SINGAPORE FLYER -
THE BIRTH OF AN ICONIC LANDMARK
Singapore, 27 September, 2005: The official ground
breaking ceremony for the Singapore Flyer took place this afternoon
amidst much celebration and anticipation. Launched by Guest-of-Honour
Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development, the ground
breaking ceremony was attended by approximately 150 key guests
from the tourism and media industry, as well as key government
agencies and project partners. Leaders from seven religious groups
presided over the blessing ceremony at the Marina Bay site.
Mr Mah Bow Tan, Minister for National Development,
said “The Singapore Flyer will be a distinctive icon along the Marina
Bay. Besides transforming our cityscape, I hope the Singapore Flyer
will also change the Singapore experience for our visitors.”
Mr Peter Purcell, Managing Director of Singapore
Flyer Pte Ltd said, “Today’s ground breaking ceremony marks the
birth of an astonishing landmark. The Singapore Flyer will undoubtedly
be one of Asia’s most distinctive visitor attractions and will be
Singapore’s own recognisable icon in the minds of tourists, much
like how the Eiffel Tower and London Eye have come to symbolise
France and England.”
“By using a world-renowned architectural consortium
of Kisho Kurokawa Architects & Associates of Japan and Singapore’s
DP Architects, together with other internationally recognised consultants
and a Mitsubishi/Takenaka Consortium as our builders, we have set
the stage for the Singapore Flyer to become one of Asia’s most remarkable
architectural and engineering feats,” he added.
When it is completed in 2008, the Singapore Flyer
will be one of the world’s largest man-made moving land objects
at a height of 178 metres – equivalent to a 45-story building. It
will comprise a giant observation wheel 150-metres in diameter sitting
astride a 20-metre high, three storey terminal building.
Once aboard, passengers will be enthralled by sweeping,
epic views – from the historic Singapore River and modern skyline,
to the grand vista of ships on the horizon, and on a clear day,
right out to Malaysia and Indonesia. From each of the 28 air-conditioned,
UV-protected capsules, visitors can enjoy the fascinating sensation
of flight, while afloat in the sky during the 37-minute ride.
Mr Lim Neo Chian, Deputy Chairman and Chief Executive
of the Singapore Tourism Board said, “The Singapore Flyer will be
a must-experience attraction that will give visitors a whole new
perspective to Singapore. Not only will it offer a great view and
unbeatable top-of-the world feeling, it will also be an attraction
that will feature a whole host of entertainment options.”
Visitors to the Singapore Flyer will experience
more than just flight – a myriad experiences await, limited only
by the imagination. Perhaps an art exhibition with the ever-changing
landscape as the backdrop, or a quiet, romantic dinner in a private
capsule, or even a cosy wedding reception with champagne and strawberries.
The Singapore Flyer will provide a unique space for events that
will always be refreshing.
Back on the ground, the Singapore Flyer will offer
a range of amenities and activities for everyone, including: a central
atrium with lush Asian rainforest and water features; Waterfront
Retail and Entertainment Centre; an alfresco waterfront dining promenade
serving local favourites; a Main Retail Centre housing three-levels
of dining and shopping opportunities; and an open-air Greek Theatre
concert bowl for live entertainment performances.
Located in Marina Bay - the future downtown of
Singapore - the Singapore Flyer will occupy a prime waterfront Central
Business District spot. It will benefit from strong, commercially
complementary neighbours, being a short walk to over 2500 four and
five-star hotel rooms, the Singapore International Convention and
Exhibition Centre, the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, Singapore’s
new performing arts centre and the planned integrated resort.
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