PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, Henning Larsen and Ramboll
The Pitch
Singapore’s National Water Agency, PUB, partnered with Henning Larsen and Ramboll to revitalize Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. They turned a concrete drainage channel into an ecologically rich river that guides water through the park.
The Problem
The concrete channel that guided water flow through Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park no longer fit the city’s changing rainfall patterns, lacked natural habitat, and was unsightly and inconducive to public use.
The Process
- Transformed Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park’s concrete drainage channel into a naturalized river that flows through the park
- Used soil bio-engineering techniques to stabilize the riverbanks and mitigate erosion; this was tested before use—using a 60-meter-long test bed to verify best practices, plant species and construction methods—as this technique had never been used in the tropics
- Carried out thorough testing, measuring root development and assessing public perception of the naturalized river, and used this information to inform the project development process
- Instituted a river monitoring and warning system in case of flooding
The Impact
- Turned the park into a hub for locals and tourists, with over 6 million annual visitors and generating SGD 83 million in socioeconomic benefits annually
- Lowered commuting costs for nearby residents and increased property values in the vicinity
- Increased patronage and income for local businesses near the park
- Lowered healthcare costs and improved physical and mental health by providing space for residents to spend time in nature
- Jumpstarted PUB’s Active, Beautiful Clean Waters program
- Led to collaborations between PUB and other agencies, such as the National Parks Board
- Created an integrated approach to water management that involves the public, uses interagency methods and continues today
- Provides a place for the public to interact with Singapore’s water resources, increasing their appreciation for water and promoting sustainable interactions
