Marina Bay night light-ups could get bolder

SINGAPORE – The Marina Bay skyline could get more vibrant and animated light-ups after the sun sets, as Singapore looks to relax lighting guidelines for building owners in the area.

More new hotels, backpacker’s hostels and serviced apartments could also be given the green light to open in the Upper Circular Road and Beach Road areas.

These moves to make Singapore a more vibrant and attractive city were among those announced by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat at the opening of the annual i Light Singapore art festival on June 5.

Chee highlighted how local governments in Australia had loosened regulations to promote more arts and culture offerings and sports activities after sunset.

The lesson learnt: Take some calculated risks and not be overly “kiasu” and try to pre-empt every risk, he said.

“Importantly, we need to be cool with it when some things go wrong from time to time, which is bound to happen when we experiment with new ideas and push the boundaries. It is ok for some of our efforts to fail. We will learn, we adjust, and we try again,” Chee added.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) added in a separate statement on the same day that occasions such as the Disney Cruise Line launch and National Day celebrations feature animated lighting, illuminated projections and other special effects that elevate the night-time experience.

The aim is to create more such memorable experiences, Chee said.

Singaporeans could also see bolder light displays in public spaces such as waterfronts and bridges – a departure from the current approach.

(From right) National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat, URA chairperson Ow Foong Pheng, UOB group chief sustainability officer Eric Lim, URA CEO Lim Eng Hwee and URA’s deputy CEO and chief planner Adele Tan viewing Let’s Fish The Sun, an interactive light art installation by Chinese artist Wentao Wang, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

According to the URA website, coloured and animated night lighting sequences are generally not allowed, as its lighting philosophy “is that of elegance, subtleness and harmony”.

Chee added that the move to lift restrictions on new short-term accommodations in Upper Circular Road and Beach Road was taken in response to industry feedback.

Highlighting the heritage draw of both districts, he added that these can showcase “how heritage can meet modernity to visitors from around the world”.

Since 2014, proposals to set up such accommodations have generally been disallowed in the Outram, Rochor, Downtown Core and Singapore River areas.

This was to avoid a glut of such offerings which could alter the character of these districts.

At present, businesses in these areas include eateries, bars and existing hotels.

The move follows the easing of restrictions on nightlife operations and liquor trading hours in the nearby Boat Quay area in 2025.

Since August 2025, businesses have been allowed to submit proposals for new bars, pubs and nightclubs along the Boat Quay waterfront area after a 16-year pause. Businesses in the Boat Quay and Clarke Quay area can also apply for extension of liquor licences till 4am on Thursdays and Fridays.

Chee said that, in the same spirit, the authorities are open to changing rules and processes to help businesses in other areas enhance their vibrancy and attractiveness.

Regulatory “sandboxes”, where certain rules will be temporarily relaxed within selected areas, could be piloted to allow businesses and the community more flexibility in organising events.

“This flexibility will create new opportunities for businesses to innovate and attract more customers, while offering visitors more vibrant and distinctive experiences,” he added.

URA said the easing of restrictions on nightlife in the Boat Quay area was due to efforts by the Singapore River One to step up private security deployments in the area, which gave government agencies the assurance to ease restrictions within their boundary.

Singapore River One is a pilot Business Improvement District (BID), where commercial property owners and businesses come together to pool funds for marketing, hospitality and events in their precincts.

The other active BID is in Raffles Place. Former BIDs include Marina Bay, Marina Central and Tanjong Pagar.

Some events organised by BIDs include the Singapore River Festival and St Patrick’s Street Festival, which are held by Singapore River One.

Chee said the pilot BIDs for the Singapore River and Raffles Place will be extending their term for the second time.

A public consultation on upcoming legislation to formalise the BID model will be conducted later in the year, he added.

URA said that legislation for BIDs would ensure that all eligible stakeholders within the precinct are required to contribute financially to the business plan.

At present, fees can be collected only from owners who agree to participate in the BID.

“We welcome everyone – businesses, communities and individuals – to share your ideas with us, to work with us to shape our city together,” added Chee.

National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat viewing Where the Wildflowers Grow, an interactive light art installation by Singaporean artists Kester Wong and Tan Shao Qi, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.

ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR

Rachel Lim, 38, who was at the festival with her husband and two children, said she hopes to see more creative lighting concepts.

“Such events like i Light are good bonding activities for the family as it’s engaging for my children. It would be good to have them all year round,” said Lim, who works in healthcare.

The i Light Singapore festival will run till June 28 with 14 installations and various festival programmes across Marina Bay and Raffles Place.