SPORTS COMPLEX AND PUBLIC SWIMMING POOL IN BRADDELL HEIGHTS CONSTITUENCY (Completion Date)

Mr Goh Choon Kang asked the Minister for Community Development when the construction of the sports complex and public swimming pool in Braddell Heights Constituency will be completed.

The Minister of State for Community Development (Dr Seet Ai Mee) (for the Minister for Community Development): Mr Speaker, Sir, I am answering on behalf of my Minister.

The Housing and Development Board was responsible for the development of sports facilities in HDB New Towns. The Stadium and Sports Complex in Serangoon New Town was supposed to have been built in 1991.

However, in April 1989, the development of sports facilities was transferred from the HDB to the Singapore Sports Council. The Sports Council reviewed the project proposed by HDB and only obtained approval for the construction of the Sports and Swimming Complex from the Ministry of Finance in May 1990.

Tenders for the Stadium and Swimming Complex were called in November/December last year. The Stadium project has been awarded and this is expected to be completed in May 1993. The tender for the Swimming Complex couldnot be awarded due to the high tendered price. The lowest tender exceeded estimates by 29.8%. A consultancy firm has been employed to review the Swimming Complex project with a view to reducing costs to incorporate cheaper methods of construction, changes to materials and finishes and reduction in scope of works to achieve cost savings without compromising on its functional use.

The Swimming Pool Complex will be re-tendered later this year.