{"id":58489,"date":"2026-06-06T12:13:42","date_gmt":"2026-06-06T04:13:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=58489"},"modified":"2026-06-06T12:13:42","modified_gmt":"2026-06-06T04:13:42","slug":"marina-bay-night-light-ups-could-get-bolder","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/?p=58489","title":{"rendered":"Marina Bay night light-ups could get bolder"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">SINGAPORE &#8211;<!-- --> The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/marina-bay-transformed-a-new-chapter-in-singapores-urban-planning-story?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">Marina Bay skyline<\/span><\/a> 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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">More new hotels, backpacker\u2019s hostels and serviced apartments could also be given the green light to open in the Upper Circular Road and Beach Road areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">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 <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/multimedia\/photos\/i-light-singapore-2026?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">annual i Light Singapore art festival<\/span><\/a> on June 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Chee highlighted how local governments in Australia had loosened regulations to promote more arts and culture offerings and sports activities after sunset.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The lesson learnt: Take some calculated risks and not be overly \u201ckiasu\u201d and try to pre-empt every risk, he said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cImportantly, 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,\u201d Chee added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) added in a separate statement on the same day that occasions such as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/life\/travel\/very-very-excited-passengers-board-disney-adventure-cruise-for-first-public-sailing-from-spore?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">Disney Cruise Line launch<\/span><\/a> and National Day celebrations feature animated lighting, illuminated projections and other special effects that elevate the night-time experience.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The aim is to create more such memorable experiences, Chee said.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Singaporeans could<!-- --> <!-- -->also see bolder light displays in public spaces such as waterfronts and bridges \u2013 a departure from the current approach.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0369ddd2c224f3a681ee17be5f9bf31eb8671f05a3d8336b9038866950e9140b?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0369ddd2c224f3a681ee17be5f9bf31eb8671f05a3d8336b9038866950e9140b?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0369ddd2c224f3a681ee17be5f9bf31eb8671f05a3d8336b9038866950e9140b?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0369ddd2c224f3a681ee17be5f9bf31eb8671f05a3d8336b9038866950e9140b\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/0369ddd2c224f3a681ee17be5f9bf31eb8671f05a3d8336b9038866950e9140b\" alt=\"(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\u2019s deputy CEO and chief planner Adele Tan viewing Let\u2019s Fish The Sun, an interactive light art installation by Chinese artist Wentao Wang, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">(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\u2019s deputy CEO and chief planner Adele Tan viewing Let\u2019s Fish The Sun, an interactive light art installation by Chinese artist Wentao Wang, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">According to the URA website, coloured and animated night lighting sequences are generally not allowed, as its lighting philosophy \u201cis that of elegance, subtleness and harmony\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Highlighting the heritage draw of both districts, he added that these can showcase \u201chow heritage can meet modernity to visitors from around the world\u201d.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Since 2014, proposals to set up<!-- --> <!-- -->such accommodations have generally been disallowed in the Outram, Rochor, Downtown Core and Singapore River areas.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">This was to avoid a glut of such offerings which could alter the character of these districts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At present, businesses in these areas include eateries, bars and existing hotels.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The move follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/liquor-licences-for-fb-nightlife-venues-extended-to-4am-in-boat-quay-clarke-quay?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">easing of restrictions on nightlife operations and liquor trading hours<\/span><\/a> in the nearby Boat Quay area in 2025.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Regulatory \u201csandboxes\u201d, where certain rules will be temporarily relaxed within selected areas, could be piloted to allow businesses and the community more flexibility in organising events.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cThis flexibility will create new opportunities for businesses to innovate and attract more customers, while offering visitors more vibrant and distinctive experiences,\u201d he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">URA said the easing of restrictions on nightlife in the Boat Quay area was due to efforts by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/business\/property\/commercial-property-owners-to-vote-on-whether-to-band-together-to-rejuvenate-area?ref=inline-article\" rel=\"noopener\" class=\"gap-x-04 items-center inline text-primary-60 select-auto\" aria-label=\"link\" target=\"_blank\" data-testid=\"custom-link\"><span class=\"font-body-baseline-regular inline\" data-testid=\"paragraph-test-id\">the Singapore River One<\/span><\/a> to step up private security deployments in the area, which gave government agencies the assurance to ease restrictions within their boundary.