Phased opening will ensure a safe and smooth transition from construction to operations

Question

Mr Nicholas Fang: To ask the Acting Minister for Culture, Community and Youth whether the Sports Hub is on track to meet the target of opening by April 2014. Mr

Response

Acting Minister Lawrence Wong: Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) has informed us that they will be able to largely complete the construction of the Sports Hub by the original timeline of April 2014, except for the National Stadium which is more complex, and will take a few more weeks to complete. SHPL is using this time for the testing and certification of the National Stadium's retractable roof and moveable seating. The Singapore Sports Council (SSC) is closely monitoring the progress of this final phase of construction.

Based on the latest construction schedule, SHPL has worked out a phased opening of the facilities in the Sports Hub. Given the scale of the project, such a phased opening will enable SHPL to progressively step up its staff deployment, test out the systems, and ensure a safe and smooth transition from construction to operations.

For example, facilities like the Aquatic Centre and Water Sports Centre will be opened for use from April onwards. The first event at the National Stadium is being planned in June, and SHPL has assured us that the Stadium will be ready by then. SHPL will announce the opening schedule and full calendar of events at the Sports Hub later this month.