Punggol – The fun place to live - HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

Nurul Ameera Hidajat and Emilio Rodrigues
AsiaOne

    

Nestled comfortably on the outskirts of our little red dot, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, it is hardly peculiar if you have no idea what to find in the area. Resting on the north­eastern side of Singapore, you won’t confuse it with your next cosmopolitan city but that’s not to say there isn’t a thing or two you can do there with your family.

Get Wet and Wild

What: ​Water sports, Boating, Fishing, Obtain a boating licence
Where: ​Marina Country Club, 600 Ponggol Seventeenth Avenue, Singapore 829734
Website: http://www.marinacountryclub.com.sg/marina_walk.html
How to get there: No private transportation? Not to worry. The country club offers free bus shuttle service from Sengkang MRT Station. Similarly, alight at Nibong LRT station to get to the club.

Open to the public, Marina Country Club is the place to be for various water sports. Here, the young and young at heart are able to take up new challenges and build wonderful memories.

Experience the thrill of your life right here at Asia’s largest wakeboarding hub with 45 wakeboarding boats for hire.

Whether you are a beginner dipping your toes in the cool waters of the boardwalk, a leisure rider or an aspiring sportsman, rest assured that you are in the safe hands of the experienced crew members.

But perhaps extreme sports is not your thing. Fret not for there are other leisure activities that you can enjoy.

The country club has experienced contacts who are able to arrange a leisurely boat ride down the marina for you and your family. Take in the scenery and enjoy the relaxing ride while bonding with your loved ones.

If you are a fishing enthusiast, you will be taken to the best spots for the catch of the day. Imagine the great seafood dinner spread. Yum!

Another unique activity is the boating licence that you can obtain that the club. Already have a car and/or a motorcycle licence? Why not add on a boating licence? The Maritime and Port Authority (MPA) has officially appointed Marina Country Club as one of their training centres for boating enthusiasts wanting to sail the high seas. Now you can be your own sea captain.

Private vehicle owners can park their cars at the carpark that has ample lots.

Giddy Up!

What: H​orse riding, Resort stay
Where:​Gallop Stable (Punggol Ranch) 900 Punggol Road Singapore 829168
How to get there:​Bus No.84 from Punggol Interchange

“Mum, can I have a pony please?”

We all know that it is impossible for Singaporeans to own a pony or a horse in an HDB flat where the majority live. But did you know that it IS possible to stay at a horse ranch right in Singapore? Located at 900 Punggol Road, you can now stay near horses and have a unique staycation. Set up as a resort­style accommodation, you can get away from the hustle and bustle of the hectic Singapore lifestyle by staying in the Gallop Wagon with your loved ones.

We’ve all had dreams of wanting to be a cowboy or a cowgirl sometime in our life before. Tick it off your bucket list here! From ponies to donkeys and horses, you can ride them all. But of course, if you are a full­grown adult, let’s not torture the poor pony, yeah? Whether you decide to go for a one­time ride or take a set of lessons, the stable has experienced trainers who are on hand to guide you down the trails.

So gallop your way to the ranch for a wonderful experience that you won’t soon forget.

Soccer? Golf? Why not both?

What: Soccer Golf (Punggol Ranch)
Where: 9​00 Punggol Road (end) – Track 24 Singapore 829168

Brought to you by W​OW Experience, soccer golf is one of the newest activity that you can experience at Punggol Ranch. Be it a fun corporate day or just bringing the kiddos out for some sun, anyone can enjoy this sport at an affordable rate.

However do remember to make an appointment before heading down to ensure that you will have the entire course to hone your skills to be the next Tiger Woods or Ronaldo ­ or be your own Ronaldo Woods.

Located at Punggol Ranch, this is the first location for this new sport in partnership with Gallop Stables and Bacon & Booze. So you can technically spend your weekend or those long public holidays at the Ranch. Soak in the morning sun with a horse ride, some afternoon sun with soccer golf then chill in the evening at B​acon & Booze​with a nice dinner before retreating to your Gallop Wagon. Just a suggestion, of course. Either way, it will be tonnes of fun with your loved ones for a memorable experience at Punggol.

Pew! Pew!

What: Combat Skirmish
Where: 900 Punggol Road, Singapore 829168

If you are up in the mood for some gun action minus the pain. you should try Combat Skirmish ­ a laser shooting experience. Sharpen your aiming skills as you "kill" your opponents on the field.

