The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has expressed its continued confidence in the tourism potential of the Jurong Lake District, despite receiving no submissions for new tourism development proposals last year. Minister of State for Trade and Industry Low Yen Ling shared this update in Parliament, responding to inquiries from Member of Parliament Ang Wei Neng regarding the district’s development status.

In March 2022, STB initiated a request for proposals (RFP) for an integrated tourism development on a 6.8 hectare site adjacent to the new Science Centre and Jurong Lake Gardens. However, the RFP closed in October 2022 with no submissions received. Low attributed this lack of interest to the uncertain economic climate caused by the ongoing war in Ukraine and a slowdown in the global economy, which heavily impacted the tourism sector.

Despite these challenges, Low reassured that the STB is monitoring market sentiments and is exploring alternative opportunities to harness the site’s potential. Ang noted that local residents are keen on the development, not just for entertainment, but also for the job opportunities it would create.

Low also addressed concerns regarding the implications of the cancelled high-speed rail link with Malaysia and the recent tender for a separate 6.5 hectare site in Jurong Lake District. She emphasized that upcoming transport links, including the Jurong Region Line and Cross Island Line, will significantly enhance the area’s appeal as a major employment center.

The long-term vision is to develop the Jurong Lake District into the largest mixed-use business district outside of the city center over the next 10 to 15 years, providing local residents with attractive job opportunities nearby.

While the recent tender for the master development site is focused on office and residential use, Low clarified that the tourism site aims to create attractions and leisure options, along with ancillary hotel and retail developments to serve both residents and visitors. She added that STB is reviewing the RFP, highlighting the tourism site’s strategic location with picturesque views of Jurong Lake.