Got an idea to transform a space in Singapore? You are wanted

SINGAPORE - If you have an idea on how to transform underused or overlooked pockets of public spaces in Singapore, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is looking for you.

To sweeten the honey pot, URA is offering 10 winning ideas $1,000 in cash each.

The competition - called "My Ideas for Public Spaces" - aims to inspire people to transform forgotten spaces into something more meaningful.

The public can submit ideas for forgotten spaces such as:

The ideas should transform these spaces creatively, making them inviting and accessible for the community in relation to the surrounding context, and whether they can be easily implemented and sustained in the long run.

The first edition of the competition was conducted in 2013 for four spaces - The Lawn @ Marina Bay, spaces along the Singapore River Promenade, an open space in Kampong Glam, and Woodlands Civic Plaza.

Over 160 entries were submitted, of which 11 received awards.

"We were delighted with the many innovative ideas received in the first competition and have adapted some of them for our PubliCity projects," Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive Officer of URA said.

"With the spotlight turning to 'forgotten spaces' this year, we hope the public can apply the same inventiveness to turn these overlooked spaces into delightful, meaningful ones that the community can enjoy."

The entries inspired the first series of PubliCity pop-up projects, URA said. These include 'Chairs in Squares', 'Picnic in the Park' and 'Play Space'. 'Picnic in the Park' took place at the Sultan Gate open space in Kampong Glam.

Participants who are interested in this year's competition can submit their entries by hand or mail between May 14 and June 26. The winning entries will be announced later this year.

The public can visit ura.sg/myideas2015 for more competition details.

grongloh@sph.com.sg