Unlike paintball, Combat Skirmish does not hurt or leave ugly bruises that will last for a good week or so. You can choose from a range of guns to hunt down your "prey". With that said, it is an activity that can be enjoyed by both the young and young at heart.

It will also be a great team­bonding activity for the office where you can legitimately "target" your boss for all the workload he/she has piled on you. What a great stress reliever!

So do give it a try and who knows if you'll be back for more.

Fun in the Sun!

What: P​icnic, Kite­Flying
Where: P​unggol Waterway Park
How to get there: ​Punggol MRT, Damai (LRT)

Close to nine kilometres long, Punggol Waterway Park is great for just about any outdoor activity. With hardly a high­rise building in sight, the recreational area remains one of the hidden gems when it comes to enjoying the beauty of Mother Nature. Clear your mind with a jog or cycle along the scenic park connector where you can relieve stress and have a good workout. The kids will get a kick out of it too! Bring a ball and some toys and use the open greenery to play the most imaginative games you can think of. Or you could simply bring it back to basics and fly a kite with your little ones. You are bound to work up an appetite too. And with restaurants located mainly at the end of the park, packing a couple of sandwiches and having a picnic at a chosen spot just might be the best idea.

Catch The Ball

What: F​utsal, Prawning
Where:​Tebing Lane
How to get there:​Punggol MRT,Riviera (LRT)

These two activities hardly seem like a perfect match but think about it for a second, who could resist freshly cooked prawns after hours of sweating it out on the pitch? Located at the end of Punggol , Tebing Lane remains one of the more popular Punggol destinations for large families to gather. With the English Premier League (EPL) already underway, your kids are bound to be itching to get onto the pitch to show off their footballing prowess. Get the neighbours and relatives in and very soon you will have your minor league ready!

From attaching bait onto the hooks of your rod to waiting patiently for that tiny prawn to get entangled, prawning seems too tough a chore for the family to enjoy. However, fill in that free time with stories of your past and mini­games and your children will be leaving with so much more than a bucket full of prawns in their bellies! Plus, it’s about time they learnt where food comes from.

Off Peak Hours	Mon­Fri (9am­6pm) excl.PH	$50/court/hr
Peak Hours	Mon­Fri (6pm­2am) Weekends & PH (9am­2pm)	$95/court/hr

Prawn Fishing

Booking Rate: 
$18 per rod 1 hr 
$28 per rod 2 hr 
$33 per rod 3 hr 
*Additional hour will be charged at $11 per hour.

Makan Time!

What: S​eafood feast 
Where:​Punggol Settlement 
How to get there:​Punggol MRT, Damai(LRT)

Back in the day, Punggol was mostly known as a hub for water sports and amazing seafood. Keeping to its roots, Punggol remains one of the most sought­after places to get a seafood fix. From restaurants such as Jing Long Seafood Restaurant and House of Seafood, you’ll be eating crab till you’re full of it! Jing Long is also famous for having one of the better seafood horfun​and crispy squid which makes it a must­try if you do decide to pop by.

House of Seafood

3 Punggol Point Road
#01­01/02, The Punggol Settlement
Daily: 5pm – 11pm 
Nearest Station: Damai (Punggol LRT)

Jing Long Seafood Restaurant

3 Punggol Point Road 
#01­03/04/05, The Punggol Settlement 
Daily: 11am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 11.30pm 
Nearest Station: Damai (Punggol LRT)

Whether you wish to take up new challenge to cross off your bucket list or just a chillax session with friends, you can do it all at Punggol ­ the latest place to hang out and build your home at.

White 白米粉 restaurant

Craving for white bee hoon that is famous in Sembawang? You can now get it at Punggol Settlement too!

Though this 2nd outlet just opened early this year, this restaurant goes way back to 17 years ago serving up the dishes that warms your heart. They are still serving their signature dishes such as the signature White Beehoon, Homemade Fried Beancurd and more.

- See more at: http://web.asia1.com/hilife/the-fun-place-to-live#sthash.ZSkqwE0s.dpuf

Source: HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

New Punggol campus for SIT - HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

by Sandra Davie
The Straits Times

    

The Singapore Institute of Technology (SIT), set up for polytechnic graduates, will become Singapore's university in the north-east and be integrated with the creative industry cluster that will rise up there.

