By the end of 2009, Singaporeans and visitors alike to Marina Bay can look forward to strolling along a new 3.5km promenade around the bay. It will be constructed at an estimated cost of $35 million.

The new promenade will be a continuous waterfront loop, linking attractions at the Marina Centre, Collyer Quay and Bayfront areas.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) announced today its key design features. Highlights include the following:

Bayfront

The Bayfront promenade includes the stretch in front of the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. This is planned as a two-tier promenade, with a granite-paved upper-level promenade and a lower-level timber boardwalk.

A unique feature will be a 300m long "sculptural, tubular stainless steel structure", with light-and-sound experience and fine spray misters to produce a visible cloud of mist to create a "Mist Walk".

At the southern corner of the Bay, the promenade will widen to create space for families to get together and will have features such as dancing water jets. There will also be a Visitor Centre with a small cafe.

Marina Boulevard

The stretch along Marina Boulevard will be shaded with flowering shrubs and trees. It will also include three "Breeze Shelters", which are pavilions with large solar-powered fans.

There will also be a continuous seat along the seawall to allow visitors to rest and soak in views of the bay.

In addition, there are plans to introduce public art work along the promenade.

The area in front of the Marina Bay Financial Centre will continue to be used for events, such as the Marina Bay Countdown.

The site will also be paved with a 6m-wide pedestrian walkway with new lighting along the water's edge, creating a continuous waterfront route for pedestrians.

Continuous loop

The Marina Boulevard stretch will connect to the stretch along Collyer Quay. It will include parts of the former Clifford Pier and Customs Harbour Branch buildings, as well as new decks over the water.

It will also connect to the existing promenade at One Fullerton - currently being refurbished with a wider pedestrian walkway, water features and al fresco dining areas - and on to the Merlion Park.

At the other end, the promenade will connect to a new pedestrian bridge, linking visitors from Bayfront to Marina Centre, completing an uninterrupted walking route around the Bay.

The bridge with its double-helix structure resembles the structure of DNA, symbolising "life and continuity", "renewal", "everlasting abundance" and "growth",

At the north end of the bridge at Marina Centre, visitors can look forward to a fun-filled experience at Singapore's first Art Park. This will feature the creative works of Singapore youths selected during an art competition in 2006.

When completed, the 3.5 km waterfront promenade will form part of the longer 11.7km waterfront route around Marina Reservoir, which will link up the Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Barrage and the new Sports Hub. Visitors can walk, jog or cycle along this waterfront route, soaking in panoramic views of the gardens and the water with the city's signature skyline.