INTERNATIONAL INDOOR STADIUM

Mr Ng Kah Ting asked the Minister for Community Development (a) what facilities will be provided in the new international indoor stadium; (b) when the stadium will be completed and at what cost; and (c) why is it necessary to invite foreign architects to share in the design of the stadium.

Mr S. Dhanabalan: (a) The new international indoor stadium will be for multi-purpose use. It will provide facilities for sports, rallies, cultural events, musical shows, exhibitions and concerts. It will be airconditioned and incorporate the latest technological advances.

(b) The estimated time for completion of the stadium is three years. The estimated cost is $68 million.

(c) The multi-purpose nature of the stadium makes design work rather complicated and poses a real challenge. It is prudent to selecta reliable team of consultants who have experience in designing such structures and facilities.

The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) therefore decided to appoint a team of local and international consultants on an equal partnership basis. The appointment of a team involving more than one consultant firm is not a simple matter. Apart from technical competence, there must be assurance that the consultants can establish good working relationship with each other and work as one team. SSC decided to appoint a joint team of Raglan Squire & Partners and Kenzo Tange.

Kenzo Tange Associates (KTA) was chosen as the foreign consultant as Prof Kenzo Tange has considerable experience working on projects in Singapore and is familiar with local conditions. He had also in 1972 drawn up a Master Plan for a "National Sports Complex" at Kallang which included an indoor stadium. As Prof Tange has done some preliminary work on the proposed indoor stadium, it is logical to appoint Kenzo Tange Associates as joint consultants to complete the project. He has also designed and supervised the construction of six multi-purpose indoor stadiums.

Supplementary Information

The list of events and activities to be held in the indoor stadium is as follows: Sports Basketball Volleyball Netball Sepak Takraw Tennis Badminton Table Tennis Squash (with provision to erect special court for exhibition or championship matches) Gymnastics Judo Kungfu Karate Weight Lifting Fencing Boxing Wrestling Shows Circus Ice Skating Dance Performances Parades Concerts Rallies Variety Shows Closed circuit t.v. shows Exhibitions Exhibitions Trade Fairs & Shows Horticultural Shows Aquatic Shows Conventions