Success of the Sports Hub a key priority

Question

Dr Lim Wee Kiak: To ask the Minister for Culture, Community and Youth (a) what is the line-up of major sporting events for this year to be held at the Sports Hub; (b) whether pricing is an issue as to why the Sports Hub is not attracting more bookings; and (c) what is the Government doing to attract more iconic international sporting events to be held at the Sports Hub. 

Response

Minister Grace Fu: Sports Hub Pte Ltd (SHPL) was contracted to design, build, finance and operate the Sports Hub for 25 years under the public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement. The key intent of the PPP arrangement, besides managing the risks associated with the construction, was to allow the Government to leverage on the expertise and international marketing networks of the private sector to create a vibrant mix of sports, lifestyle and community activities at the Sports Hub.

1. We share the high expectations that Singaporeans have for the Sports Hub. We want to see the Sports Hub succeed as the integrated sports and lifestyle destination that we envisioned. We pay close attention to all the issues and to the concerns raised by the public and stakeholders regarding the running of the Sports Hub and its events line-up.  Nonetheless, we also recognise that Sports Hub is still in its start-up phase, being in operation for less than 2 years. The operators are finding their feet, sorting out the operational problems and understanding the costs of operations. SHPL has acknowledged the challenges faced, and, with our regular feedback, is continuously looking to improve its operations. We will give SHPL some time and room to respond to the feedback of stakeholders and the public.
   

2. For this year, we understand that the Sports Hub will play host to sporting events like the World Rugby Sevens Series, Super Rugby, Singapore Badminton Open, Women's Tennis Association Finals, and OCBC Cycle amongst others. The Sports Hub will also be hosting the National School Games.
   

3. In addition to major sporting events, the Sports Hub is lining up entertainment and lifestyle events that cater to everyone, like the Disney On Ice for the family. Furthermore, there will be more programmed sporting activities such as free Learn-to-Play programmes, regular fitness classes and events like the 100 Plus Promenade Run and the Sports Hub Stepper Challenge. The Sports Hub will also be welcoming many Singaporeans for the National Day Parade which will be held at the new National Stadium for the first time.
   

4. As a national icon, the success of the Sports Hub is a key priority for us in MCCY. To this end, SportSG is working closely with SHPL and keeping a close watch on the Sports Hub events calendar.