Gallery – a tribute venue that will showcase the heroic stories of past and present national servicemen.
- Community fun corner – think a big swimming pool, a water‑sports centre, and parks that people can stroll around in.
- Waterfront promenade – a loop that stitches together Marina Bay and the city, making walking a breeze.
Why it matters to regular Singaporeans
Lee said that NS Square “will be the red dot that shines bright in our city.” In plain words: it’s where the community will come together, folks of all ages will find a reason to visit, and the Square will be a constant backdrop for future celebrations. Anyone who’s ever wanted to watch the parade from a cozy spot will have one.
What’s next?
In a joint bid announcement last month, the Ministry of National Development and the Ministry of Defence handed the project over to a consult team led by Woha Architects. That team’s already pulling out the blueprints but, as Lee reminded the nation, the NDP parade will keep it roll‑in at NS Square.
Short take: Singapore’s New Pride Spot
Picture a place where you can watch a giant parade, stroll through a lovely waterfront loop, dive into a community pool, and pay respects to our servicemen all in one go. Sounds like a spot that would have every Singaporean feel proud—maybe even a touch nostalgic too.
<img alt="" data-caption="NS Square is set to be a permanent space for large-scale national events.
PHOTO: Mindef, MND and Woha Architects” data-entity-type=”file” data-entity-uuid=”9b7fb41a-6503-485f-b1c0-73fc679562ab” src=”/sites/default/files/inline-images/ycnssqc0908.jpg”/>The Singapore-based firm was selected to act as the principal consultant following a design consultancy tender held from May last year to last month.
Redevelopment work is scheduled to start in March 2022, although the project scope and timeline may be adjusted due to the impact of Covid-19.
Initially built as a temporary National Day Parade venue while the new National Stadium was under construction, The Float @ Marina Bay has hosted the event nine times since 2007, most recently in 2018.
This year’s NDP was scheduled to be held at the floating platform before the coronavirus outbreak hit.
In 2017 – the 50th year of national service in Singapore – PM Lee announced that the floating platform would be redeveloped into a permanent space to commemorate it, with the platform expanded and more seats added.
He noted that national service recruits currently hold their passing out parade at the floating platform, and this helps them to understand what they are defending, and why generations of national servicemen have been willing to serve and sacrifice.
PM Lee said: “Every National Day, we remind ourselves that Singapore is a nation whose story is worth celebrating, whose history is worth cherishing, and whose future is worth building.”
When the NDP is held at the Padang, or at the floating platform, the audience can see the Marina Bay skyline in the background, he said.
Marina Bay used to be open sea, but the land around it has been reclaimed, turning it into a reservoir.
“Looking out across the Bay, you can immediately see how far Singapore has come, and imagine the possibility and promise that Singapore holds,” he added.
This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.
national dayMinistry of National DevelopmentNational Day ParadeLee Hsien Loong
