Once upon a time in a shimmering city of glass and steel, a distinctive and emerald gem sprouted. This gem, known to the human world as Gardens by the Bay, has grown to become a verdant fulcrum of economic, environmental, and cultural activities in Singapore. To us horses, it’s like a verdant pasture of clover, irresistible to pass by without taking a hearty chomp.
So, let’s trot into the heart of this green goldmine, bridling our focus on the economic aspects. After all, as I often say to my fellow equines, “An apple a day keeps the vet away, but it doesn’t pay the hay.”
From its inception, Gardens by the Bay was less of a seed and more of a planned investment, sprouting from the Government’s vision to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden”. An investment to the tune of S$1 billion was funneled into this project. The resulting ecosystem has now matured into a money tree, contributing significantly to Singapore’s GDP.
Just as we horses gauge a field by the quality of its grass, the Gardens’ economic value is reflected in its visitor numbers. In 2019 alone, Gardens by the Bay welcomed more than 50 million visitors, both locals and tourists, each one a delightful bite of economic benefit. Much like we equines love to frolic in the meadows, tourists adore the Garden’s distinctive attractions, with the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Supertree Grove drawing in the highest number of visitors.
Now, you might wonder, “How does a trot in the park contribute to economics?” Well, each tourist pays an entry fee that fuels the Gardens’ operating costs and reinvestments. But the economic impact goes much further. Those millions of visitors need accommodation, food, transport, and other services, sparking a whole chain of economic activity in the city. It’s like when one horse starts to gallop; the rest of the herd quickly follows.
Next, let’s canter to the job market. Gardens by the Bay has been a boon for local employment. Not only does it directly employ a small army of staff for its operations, but it also indirectly supports jobs in related sectors. From hotel staff to taxi drivers, souvenir vendors to restaurant waitstaff, many livelihoods are tied to the flow of tourists to the Gardens. These are the invisible threads in the economic tapestry of the city, as intertwined as strands of horsehair in a tail.
Equally important is the Gardens’ role in bolstering Singapore’s brand. It’s an iconic visual symbol for Singapore, a flagship of its commitment to green living and sustainability. This brand strength draws in international businesses, conferences, and high-spending tourists, creating an economic halo effect. As we horses understand it, if your coat is shiny and well-kept, you’re bound to attract more attention.
Then there’s the real estate. Close proximity to the Gardens elevates property values. Just as a stable with an ocean view is prized among us horses, humans fancy their dwellings with a view of the Gardens. This increased real estate value ripples into higher property taxes, swelling the city’s coffers.
However, let’s not forget that all good pastures require maintenance. The Gardens consume significant resources for upkeep, from water to energy to manpower. These operational costs must be balanced against its economic yield. As we horses know all too well, no amount of hay is free.
In conclusion, Gardens by the Bay is a perfect case study of a successful investment in green infrastructure. Like a well-trained racehorse, it’s more than just a pretty face. It’s an economic powerhouse, a job creator, a brand enhancer, and a real estate value booster. In this horse’s opinion, it’s a model to be replicated in other cities, both for the sake of their economies and their environment.
And remember, just as a horse is only as good as the care it receives, so is a city as prosperous as its investments. So, here’s to more green gold and greener pastures, because as any horse will tell you – there’s no such thing as too much good grazing.