Work to build bridge linking Marina Centre and Gardens by the Bay to start in Q1 2026
SINGAPORE – Work on a new pedestrian and cycling bridge in Marina Bay connecting Marina Centre to the Gardens by the Bay's Bay East Garden will start in the first quarter of 2026, with completion slated by 2029.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) called a pre-qualification tender for the design and construction on July 17, requiring the structure to look simple, elegant and timeless, as well as have 'outstanding architectural merit'.
The details came after an unveiling of these plans in
URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 on June 25.
According to tender documents published on government procurement portal GeBiz on July 17, the bridge will be built parallel to a section of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge linking Marina Centre to Tanjong Rhu.
The bridge will facilitate the movement of pedestrians, cyclists and people with disabilities between Marina Centre and Bay East Garden, where the
future Founders' Memorial will be situated, added URA.
It said the bridge should also cater for mass events such as marathons, jogathons and walkathons.
The bridge must be able to accommodate people mover systems such as buggies, to allow visitors to shuttle conveniently between Bay East Garden and the future Bay Central Garden at Marina Centre.
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The Straits Times reported in 2022 that there were
no immediate plans to develop the Bay Central Garden , which will feature a 3km waterfront promenade stretching from the Singapore Flyer area to Crawford Bridge in Kampong Bugis.
Noting that the new bridge connecting the city to the East Coast area will be prominently positioned within the Marina Channel, URA said it will become a distinctive feature of the waterfront as it will be exceptionally visible from multiple vantage points.
These points refer to a waterfront promenade at Marina Centre and the upcoming Bay East Garden in Gardens by the Bay, where residents and visitors gather for leisure.
The authority added that the bridge will also form a backdrop for high-profile international events, including the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix and water sports competitions in the Marina Channel, so it must exhibit 'exceptional design excellence' to be on a par with the bridges nearby.
Some bridges at the waterfront include the Jubilee Bridge, the Helix, the Benjamin Sheares Bridge and an upcoming one connecting Garden by the Bay's Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden.
URA said the design of the new bridge should make a meaningful visual statement in the Marina Channel, while complementing the design of the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
It added that the deck – or walkway – of the bridge should have a 'lightweight appearance', as if it is floating above the water.
The authority noted that while construction of the bridge is ongoing, the successful tenderer must still allow water-going vessels to travel along clear routes in the affected portion of the Marina Channel.
The contractor should also ensure continuous public access – by foot or cycling – along a park connector network by maintaining alternative routes at Bay East Garden and Marina Centre.
People now can get from Marina Centre to Bay East Garden via the Marina Barrage Dam. This route could take more than an hour by foot or around 20 minutes by cycling as it involves travelling down the Helix Bridge, along the waterfront of Gardens by the Bay, across the Marina Barrage Dam, and then along the waterfront of Bay East Garden.
Alternatively, pedestrians can walk along the Benjamin Sheares Bridge, which is part of the East Coast Parkway expressway. This includes walking up and down several flights of stairs.
The tender documents show that all construction work within the Marina Channel would need to be stopped during several upcoming large-scale international sporting events.
These include the Asia Pacific Sprint Cup in April or May 2027, the Asian Dragon Boat Championships in October 2028, trial games for the 2029 SEA Games in the second half of 2028, as well as the SEA Games estimated to take place from June 2029, according to Sport Singapore.
The tender documents also show that the Singapore Tourism Board requested a halt to structural work along or adjacent to the waterfront promenade eight weeks before and during the annual Formula One race periods.
The other authorities involved as stakeholders in this tender include the National Parks Board that gave recommendations for the landscaping at both ends of the bridge, and national water agency PUB, which will oversee pollution control for the work.
Another stakeholder is the Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA), which is currently involved in constructing NS Square at the former The Float @ Marina Bay site. This is because the appointed contractor will be sharing the only approved slipway along Republic Avenue with DSTA to carry out work.
The scope of work listed in the tender includes the engagement of a lighting specialist to design night lighting for the bridge, a certified arborist and horticulturist to manage the trees, as well as a landscape specialist to design the greenery at both ends of the bridge.
The tender for the design and construction of the bridge will close at 4pm on Aug 7.
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