Singapore is adding toits extensive portfolio of nature-based attractions withthe launch of a major new project. Mandai's eco-tourism hub will include the creation of two brand new wildlife parks, a bird park and a rainforest park.
Mandai Park Holdings (MPH) has started construction ofon its new “Mandai rejuvenation project”. This project will involve the expansion of theSingapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari. Added to this will be a brand new bird park, a rainforest park, a nature-themed indoor attraction and “eco-accommodation” options.The new bird park and rainforest park are due toopen in2020 and 2021 respectively.
The project will utilise“impacted land”, that is land that has been earmarked for redevelopment since 2008.It will also make use of space currently used by Mandai’s three nature parks. The project passed an Environmental Impact Assessment in October last year.
Jobs in Tourism, Conservation, Hospitality
On completion, Mandai’s eco-tourism hub will draw over10 million visitors ayear.It will alsocreate a significant number of jobs in tourism, conservation research and hospitality. The four existing parks in the hub attract 4.5 million people a year.S Dhanabalan, chairman of MPH, said, “Reviews and discussions on Mandai’s rejuvenation have been going on for several years with various stakeholders. With the necessary government approvals now obtained, we are delighted to mark this milestone with our partners today”, said
A range ofbird species willfeature in the new bird park. Rare and threatened species will be exhibitedin "large walk-through aviaries, themed after different regions of the world”.
A highlight ofthe new Bird Park will be ahabitat for sub-Antarctic penguins. Mandai promised a"fly with the penguins" experience for visitors.
The Bird Park andSustainability
MPH said the facilitywill adopt breeding, conservationandeducational programmes.The bird park will act as a “sanctuary where… birds will be preserved, studied and reproduced”.Speaking at the launch, Minister for Trade and Industry (Industry) S Iswaranlooked forward to “a rejuvenated experience in Mandai” once the first phase of the project - the opening of the Bird Park - is finishedin 2020.
Hesaid the project would enhance Singapore's identity as a "city in a garden" and createcareer opportunities for Singaporeans interested in conservation research and hospitality.
"With a strong focus on conservation and sustainability, Mandai will be a hub for nature education and research as well as a leading nature destination in Asia."
Mandai Park Holdings’ chief executive officer, Mike Barclay addedthat the planwas to run the five parks as an integrated precinct. This will mean that staff canrotate and work in the different parks and in different roles.
“We currently employ about 1, 000 people full-time and we have many part-timers working with us. Our scale of operations will grow. We’ll have two new zoological parks here to staff up here in Mandai. We’ll have a hotel product - an eco-lodge product - and also an indoor centre, so there will be a lot of job opportunities.”
The new rainforest park will reproducea Southeast Asian jungle.Boardwalks will allowvisitors itowalk at multiple levels, from ground-level to the canopy. Alongside the new parks, the project will create new entrances to all of MPH’s parks.Furthermore, there will be a new basement transport hub, event spaces and new walkways.
The project will be completed in phases, with the bird park and rainforest park scheduled to open by 2020 and 2021 respectively.
All images, video, Mandai Park Holdings
David Rosenberg, Vice President of Guest Experience
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