Lake gardens in the heartland, a new science centre and maybe even Singapore’s first high-speed rail station. Jurong, the gritty industrial hub of the country, is transforming into a jewel in the west, and residents and workers in the area are cheering the prospect. Almost all 24 Jurong residents and business owners ST spoke to said the changes would breathe new life into an old estate, though a few expressed disappointment that a planned hospital will open six months later than originally scheduled. Businesses said they were looking forward to increased traffic. “The new developments will only make the area more exciting,” said Mr Tan Jian Da, 26, a deputy assistant outlet manager at Sync restaurant in Westgate mall. And there were those worried they would be left behind as Jurong modernises and moves ahead. Mr Tay Lye Whad, 60, who has been running the Bao Sheng Minimart in Jurong St 13 for more than 30 years, said business has been flagging for more than a decade. “Nowadays people stop and shop at the shopping malls like Jem,” he said. “It’s hard for shops like us to stay open.”... Continue Reading