An ambitious $25 million makeover for Punggol, the blueprint for which was revealed yesterday, aims to revive the coastal town's heritage as a fishing village by capitalising on its maritime setting.

A 10km cycling trail in a rustic setting along the 4.2km waterway and a pedestrian 'kelong-like' bridge will help to recapture the old fishing days.

The waterway will also boast a coastal promenade and a host of water activities.

Local firm Surbana and its Japanese partner beat out 10 other firms to come up with the winning design for the Punggol makeover.

This article was first published in The Straits Times on December 13, 2008.