SIT, which now runs its courses at its satellite campuses in the five polytechnics, will have a centralised campus in Punggol, announced Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong last night. Residents there will get to use SIT's facilities, including classrooms, workshops and a multi-purpose hall.

"We have Punggol 21 Plus. With SIT, it will be Punggol 21 A-Plus," he said, drawing laughter from the audience gathered at ITE College Central in Ang Mo Kio to listen to his National Day Rally address. Punggol 21 Plus refers to the plan to transform the former fishing village into a model town for 21st century living.

Mr Lee also announced that SIT's yearly intake will rise to 3,500 over the next five years, up from this year's intake of 2,000 students in over 30 courses. This is in line with the Government's promise to enable 40 per cent of each age group to study for full-time degrees in the six local universities.

Mr Lee did not say when the Punggol campus will be ready, but said it will be linked by bridges to the creative industry cluster that will be built by developer JTC across the road.

"Students can easily go from classroom to workplace and apply what they learn, and companies can go to SIT to get help if they need some new idea or some problems solved," said Mr Lee, highlighting SIT's distinctive education model which integrates work with study.

SIT aims to nurture "best-in-class specialists" - graduates with deep knowledge and skills in a particular field - and requires students to spend eight months to a year on a work-study programme designed to be more in-depth and structured than traditional attachments.

Mr Lee said SIT's focus on applied learning is in line with the Government's SkillsFuture initiative to build deep skills and expertise in Singaporean workers.

He cited SIT graduate Chen Zhangkai, 27, who went from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) to polytechnic and then SIT, as a prime example.

Earlier this year, the Government announced several schemes under the initiative, including the Earn and Learn Programme where ITE and polytechnic graduates can further their qualifications while working.

"SkillsFuture will produce more success stories like Zhangkai," said Mr Lee, but quoted a Chinese proverb to stress that it is a long-term endeavour. "We are planting for the long term, planting seeds now to bear fruit many years from now."

Two Punggol residents interviewed welcomed SIT's move there, saying higher education institutions are now mainly in the west.

The National University of Singapore, SIM University and Nanyang Technological University have their campuses in the western and north-western parts of the island; while SMU has a campus in Bras Basah. The Singapore University of Technology and Design opened its campus in Changi in May.

Said Mr S. Suppiah, 35, a manager, who lives in Punggol and has two children in primary school: "It is good that the Government is spreading the higher-education institutions around."

When contacted, SIT president Tan Thiam Soon said the university is extremely grateful for the land.

He said: "SIT's Punggol campus will be borderless and integrated with the surrounding community and industry, providing a vibrant learning environment which underpins the applied learning pedagogy that we are developing.

"We will work closely with all the relevant agencies as well as community groups to ensure that the campus becomes a beacon for industry, adding vibrancy to Punggol and turning it into a true university town."

- See more at: http://web.asia1.com/hilife/new-punggol-campus-for-sit#sthash.CXEDcaCF.dpuf

Source: HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

Singapore's North-East - HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

Exciting today, even more so in the future.

by Qingjian Realty

    

In just a few years, Singapore's North East region has grown from a developing town to one of Singapore's most residential districts. From Sengkang, Punggol to Seletar, this region has seen the completion of many coveted projects like the waterways and parks of Punggol, the development of the Seletar Aerospace Park, among many others. Yet, one can still look forward to even more exciting changes to make this region even more desirable than it is today.

Future surge in rental demands

As one of Singapore's most livable districts with its waterways, rivers, parks and many family-friendly amenities, Sengkang/ Punggol has always been a popular choice for both young and multi-generation families. With the introduction of new commercial, industrial and educational activities, employment opportunities are set to soar and further increase rental demand around these newly developed areas. Seletar Aerospace Park is also still developing. Upon completion, it is set to create about 10,000 employment opportunities. With the future pent-up demand for housing in this area, make the right decision now and own a home here in this district.

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Seletar Aerospace Park

The 320ha site is dedicated to the aerospace industry and its aviation research and development activities. With Rolls-Royce, Eurocopter, ST Aerospace, Jet Aviation and more, some 10,000 jobs are expected to be generated for local and foreign professionals.

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North Coast Innovation Corridor

A large commercial belt spanning from Woodlands to Punggol. This will be an innovative economic corridor buzzing with ideas, creative design and new technologies.

