Admiralty's new CC makes a splash

Admiralty's new CC makes a splash

Residents of Admiralty have a new hang-out and it comes with an indoor water playground and a 24-hour gym.

Aimed at all members of the family, the 4,000 sq m community centre officially opened on Sunday and also houses a dance studio and multi-purpose hall.

Residents say the centre at 120, Woodlands Avenue 1 has been a long time coming. It replaces a 500 sq m void-deck space at Block 547, Woodlands Drive, which has been in use since 2003.

"It's more spacious and family-friendly," said housewife Jenny Ng, 40.

Sembawang GRC MP Vikram Nair said it aims to create more opportunities for Admiralty division's 52,000 residents to experience a "vibrant community life".

"It will hopefully evolve and grow along with Admiralty over the years ahead and be a place where Admiralty's families have many happy experiences and memories," he said.

The centre, called Ace the Place, for Admiralty's Community Experience, is the first community centre (CC) to get the Building and Construction Authority's Green Mark. Among other things, it has a high green plot ratio and motion sensor lights. The People's Association (PA) declined to reveal the centre's cost.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan, also an MP for Sembawang GRC, said at the opening that the role of CCs, to foster the kampung spirit, remains the same today - as in the 1960s. Then, the PA turned food distribution centres set up by the British into CCs for residents to watch television and get news.

He said modern centres are where residents not only learn a skill but also "more importantly forge a sense of community".


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