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The other active BID is in Raffles Place. Former BIDs include Marina Bay, Marina Central and Tanjong Pagar.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Some events organised by BIDs include the Singapore River Festival and St Patrick\u2019s Street Festival, which are held by Singapore River One.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Chee said the pilot BIDs for the Singapore River and Raffles Place will be extending their term for the second time.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">A public consultation on upcoming legislation to formalise the BID model will be conducted later in the year, he added.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">URA said that legislation for BIDs would ensure that all eligible stakeholders within the precinct are required to contribute financially to the business plan.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">At present, fees can be collected only from owners who agree to participate in the BID.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cWe welcome everyone \u2013 businesses, communities and individuals \u2013 to share your ideas with us, to work with us to shape our city together,\u201d added Chee.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c4a4f3cf2e33803806492a14daa1b6ada31e209798ff3cfe1d835ca03351a482?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c4a4f3cf2e33803806492a14daa1b6ada31e209798ff3cfe1d835ca03351a482?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c4a4f3cf2e33803806492a14daa1b6ada31e209798ff3cfe1d835ca03351a482?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c4a4f3cf2e33803806492a14daa1b6ada31e209798ff3cfe1d835ca03351a482\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/c4a4f3cf2e33803806492a14daa1b6ada31e209798ff3cfe1d835ca03351a482\" alt=\"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.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">Rachel Lim, 38, who was at the festival with her husband and two children, said she hopes to see more creative lighting concepts.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">\u201cSuch events like i Light are good bonding activities for the family as it\u2019s engaging for my children. It would be good to have them all year round,\u201d said Lim, who works in healthcare.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-body-baseline-regular text-primary\" data-testid=\"article-paragraph-annotation-test-id\">The i Light Singapore festival will run till June 28 with 14 installations and various festival programmes across Marina Bay and Raffles Place.<\/p>\n<figure class=\"landscape inline-media-wrapper\" data-testid=\"inline-media-test-id\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col items-start relative w-fit\"><picture><source media=\"(max-width: 480px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/bac243c26b7998c684fead588495da43ccd4290fc248bc4f42f0717e9b6a50dc?w=480\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 720px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/bac243c26b7998c684fead588495da43ccd4290fc248bc4f42f0717e9b6a50dc?w=720\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 721px and max-width: 3999px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/bac243c26b7998c684fead588495da43ccd4290fc248bc4f42f0717e9b6a50dc?w=900\"\/><source media=\"(min-width: 4000px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/bac243c26b7998c684fead588495da43ccd4290fc248bc4f42f0717e9b6a50dc\"\/><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cassette.sphdigital.com.sg\/image\/straitstimes\/bac243c26b7998c684fead588495da43ccd4290fc248bc4f42f0717e9b6a50dc\" alt=\"Between Mountains and Seas, a dynamic light art installation by Peppercorns, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.\" class=\"aspect-landscape flex items-start shrink-0 object-cover landscape article-landscape mobile:w-auto tablet:w-auto\" data-testid=\"image-test-id\" loading=\"lazy\"\/><\/picture><\/div><figcaption class=\"mobile:mx-16 tablet:mx-00 py-16 desktop:pb-24\">\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-secondary\" data-testid=\"inline-media-caption-test-id\">Between Mountains and Seas, a dynamic light art installation by Peppercorns, at the i Light Singapore festival on June 5.<\/p>\n<p class=\"font-eyebrow-baseline-regular inline text-placeholder\" data-testid=\"inline-media-credit-test-id\"> <!-- -->ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR<\/p>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<center><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.straitstimes.com\/singapore\/marina-bay-skyline-could-see-bolder-night-light-ups-as-ura-explores-easing-guidelines\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Read Full Article At Source <\/a><br \/>\n<center\/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>SINGAPORE &#8211; The Marina Bay skyline could get more vibrant and animated light-ups after the sun sets, as Singapore looks to relax lighting guidelines for&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":58490,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"fifu_image_url":"","fifu_image_alt":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2611],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-58489","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-buzz-headlines","wpcat-2611-id"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58489","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=58489"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58489\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/58490"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=58489"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=58489"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sgbuzz.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=58489"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}