SINGAPORE, Jan 19: A consortium led by a subsidiary of France’s Bouygues Construction has been chosen to build a 1.2 billion Singapore dollar (834 million US) national stadium and sports hub in Singapore, a top official said on Saturday.

The consortium, led by Dragages Singapore Pte Ltd, will start construction of the waterfront facility in April and complete it by the end of 2011, said Vivian Balakrishnan, minister for community development, youth and sports.

Singapore has been taking steps to develop world-class athletes and instill a love of sports among its people, amid criticisms there is an over-emphasis on grades in its highly-competitive educational system.

The project is part of the tiny but wealthy island-state’s massive effort to enhance its global competitiveness that includes building two casinos, redeveloping its prime waterfront district and making over of the chic Orchard Road shopping strip.

The sports complex will include a new dome-shaped national stadium with a retractable roof able to seat 55,000 people, a 6,000-capacity indoor aquatic centre, an artificial river offering whitewater rafting and a 3,000-capacity multi-purpose arena.

A water sports centre will serve as a venue for events such as dragon boat racing and canoeing.

The complex will also offer 41,000 square metres (441,000 square feet) of commercial space and feature leisure and entertainment facilities. The development will complement other massive projects in the bayfront area, including a casino being built by Las Vegas Sands and the world’s biggest observation wheel called the Singapore Flyer.—AFP