Jurong Lake

Jurong Lake (Chinese: 裕廊湖; Malay: Tasik Jurong ; Tamil: ஜூரோங் ஏரி) is a 70ha freshwater lake and reservoir located in the western region of Singapore formed with the damming of Sungei Jurong further downstream. The lake serves as a reservoir contributing to the water supply of the country. It lies next to the Lakeside MRT station, which derived its name from this geographical feature. The lake is surrounded by parkland, which serves as a recreational ground for nearby residents in Jurong East and Jurong West New Towns.

Jurong Lake
裕廊湖
Tasik Jurong
ஜூரோங் ஏரி
View of Jurong lake, Taman Jurong Estate on the Right and Chinese Garden on the left.
Jurong Lake
裕廊湖
Tasik Jurong
ஜூரோங் ஏரி
LocationLakeside, Jurong East
Coordinates1°20′29.88″N 103°43′36.29″E
Lake typeReservoir
Primary inflowsSungei Jurong
Basin countriesSingapore
IslandsChinese Garden, Japanese Garden and Jurong Country Club

A landscaped sanctuary called Jurong Lake Park was built around the perimeter of the lake and work was completed in January 2006. Also, a 2.8 kilometre water promenade along Jurong Lake Park would allow residents to participate in watersports. The inner running track starting from Chinese garden bridge and back is 3.4 kilometers in length.

As is the case for most other reservoirs in Singapore, swimming is currently illegal in the lake, although this may change in line with the Singapore government's liberalisation of the use of bodies of water in the republic. Fishing is now allowed in some designated spots around the lake where only artificial baits can be used for fishing. However, the water is noted to be green in colour during dry weather and a murky brown after a downpour, the likely result of runoff from its urban catchment area.

Tourist attractions

There are several tourist attractions located near or even within the Lake, including a Chinese Garden and a Japanese Garden, which are located on their respective islands within the lake, as well as the nearby Tang Dynasty Village, which has since closed down.

The Science Centre, Singapore, a family-oriented attraction in Jurong East, is located in the area, together with Jurong Country Club, which includes an 18-hole par-72 golf course and driving range.

Redevelopment plan

On 4 April 2008, the National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan announced a plan to develop the Jurong into a commercial hub outside the Central Business District (CBD).[1] The new Jurong Lake District will offer a potential development area of 360 hectares, roughly the size of Marina Bay. The Urban Redevelopment Authority said that some 750,000m2 of land will be set aside at Jurong Gateway, expected to attract billions of dollars in development, for offices, hotels, food and beverage and entertainment uses. However, analysts say that the short 10–15 years time frame may be a little tight, due to the number of projects in progress and a dampened global economic climate.[2]

The Urban Redevelopment Authority announces a masterplan on 4 April 2008 to transform the area around Jurong Lake to a unique lakeside destination for business and leisure in the next 10 to 15 years.[3]

A new district will be created, named, Jurong Lake District which consists of three precincts, Jurong Gateway, Lakeside and Lakeside Gateway.[4]

New developments around Jurong Lake include:

  • Chinese and Japanese Gardens (Jurong Lake Garden Central, to be completed by 2021)
  • Garden Promenade (Jurong Lake Garden East, to be completed by 2021)
  • Lakeside Garden (Jurong Lake Garden West, formerly Jurong Lake Park, opened 27 April 2019)
  • Enhanced public park & promenade
  • View from new jetty, Jurong East Neighbourhood Town on the background.
  • View of the northern-to-middle part of Jurong Lake
  • View of the middle-to-southern part of Jurong Lake with the Chinese Gardens in the background
  • View of the northernmost part of Jurong Lake, with Jurong Lake Park under construction
  • Peacock Bass caught at Jurong Lake

References
  1. Wong Siew Ying; Hoe Yeen Nie (2008-04-04). "Government announces plans for Jurong Lake District". Channel NewsAsia.
  2. Ng Baoying (2008-04-04). "Jurong Lake District plans timely but timeline may be too short". Channelnewsasia.com.
  3. Government announces plans for Jurong Lake District
  4. "About Jurong Lake District". Urban Redevelopment Authority. Retrieved 11 July 2016.
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