BIGGER AND BETTER SAFRA TOA PAYOH TO BE READY IN 2013

Since SAFRA Toa Payoh first opened its doors in Feb 1975, it has never ceased to provide a welcome respite for its members and their families. Come July, the 35-year-old grand dame of SAFRA clubhouses - the first permanent SAFRA clubhouse - will take a breather of its own to re-emerge as a larger and better clubhouse in early 2013 following a $52 million makeover.

Announced by Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the SAFRA Board of Governors Teo Chee Hean on 23 Jun, the move is part of the recommendations made by the Fourth Committee to Recognise the Contributions of Operationally Ready NSmen to Total Defence (RECORD IV) in 2006.

"The redevelopment is a strong signal of our commitment to recognise our NSmen and their families for the time, effort and sacrifices they put in to keep our country safe and secure," said Mr Teo, who is also the Minister for Defence, during the re-making ceremony.

When completed, the new SAFRA Toa Payoh will be the largest in SAFRA's current stable of five clubhouses. At 22,000 sq m, it will be triple its current size and be 50 percent larger than SAFRA Jurong, which was unveiled in 2009.

When the clubhouse re-opens in 2013, members can look forward to comprehensive and modern facilities. Among the highlights are an interactive indoor playground, a children's swimming pool with interactive water features, a 24-lane bowling centre, a state-of-the-art EnergyOne Gym and other sports facilities.

In addition, a slew of recreational and entertainment facilities are also in the pipeline. The new clubhouse is set to house a table-tennis academy, cyber-gaming facilities, as well as a lounge and beer garden where NSmen can enjoy live-band performances. A selection of established food and beverage outlets offering various cuisine and fast-food will also be available.

The new clubhouse will boast a unique design to create a feeling of being in an urban oasis. By day, a striking landmark and by night, a giant glowing lantern, the elliptical beacon above the club's main entrance will also house a restaurant. Visitors to the club will also be able to have an underwater view of the 50m lap pool through clear panels that will be integrated into a feature wall.

The revamp is expected to double the number of visitors the club currently sees per month to some 90,000 people, once it is fully operational.

Starting from 30 Jun, the current clubhouse will cease operations in phases so that construction of the new premises can begin by August. In the interim, a smaller building on-site will house some of the club's activities such as cyber-gaming and billiards.

During the ceremony, Mr Teo also announced plans to set up the sixth SAFRA Clubhouse in Punggol as part of the Punggol 21 Plus Masterplan. Construction of the Punggol clubhouse is expected to begin by 2013, and it is expected to be operational in 2015.

Also present at the ceremony were Minister of State for Education and Second Minister for Defence Dr Ng Eng Hen and Minister of State for Defence Associate Professor Koo Tsai Kee, who is also the President of SAFRA.