S$1.8m integrated sports hub opens in Bishan North
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 24 August 2008 1803 hrs

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SINGAPORE: A S$1.8 million sports hub, called Bishan Active, opened in the heart of the Bishan North neighbourhood on Sunday. It is the largest public outdoor sporting facility in Singapore's housing estates.

Mayor for Central Singapore District, Zainudin Nordin, said beach volleyball is featured at Bishan Active because it is hip and popular with the young. He said the Town Council will also look into further improvements, such as adding shower facilities there.

At over 22,000 square metres, the sports hub in Bishan sits on a plot of land that was initially meant for a school. But plans to build the school were deferred and the sports hub was constructed there on a seven-year lease.

Other features at the sports facility include a basketball court, a football pitch and a roller blade track. There is also a multi-purpose sheltered pavilion, which will provide some cost savings to nearby residents.

"(Putting up a) tentage for a weekend event can cost up to S$11,000 to S$12,000, so you are now able to exploit and take benefit from such a facility," said Mr Zainudin.

It is also hoped that the new facility can kick-start the sporting dreams of young Singaporeans. In fact, the Singapore women's national football team has adopted the pitch at Bishan Active and will be holding training sessions there. Residents will also be able to interact with the players and watch their development.

Bishan Active will be an ideal platform to rally the residents and garner support leading up to the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.

The sports hub is located beside Block 231 at Bishan Street 23.

- CNA/so