Construction work on the landmark 4.9 kilometre Punggol Promenade has started with a groundbreaking ceremony on Saturday.

The ceremony was officiated by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, Mr Teo Chee Hean, National Development Minister Mr Mah Bow Tan, Mayor, North-East District Mr Teo Ser Luck and Members of Parliament from Pasir Ris-Punggol GRC.

The waterfront promenade - targeted for completion in 2011 - is part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) plans to redevelop Punggol into a sea sports and recreational destination.

It also serves as a link between the proposed Punggol Point and Punggol East sports and recreational clusters.

The design will feature the characteristics and natural beauty of the coastline and will comprise of three themed zones - Punggol Point Walk (1.2km), Nature walk (2.4km) and Riverside Walk (1.3km).

Mrs Cheong Koon Hean, URA's CEO said, "The Punggol Promenade will improve the accessibility and open up the waterfront area at Punggol. The promenade, together with all the upcoming leisure options at Punggol Point and Punggol East will liven up the area, bringing even more buzz and recreational options, especially to residents in the North-East."

The Punggol promenade is part of a planned 150km Round-Island Route that will enable the walking, cycling or jogging around the entire Singapore.

It is to be designed and implemented by a consortium of engineers lead by LOOK Architects at a total cost of S$16.7 million.

Recreational activities available at Punggol currently include fishing and camping.