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  Straits Times 16 Oct 06
A stroll without a hitch at Changi coast
Final section of coastal boardwalk done, opening up stunning views
By T. Rajan

Today Online 16 Oct 06
New-look Changi Point retains rustic charm
David Chew

Channel NewsAsia 15 Oct 06
Revamped Changi Point offers breathtaking views of coastline
By Satish Cheney

The new and improved Changi Point is now open to the public after a 14-year refurbishment of the area.

The new Changi Point Coastal Walk, completed last month, enables visitors to meander from Changi Village, all the way to Changi Sailing Club while taking in breathtaking views.

Thanks to the newly built Creek and Beach Walk, which connect to the western side of Changi, the Urban Redevelopment Authority hopes Singaporeans will take advantage of the new extended coastline.

And that is not all - a new S$3.5 million waterfront park sits right at the edge to welcome visitors to the new coastline. It is also linked by a path connector forming a convenient pedestrian loop.

The URA says it has tried to maintain the rustic colours and the laid-back setting of Changi.

Wan Khin Wai, Acting Head - Conservation & Urban Design Division, URA, says: "Where the construction has affected the area we actually reforest it and we plant coastal-loving plants. That way we will keep the ambience and the rustic quality of the coastline."

The haze may prevent people from enjoying Singapore's natural beauty for now but it is just a matter of time before the crowds come in.

Many colonial buildings in the area are either up for sale or lease. The URA says these buildings can be turned into spa resorts and hotels by interested parties. - CNA/ch

Today Online 16 Oct 06
New-look Changi Point retains rustic charm
David Chew davidchew@mediacorp.com.sg

NATURE-LOVERS looking for something to do on the weekend now have a new playground--Changi Point. The completed 2.6km Changi Point Coastal Walk, stretching from Changi Village to Changi Beach Club, was unveiled to the media on Friday.

What previously was just bare coastline with a few benches and scattered narrow pathways, is now linked by a well-lit boardwalk that blends in with the flora and fauna--not unlike the walks at Chek Jawa and MacRitchie Reservoir.

"URA's efforts are to enhance the rustic and natural features of the area. So, in designing the boardwalks, for example, we took in the surrounding characteristics and integrated them into the design," said Mr Wan Khin Wai, the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) acting head of the conservation and urban design division.

For example, he said: "There is a cliff walk built following the terrain and contours of the land. Trees that have been there for years as well as boulders were left untouched, right next to the boardwalks."

In addition, a new ferry terminal last year replaced the old run-down jetties from which visitors take the bumboats out to Pulau Ubin or Pengerang in Johor. Also, a new park connector from Netheravon Road to Changi Village, now links Changi Point to Pasir Ris Park and Changi Beach Park.

The total cost of environmental improvement works for Changi Point--including the boardwalks and improvements to the ferry terminal--is about $16.7 million, said the URA.

Also, together with the Singapore Land Authority, the URA plans to give existing pre-war buildings such as the Old Commando Headquarters built in 1935 by the Royal Engineers of the British Army, and the Old Changi Hospital built in the 1930s, a new lease of life.

They are hoping both buildings can be turned by developers into, for example, hotels, spas, resorts or arts centres. Several interested parties have come forward.

The URA is aware of the fine balance between developing an area and preserving its character. Said the executive planner for the area Leong Lai San: "You don't want to overdevelop an area until it becomes unrecognisable and loses its original charm. We hope to keep it quiet and rustic."

The URA has updated its guide to Changi Point, filled with interesting facts on its natural, architectural and colonial military heritage. It can be found at The URA Centre and online at www.ura.gov.sg

Straits Times 16 Oct 06
A stroll without a hitch at Changi coast
Final section of coastal boardwalk done, opening up stunning views
By T. Rajan

VISITORS to Changi can take an uninterrupted walk along its coast for the first time, now that the last leg of a coastal boardwalk has been completed. Apart from the stunning views of the sea, they can also stroll along the new park connectors and be in the lush coastal woodland in minutes.

The project, completed in five stages over the last three years, was part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) plan to enhance and open up to nature lovers previously inaccessible parts of Changi Point.

The 2.6km Changi Point coastal walk - with views of Pulau Ubin and Malaysia - is accessible from four entry points: Changi Village, Changi Sailing Club, Changi Beach and Changi Beach Club. The latest section, comprising the Creek Walk and the Beach Walk, was opened yesterday.

It offers walks right down to the water and also connects to a hawker centre and the $8 million Changi Point Ferry Terminal, where travellers can catch a ferry to Pulau Ubin or Pengerang town in Johor.

The $5.4 million coastal walk includes the western boardwalk, which opened in 2003. Together with the park connectors, the improvements to Changi's infrastructure have cost the URA $16.7 million.

The coastal walk, with footpaths as wide as 2.4m, replaces mud tracks and trails that led from the road towards the rocky coastline.

Night-lighting - tuned to a romantic glow - and rest points along the waterfront are among a host of amenities that the URA has put in place for visitors.

The area also offers a rare glimpse of giant heritage trees, such as the Damar Gajah Hitam, Tampines Tree and the Malayan Rengas - all signposted - in the Netheravon Road area, which is connected to the coastal walk by a 1.5km-long park connector.

They also link up the waterfront park to a fitness park in Turnhouse Road and are joined to new or newly upgraded carparks in Changi Village and Turnhouse Road.

There are also plans to link the area with East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park through walking and cycling paths over the next two years.

The URA, which plans Singapore's land use, worked closely with the National Parks Board to ensure that plants uprooted during the project were replaced with appropriate coastal species.

Mr Wan Khin Wai, head of the URA's conservation and urban design division, said: 'We were very sensitive to the landscape and tried to retain as much of the existing flora as we could. So even mature trees that did not fall into the heritage category, we left untouched.'

The extra effort shows. The rugged coast looks intact as the walkways - made of balau or ironwood - weave in and out of the forested area.

The Changi area also holds some historical gems, like the old commando headquarters - built in 1935 - that the URA is offering for sale or lease.

Mr Syed Faizal, 31, who lives in Simei, cannot wait to head down to Changi again since his last visit eight months ago. The physical education teacher, who likes the old-world charm of the area, said: 'Before this, there was not much to do in Changi except for those who want to stay in the chalets. Now, I can see myself rambling along the coast on this walk.' trajan@sph.com.sg

ROMANTIC GLOW AT NIGHT The coastal walk, with footpaths as wide as 2.4m, replaces mud tracks and trails that led from the road towards the rocky coastline. Night-lighting - tuned to a romantic glow - and rest points along the waterfront are among a host of amenities that the URA has put in place for visitors.
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