Singapore's first-ever pop-up beach at Marina Bay

Singapore's first-ever pop-up beach at Marina Bay

SINGAPORE - Visitors to Marina Bay in June will get to enjoy a pop-up urban beach complete with palm trees, deck chairs, and a beach bar.

The initiative by DBS Bank is part of the DBS Marina Regatta. Tapping on the growing trend of urban beaches across the world, DBS aims to transform Singapore's new financial district and to bring more people down to the bay to watch the 28th SEA Games races.

The beach will also serve to present a fun, relaxed yet innovative side of Singapore to SEA Games visitors.

Measuring 50 metres by 50 metres, the beach will be located at The Promontory@Marina Bay during the third weekend of the DBS Marina Regatta from June 13 to 14, 2015. The beach will also feature a 25m by 15m pool where a host of activities including stand-up paddling and stand-up yoga will take place.

Said Ms Karen McGregor, Senior Vice President of Group Strategic Marketing and Communications at DBS: "Urban beaches have proven to be a popular concept around the world, transforming urban landscapes in major cities such as Paris, Berlin, Prague, Brussels, and Toronto - and now Singapore.

"With this year being Singapore's jubilee year, and having the 28th SEA Games Traditional Boat (Dragon boat) and Sailing races take place in conjunction with the DBS Marina Regatta, we wanted to celebrate this landmark occasion by igniting the bay with even more transformative experiences.

"Ultimately, we want to ensure everyone has a good time at the regatta. The urban beach is just one of many exciting new possibilities and experiences that the DBS Marina Regatta is bringing to the bay this year."

A logistical feat

The task of creating a man-made beach in the heart of one of the world's leading financial centres will be no mean feat as organisers bring in 28,000kg of sand in an operation that is expected to take up to 300 man-hours.

The sand will be laid onto a protective ground sheet that covers the entire area of the beach. A raised edge will help to contain the sand, and grass lining the perimeter of the beach will ensure that the sand remains within the beach's boundaries.

candicec@sph.com.sg

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