New Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub Will Have a Sky Bridge & Yet another Retail Space

It appears that Jurong East is climbing the area hierarchy system of Singapore fast.

Previously known to have two shopping malls, JCube and IMM (have to walk quite a distance, though), the residential town in the West region of Singapore has since branched out to include two other retail destinations – JEM and WestGate.

No doubt; Jurong East has high aspirations alright.

And it seems that the planning area is still not done yet, what with its plans to include a fifth retail space:

This time in the form of an… integrated transport hub.

New Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub Will Have a Sky Bridge & Yet another Retail Space

The establishment of the Jurong East integrated transport hub is set to commence in the second quarter of 2021.

The revelation was unveiled by the Land Transport Authority (LTA) earlier today (4 February 2021).

Completion is expected sometime around 2027.

“With its opening, commuters in the area can look forward to direct connectivity and more convenient transfers between the North-South and East-West Lines and the future Jurong Region Line at the Jurong East station,” LTA said.

Comprising community and civic institutions, an office tower and a bus interchange, the Jurong East integrated transport hub will feature a “27-storey tower block connected by a sky bridge to an eight-storey podium block”.

Apart from the above, the hub will also sport offices, public facilities and retail spaces, as well as inclusive facilities such as barrier-free alighting areas and toilets, priority queue zones with seats, and a nursing room.

Yes, more retail spaces.

Hello to more crowds in Jurong East.

“This is part of the Government’s efforts to create a more caring and inclusive public transport system,” LTA said.

While the transport hub is under works, commuters can utilise the new Jurong East bus interchange – which is situated across the road.

According to the news report, China Communications Construction Company Limited (Singapore Branch) will be in charge of the design and building of the transport hub, after being awarded a S$477.4 million contract by LTA.

The contract was awarded 12 years after it was first mentioned by then Transport Minister Raymond Lam.

Yes, back then the Transport Minister wasn’t even Hui Ge.

Another Retail Space

The Jurong East Integrated Transport Hub will join four other major retail spaces in the area – JEM, WestGate, JCube and IMM.

The move will also likely cement Jurong East’s undeclared position as one of Singapore’s most exciting retail destinations.

Other popular places include the likes of Jewel Changi Airport, Clarke Quay, Orchard Road and VivoCity.

Meanwhile, the Integrated Transport Hub will serve to ease movement and transfers across the different MRT lines.

Once the Jurong Region Line becomes operational, the facility will serve to ease transfers between the North-South, East-West and the Jurong Region Line.

In other words?

Social distancing would be tough in Jurong East MRT Station; though by the time the hub is ready, we might all be talking about aliens that land in Yishun instead of something known as COVID-19.

Featured Image: LTA