Temasek Holdings, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board, is to carry out a major renovation and expansion of the country's Mandai precinct to turn the area into an integrated wildlife and nature heritage precinct.

In a statement, Singapore’s Ministry of Trade said the partnership will help realise the government’s vision for Mandai – which is home to Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Safari – to become a world-class nature attraction.

The plans have been in the works since September 2014, when Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong revealed plans to “transform” the zoo by 2020.

The proposal will see the existing Mandai area redeveloped, with existing attractions built on to shape it into a leading nature destination. Once complete, the 1.2sq km (0.46sq m) area will be full of rich green spaces for visitors to enjoy wildlife in their natural habitat, in addition to new waterfront trails, treetop walkways and public spaces.

"The proposal is sensitive to the area's unique environment, while including exciting ideas and developments that will bring benefits to both Singaporeans and tourists,” said S. Iswaran, minister in the Prime Minister’s office and second minister for trade and industry.

Temasek will now work with the National University of Singapore to undertake an environmental impact assessment of the development to ensure sustainable solutions in the areas of water and energy use are enacted.

Speaking to AM2, a spokesperson for Temasek said: "We are indicating that phase one, which will involve the relocation of the Jurong Bird Park, some reforestation and opening of some public spaces, is roughly a S$1bn (US$800m, €688m, £526m) project. Subject to the necessary environmental and development approvals, we hope phase one will be open in 2020; the total project is a decade-long one, and some elements – especially reforestation – will take much longer to fully effect."

Singapore must invest in new attractions to boost tourism says PM