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Waterway Point

4 levels of shopping, dining and entertainment, all by the waterfront! There is also a library, a 24-hour NTUC Finest, a community club, a 1000-seat IMAX cinema and many more!

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Punggol Learning Corridor

Designed to house new educational institutions including a new tertiary institution, this area will be developed alongside the Creative Cluster to meet the dynamic needs of innovation.

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Punggol Creative Cluster

A new district to house innovative new industries, with green spaces, community spaces and excellent waterfront views to provide an attractive work and play environnent.

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Punggol Waterway Park

A 12.25ha riverine park located just minutes away from Punggol Town Centre. Adults will enjoy the scenic view of the Waterway while kids will have a ball of a time at the water and sand play area.

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The Sengkang General and Community Hospitals

Slated for completion in 2018, this 1,400-bed integrated hospital will offer cutting-edge general hospital competencies with community-based care. It will be next to Cheng Lim LRT station and across from the Sengkang MRT station.

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Compass Point

Just one LRT stop away, Compass Point has everything for everyone! Visit the library, get a manicure or have coffee in one of the many cafes. Compass Point is also an integrated transport hub, making travel to the rest of Singapore so convenient.

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Nan Chiau Primary School

Discover reputable schools like Nan Chiau Primary (within 1-km radius) and High Schools, CHIJ St. Joseph's Convent, and many more!

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Fernvale Point

A one-stop shopping centre that caters to the daily needs of residents. The mall offers a wide tenant mix which includes a supermarket, a wet market, a food court and a clinic.

The Seletar Mall

Next to Fernvale LRT station, the new 4-storey complex will offer more than 130 brands including FairPrice Finest, NTUC Foodfare, a Japanese clothing brand, a department store and Shaw Theatres.

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Sengkang Sports Centre

A short stroll away, Sengkang Sports Centre houses many activities under one roof. Lead an active life, sign up for classes at the community centre or let kids have fun at the waterslides.

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Sengkang Riverside Park

Designed to provide a tranquil experience to visitors, the park houses a unique water feature that doubles as a wildlife habitat. Look out for many mangrove birds that visit this wildlife sanctuary.

- See more at: http://web.asia1.com/hilife/singapores-north-east#sthash.sm3We0aR.dpuf

Source: HiLife By Qing Jian (Asia1)

HDB Unveils New Generation of Neighbourhood Centres - HDB

Published Date: 03 Oct 2015

    Residents in Punggol, Hougang and Sembawang can look forward to more facilities and convenience with four new neighbourhood centres coming their way. To be completed by 2020, the new generation neighbourhood centres will increase the supply of HDB shops in these towns and ensure that residents have access to adequate facilities when they move into their new homes.

2    Over the past few years, HDB, guided by its Roadmap to Better Living in HDB Towns, has been developing well-designed, sustainable and community-centric towns. In our new generation of public housing, we have applied new design ideas and concepts to provide a complete live-work-play-learn environment for residents. Within each new housing area, we aim to create a variety of distinctive districts that offer residents new housing forms, and better connectivity and convenience to amenities. Greenery and sustainable features will also be consciously incorporated into the design. In addition, there will be ample shared spaces to encourage community interaction. These new design ideas are similarly extended to our new neighbourhood centres, which are centred on four key aspects – Community, Convenience, Connectivity and Consultation.

Community

3     Shared community spaces in HDB estates play an important role in promoting social interaction and forging community bonds among residents.  Hence, the new generation of neighbourhood centres (NCs) has been designed with ample community spaces, where residents can come together and mingle with one another. One common feature in all the four neighbourhood centres is a sheltered community plaza. Through the generous provision of such community spaces, residents can meet for daily activities or regular community events.

Convenience & Connectivity

4     The new generation NCs seek to offer residents convenient access to a wide array of commercial facilities and services, such as supermarkets, food courts, and other dining and retail outlets, when they move into their new homes, thus minimising the need for residents to travel out of their town for their daily needs.

5     Connectivity is another key feature in the new generation NCs.  All the four NCs are designed with direct connections to the transport nodes, such as an existing or upcoming MRT/LRT station, or a bus stop.  The NCs are also well-linked to their surrounding housing precincts, amenities and facilities, through a pedestrian thoroughfare. Besides enhancing connectivity, the thoroughfare serves as a continuous community spine that strings up social and community facilities such as playgrounds and fitness corners.

