Funding Formula for Government Grants to Gardens by the Bay

Mr Laurence Lien asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the Government's funding formula for Government grants to the Gardens by the Bay; and (b) whether the Government expects to reduce its funding to Gardens by the Bay in future years.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The Gardens by the Bay is a national public garden to provide quality and accessible leisure options for Singaporeans and visitors in the new Marina Bay Downtown.

The development of the Gardens was funded by the Government. It currently funds 50% of the Gardens' annual operating expenses for the outdoor gardens. The remaining operating expenses, which include the full cost of the two Conservatories' operations, are recovered from admission collections, commercial leases, rental of event spaces, and sponsorships.

As the Gardens is still in its initial years of operation, the Government will continue to review the funding framework in enabling the Gardens to meet its objective as a national public garden and remain accessible to all Singaporeans.