In its glorious day, Big Splash was known for having the tallest water slides in Singapore, but the water attractions were demolished a decade ago. Although the attraction kept its name and still pulls in 300,000 visitors a month with its dining and recreation amenities.

But as reported in Straits Times, after 40 years in operation, the establishment is going out, bosses have revealed it will close its doors on Oct 21 2016, when its lease with the National Parks Board (NParks) expires.

Redevelopment of Big Splash is expected to begin early next year, it will make way for a new development on the 2.83ha plot, details of which are yet to be revealed.

Mr Walter Goh, director of Fish@Big Splash – a fishing and prawning attraction, said in an interview: “We have extended with NParks for now, but we are looking for somewhere with a more long-term lease.”

Owner Tay Choon Mong also reportedly said: “After the opening of Parkland Green nearby, retail here is quite bad and we are struggling. The crowd here has become limited.”

Alpha Gymnastics will move to Chai Chee Technopark, a 10- minute drive from Big Splash. Head coach Howard Cheng said to media: “It will be more convenient for our current customers as we understand that most of them stay in the east.”

The other tenants are said to have found a new site. Outdoor gear store Hornest has rented space at Oxley Business Park and plans to move there in September.

Seafood International Market and Restaurant will shut on Sept 15, according to a post on Big Splash’s Facebook page. It has been at the park for 33 years.

Director Justin Tan said: “We have been trying to find something similar in terms of location for the past year after being actively in talks with NParks for the past 18 months.

“There are several options such as waiting after NParks redevelops the area. They have welcomed us to re-tender then.”

While smaller tenants were offered lease extensions, Seafood International was not given the option. Mr Tan added: “It’s very difficult to give up a place we’ve been at so long, but we’ve come to terms with it and we’ve had a good run.”

Fans of the park, including those who remember its original format, are sad to see it go.

BigSplash04

Data entry clerk Florence Lim, 39, speaking to the ST reporter, said: “One of my favourite memories with my late father is when he took us to play at the colourful slides. Back then there was no Wild Wild Wet, so Big Splash was very adventurous and exciting. I also took my two sons there a few years ago and had a nice time.”

Madam Lim plans to have a family outing there before it closes. “We will definitely take photos this time to remember it,” she added.

Student Ang Wan Qi, 20, said: “I used to go there after visiting my grandparents. I have fond memories of playing mini-golf at Lilliputt with my family where I was very competitive with my brother. I am devastated to find out it is closing.”

Tenants are notably disappointed, though some have managed to secure two-and-a-half-month extensions to their leases.

Subscribe
Notify of
0 Comments
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
You May Also Like

SDP’s chief Chee Soon Juan reveals hazardous condition at Bukit Batok SMC; questions MP Murali Pillai’s efforts

Singapore Democratic Party (SDP) chief Dr Chee Soon Juan made a Facebook…

新马澳联手捣毁跨国爱情诈骗集团! 至少涉及139宗网络爱情诈骗案

新加坡、马来西亚与澳门警方,近日联手捣毁了一个跨国爱情诈骗集团,据悉,至少有139宗网络爱情诈骗案与该集团有关,损失额高达580万元。 警方昨日(29日)表示,新加坡警察部队商业事务局(CAD)与马来西亚皇家警察商业罪案调查局(CCID)、香港警队网络安全及科技罪案调查科(CSTCB),以及澳门治安警察局(MJP)资讯科技罪案组(ITCD)展开联合执法行动,捣毁一个目前正在马国运作的跨国爱情诈骗集团。 自今年1月起,四国接连接获爱情诈骗集团的通报,于是四国也开始共享情报,相信案件均有马来西亚所属的诈骗集团在背后操控。 直至11月19日至21日,马来西亚皇家警察在全国各地多处同时展开突袭行动,将三名尼日利亚男子、11名马国女子以及四名马国男子逮捕。而同时,警察部队商业事务局则对四名年龄约28至67岁的本国女子进行调查,他们均涉嫌协助将罪犯转移至犯罪集团。 警方指出,新加坡共破获了30起诈骗案件,损失约26万2000元。新加坡警察部队商业事务局David Chew也向马来西亚皇家警察总长表达感谢。 “本次联合行动,成功表明新加坡警方与其余伙伴对跨国犯罪集团的坚决打击,同时也向跨国诈骗集团发出强烈信息,无论他们躲藏何处,警方都将务必将他们捣毁。” 由于诈骗集团的手段层出不穷,警方呼吁民众警惕在网上遇到陌生人或自称是政府官员试图索取银行账户汇款的人,因为他们均有可能都是骗徒。  

The rise and fall of rice

Sze Hian scrutinises the prices of rice at NTUC FairPrice.

NSFs can choose from 33 vocations from November 2017

The Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) has announced in a press release that…