Consultation

6     In the planning and design of the new generation NCs, HDB has also taken a fresh approach by actively consulting the public on their lifestyle needs and preferences. Focus group discussions and surveys were held with residents of various age groups on their preferences for the trade mix in the new NCs. Some residents had shared their preferences for more food and beverage outlets, as well as a supermarket with extended operating hours.  The final development takes into consideration their feedback, to create an NC with an array of amenities, retail and dining options that meets the needs of the residents.

7     The first four new generation NCs that have been designed with these new ideas and concepts are:

1. Northshore Plaza in Punggol
2. Oasis Terraces in Punggol
3. Canberra Plaza in Sembawang
4. Buangkok Square in Hougang

Upcoming New Generation Neighbourhood Centres

Northshore Plaza in Punggol

8     Located in the heart of Northshore District in Punggol Eco-Town, Northshore Plaza is the first sea-front neighbourhood centre to be built in an HDB estate. With a gross floor area of about 19,500 sqm, Northshore Plaza will house a supermarket, food courts, restaurants, shops, childcare centres and enrichment centres. It is expected to be completed in 2020.

Northshore Plaza will be the first seafront neighbourhood centre in an HDB estate

9     Beyond the commercial facilities, Northshore Plaza is also designed with a comprehensive network of community spaces that enhances accessibility. The Community Spine provides a seamless connection from Samudera LRT Station to the adjacent housing precincts, as well as to the Punggol Promenade, allowing convenient and sheltered access to the waterfront. The two-level Community Spine, which is lined with commercial facilities, offers residents a waterfront shopping experience, even as it provides seamless and convenient connectivity.

The two-level Community Spine seamlessly connects Samudera LRT Station to Punggol Promenade.   It is lined with commercial facilities that offer residents a waterfront shopping experience.

The Community Spine looks out to a lush Common Green, creating a conducive community space for social interaction.

10     Located in Punggol Northshore, the first “Smart and Sustainable District” in Singapore, Northshore Plaza is also a testbed for Smart technologies such as Smart fans, lighting, carpark monitoring system and pneumatic waste collection system.  More details on the design of Northshore Plaza can be found at Annex.

 

Oasis Terraces in Punggol 

11     Located next to Oasis LRT station, Oasis Terraces is situated along the Punggol Waterway. It will house one of the largest polyclinics in Singapore – Punggol Polyclinic – operated by SingHealth. With a gross floor area of about 27,400 sqm, Oasis Terraces will also house a supermarket, food courts, restaurants, shops, childcare centres and enrichment centres. It is expected to be completed in 2018.  Please refer to the Annex for more details on the design of Oasis Terraces.

Oasis Terraces offers a one-stop location for key amenities

 

Canberra Plaza in Sembawang

12     With a gross floor area of about 11,000 sqm, the three-storey Canberra Plaza presents a one-stop destination for residents, with communal facilities such as an event plaza and a water playground for the children, as well as a supermarket, food courts, restaurants, clinics, and enrichment centres right at their doorstep. Canberra Plaza is also designed to provide direct access to the upcoming Canberra MRT station and seamless connectivity to housing precincts across Canberra Way. It is expected to be completed in 2019. More details on the design of Canberra Plaza can be found at Annex.

The three-storey Canberra Plaza will be a one-stop destination providing communal and commercial amenities for residents

 

Buangkok Square in Hougang

13     With a gross floor area of about 7,900 sqm, Buangkok Square will be a central focal point of the upcoming housing parcels in Hougang Neighbourhood 9. Its design capitalizes on its unique site terrain, as residents are ushered in from the higher north end of the development through a shopping mall to the community plaza. The community plaza is integrated with its adjacent neighbourhood park, providing more opportunities for community bonding and interaction. Buangkok Square is expected to be completed in 2018. Please refer to the Annex for more details on the design of Buangkok Square.

Buangkok Square is integrated with its adjacent neighbourhood park, offering more opportunities for community bonding.

14     As the planning and design of public housing continues to evolve in tandem with the changing demographics and lifestyle trends of our residents, HDB will continue to explore innovative ideas to provide residents with a quality living environment and build cohesive towns and communities.

Source: HDB