One-North
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| English | one-north |
| Chinese | 纬壹 |
| (Pinyin | ) |
| Malay | satu-utara |
| Tamil |
One-North (often written as one-north) is an ongoing development, currently in its first phase of development by JTC Corporation where R&D and high technology industries will thrive. Though the development was first conceptualised in the National Technology Plan 1991, [1] it was only launched officially in 2001 by former Deputy Prime Minister Tony Tan Keng Yam with the basis of creating a “global talent hub” and a knowledge-based economy, a move from the successful manufacturing and service economies of Singapore. [2]
Located at Buona Vista, One-North is near educational and research institutes like National University of Singapore (NUS), INSEAD, and the Science Parks. Moreover, it also has easy access to social and recreational facilities due to the close proximity to Holland Village. All these factors will help with the development of One-North in the future.
Besides being a “science hub” as Dr Tan described One-North at the launch due to Biopolis and Fusionopolis, another aim is to create a socially integrated community where both expatriates and locals can gather to live, work and relax together in One-North. [3] As such, One-North will not be a government project of a working district only, but also one where private sectors contribute to provide the social and recreational amenities for the people working and living there. A current example is Rochester Park.
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[edit] Rochester Park
Launched in early 2006, Rochester Park, a part of One-North, is a heritage site located off North Buona Vista Road, featuring several double-storey black-and-white colonial bungalows, a symbol of Singapore’s colonial past. The carefully landscaped garden of lush greenery and tall trees surrounds the estate, creating a serene and exclusive ambience amidst the urban setting.
[edit] History
The estate has a long history with the 40 black-and-white bungalows built in the 1940s to accommodate the British military soldiers stationed at Pasir Panjang Military Complex and their families [4]. After the English military pulled out of Singapore in late 1971, the bungalows were handed over to the Singapore government who rented them out mainly to non-Singaporeans. [5]
[edit] Development
To provide the cultural and recreational facilities for the people in One-North, Rochester Park has been assigned the role of a ‘unique dining and lifestyle retail hub’ with an “old world charm” due to the colonial bungalows [6] . The exteriors of the bungalows are conserved under the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) conservation guidelines while the interior design is left to the tenants. Together with the preserved trees, refurbished bungalows and stylish lightings, Rochester Park provides a peaceful and posh ambience exuding of European flavour which draws many expatriates in Singapore. Furthermore, with the upcoming of One-North, Rochester Park will be able to serve the expatriates and locals who will be working and living there.
In general, the park consists of two areas – Rochester Park 11, a dining and lifestyle retail hub, and Rochester Park 20, a serviced villa resort with commercial facilities [7].
[edit] Rochester Park 11
Rochester Park 11 has 11 bungalows turned into a dining and lifestyle retail hub consisting of restaurants, galleries, and spas [8]. Currently, five units are taken up by restaurants and bars offering a wide variety of food in different settings while the other amenities which are going to be offered are still going through strict selection by JTC.[9]
[edit] Restaurants
- One Rochester presents itself as a home, segmenting the bungalow into different themes. The restaurant also has a garden.
- North Border Bar and Grill offers South-western American cuisine.
- Da Paolo Bistro Bar’s serves Italian fare in a European setting.
- Graze provides a variety of Western and Asian fare.
- Min Jiang specializes in Chinese cuisine
[edit] Rochester Park 20
Rochester Park 20 on the other hand, is still in the midst of development but has set aside 20 of the bungalows to become a serviced villa resort with retail facilities. [10] JTC is currently looking for interested private developers to submit their bids. [11]
[edit] References
- ^ NSTB, (1991) Science and Technology:Window of Opportunities – National Technology Plan 1991. Singapore: SNP Publishers.
- ^ Tan, T K Y, (2001, 4 December). Launch of Science Hub, speech presented at MITA Building, Singapore.
- ^ JTC Corporation, (2006). Welcome to One-North.
- ^ Lim, A P, (1974). Changes in Land Use in the Former British Military Areas in Singapore. Unpublished academic exercise, Department of Geography, National University of Singapore.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Soo, K L, (2006, 27 March). Welcome Remarks, speech presented at Rochester open house, Singapore.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Ibid.
- ^ Sim, A, (2007, 17 January). Cultural-retail landmark to up cool quotient for One-North, The Business Times Singapore.
- ^ JTC Corporation, (2007, 16 January). JTC invites proposals for the development of a Civic, Cultural and Retail Complex at One-North 19,300 square metre site is the largest land parcel offered for private sector participation.
