Updated 10 April 2019
Marina Bay is located in Southern-central Singapore, close to the Central Business District (CBD). It’s a prime area of condominiums and grade-A offices. High-end retail goods are also sold here.
History
In 1969, land reclamation work began to convert what was sea-water into 360-hectares of prime waterfront site. The reclaimed land now holds Marina Centre and the Marina South Areas and allows the Singapore River to flow into the bay rather than directly into sea.
The Marina Barrage was built in 2008. Now, the island has its own freshwater supply and a new lifestyle attraction for kite-flyers, picnic lovers and dog walkers. Opened in 2010, Marina Bay Sands brings a world-class casino to the island.
Since then, the area has flourished into a beautiful and bustling district.
What’s in it?
Marina Bay now boasts some of the island’s main attractions including. These include Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer, The Merlion, and Gardens by the Bay. As such, it’s become a popular destination for tourists.
F1 Grand Prix
The annual F1 Grand Prix night races run through Marina Bay, with the race cars zooming along the streets in the area during the event.
Some hotspot locations that spectators flock to for a good view are: Fullerton Bay Hotel, Clifford Pier, the Podium Lounge. These are along the street circuit, and spaces with views onto the night races often come at a premium during this time of the year.
I Light Marina Bay
A widely-anticipated festival taking place every year, I Light Marina Bay is the region’s leading sustainable art festival presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
It has been happening annually since 2010, presenting the harmony of modern innovation and regional creative talent.
Looking for a property in Marina Bay? Find an agent to take the hassle out of your home search.
In the next 10 years
With the opening of the TEL and more land reclamation done by 2030, the future for Marina Bay is even brighter. It will only continue to attract tourists, developers, and investors.
Marina Bay Sands
An artist’s impression of Marina Bay Sands’ expansion, with the fourth tower. Source: Marina Bay Sands
In a bid to remain competitive, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort will soon be expanded to get new world-class facilities and attractions, including a fourth tower to complement its existing three towers and a 15,000-seater entertainment arena.
Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL)
Set to open in the area by 2021 (Stage 3), the TEL will bring more locals straight to the doorsteps of Marina Bay, and Gardens by the Bay.
Other new stations that will open along the 43km route include Marina South and Shenton Way.
Commuters of Marina Bay will have direct and quicker access to the CBD and Orchard Boulevard. Both are only ten-minutes away.
Singapore 2030 Land Use Plan
Singapore is one of the world’s most avid participants in land reclamation, with the island expanding close to 20% since independence. Around 50 sq. m of land near Marina Bay is up for reclamation as part of the 2030 Land Use Plan. These include the rezoning of industrial sites and port facilities, freeing up more sites zones for residential, commercial and office use.
Click to download the full size infographic!
Get the Guru View
Overall, it is an exciting time to be in Marina Bay. With the upcoming TEL, Greater Southern Waterfront and revitalised CBD in the Master Plan, residents can expect new homes, recreational facilities, shopping and dining options, as well as office spaces.
With plans to create more homes, mixed used developments as well as green and communal spaces in the Marina Bay area, it is likely to become even more popular in the future. The key thing to balance however, is to ensure that more Singaporeans, not just the well-heeled, get to enjoy the benefits of living in the area.
The location has always been popular with investors, who are eyeing the pool of expatriates looking for rental homes near their workplaces. However, those who are looking to invest in rental property in the area should bear in mind that rental volumes in the area are often tied to the ups and downs of Singapore’s financial and banking industries.
