Design competition launched for new civic centre in Geylang Serai

SINGAPORE: An open design competition has been launched for the new civic centre in Geylang Serai.

Senior Parliamentary Secretary for National Development Dr Maliki Osman announced the competition on Saturday.

He also launched a commemorative booklet on the civic centre.

He said the design competition aims to elicit innovative designs and encourage local architects to participate.

The winning design will be announced by August this year, along with a public exhibition of the entries received.

Particulars of the design competition can be obtained at the Singapore Institute of Architect’s website at www.sia.org.sg.

Construction of the civic centre, which is also known as Wisma Geylang Serai, will start in 2014 and be fully operational by 2017.

Dr Maliki said the new civic centre should offer a range of activities which are unique to the area.

For example, there will be a Malay Heritage Gallery where people can learn more about Malay culture and heritage since the 1800s.

There will also be arts spaces for various cultural groups and visitors to engage in arts programmes.

The area should also serve all Singaporeans, with a range of community and social services made available.

The Geylang Serai Community Club and the Southeast Community Development Council will be relocated there, and there will be spaces for voluntary welfare organisations to also offer their services.

— CNA/fa