Building sports facilities in underutilised spaces

*485. Ms Joan Pereira: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth in view of more turbulent weather due to climate change which results in more hot days and frequent downpours, and to address the rising demand for sports facilities across Singapore, whether the Ministry has plans to explore converting more dead spaces below flyovers, viaducts, MRT tracks or bridges into multipurpose sporting facilities.

Response:

1. Sport Singapore plans and develops various sports facilities, such as dedicated sport centres, sports facilities in integrated developments in the community, and Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) facilities. Majority of these facilities include sheltered multi-purpose courts, which can be used in the event of inclement weather.

2. SportSG makes use of underutilised spaces. For example, the CTE viaduct space in Jalan Bukit Merah has been transformed into a touch tennis court, while the space under Gali Batu Flyover will be used for futsal, pickleball courts, and a fitness corner. Rooftops of multi storey carparks are also being repurposed as recreational spaces, such as the upcoming SIP facility in Dover Crescent.

3. SportSG will continue to work with other agencies to explore more opportunities to better utilise such spaces.