New pedestrian mall opens in Jurong

SINGAPORE - A 270m-long pedestrian mall located between JCube shopping centre and a row of shops at Block 135 Jurong Gateway Road was officially opened today.

J Link provides a more seamless journey for those walking from Jurong East MRT station to Lakeside, where the Singapore Science Centre is. Previously, pedestrians had to meander through a narrow and crowded covered walkway. There was also no direct on-foot access to the Jurong Regional Library.

The mall is an Environmental Improvement Project by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and part of the Housing & Development Board's (HDB) Remaking Our Heartland plans for the Jurong Lake area.

It comes with a curved green-roof pavilion that provides a column-free, unobstructed space for events called Canopy, among other public spaces for community activities.

There is also a heritage corner with panels of information on the history of Jurong, while an art exhibition corner showcases artworks of residents and local artists.

URA's chief executive Mr Ng Lang said in a statement: "J Link enhances the pedestrian's experience in Jurong Lake District and is a wonderful addition to the area. We are happy that the local community and stakeholders are involved in the planning and design of J Link to make this a meaningful and relevant public space for the community to enjoy."

Other developments in the Jurong Gateway area include J-Walk, a 1.2km-long pedestrian elevated walkway that will be linked to Jurong East MRT station.

There are also plans for an integrated transport hub, new MRT lines, improvements to the park connector and waterway networks at Lakeside and a comprehensive network of cycling paths, the URA said.

huizhen@sph.com.sg