Shawn TanMove over, Marina Bay Floating Platform. Say hello to the NS Square!
Image credit: WOHA Architects Facebook
Following the announcement made by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day message, the new platform will take over from its predecessor. This includes hosting events like future National Day parades and Marina Bay countdowns.
On top of that, NS Square will also be the convergence point for community and sporting activities. The space houses a swimming pool and water sports facility that will support water sports like canoeing and dragon boating. Kids will also delight in the water play areas at NS Square.
While serving as a new hangout spot to bring Singaporeans together, NS Square is also a stunning tribute to our national servicemen. Surrounded by our city skyline and the Merlion, Marina Bay is a fitting locale to thank them for their service.
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Background and design
Designed by local architectural firm WOHA Architects, who are also the consultant team behind other landmarks like School of the Arts (SOTA) and Oasia Hotel Downtown, NS Square is slated to be completed by the end of 2025. When finished, it will boast a seating capacity of up to 30,000 people. The tiered and curved design of the seats will also serve to bring spectators closer to the action on stage. Talk about killing two birds with one stone!
With this new eye-catching focal point to Marina Bay, NS Square will look to bring Singaporeans from all walks of life together, both literally and figuratively. It will also remind us the importance of National Service and its servicemen both past and present, and how it binds us together as a nation. To learn more more about the history of The Float @ Marina Bay and its replacement by NS Square, visit MINDEF’s website.
