The Island Republic of Lionhart

[idlerTHE]

1st Post - Introduction

Background
My first city journal and probably the last before CS2 comes out. About two years ago, I wanted to build a tropical island city-state after Singapore and found the map Pearl Bay to be an interesting map to build on. I was very ambitious to build out the entire map and incorporate as many interesting ideas into it. I didn't quite get to that due to real life, as well as map and game fatigue, but I wish to document and share the result with you all. I plan to write an entry about Lionhart every day or two until the release of CS2. Hope you will enjoy it.

Map Story
The Island Republic of Lionhart is located at the tip of the Jolore peninsular, separated from the State of Jolore by a series of rivers, and consists of two main islands – the Island of Lionhart, and Treasure Island. The Island of Lionhart has a distinctive mountain range across it, which resembles a crouching lion. Locals called the eastern tip of the mountain the Lionhead Rock, which overlooks the Capital City of Lionhart.

Lionhart used to be a part of the Jolore Colony under European rule but the city split apart during the decolonization process after the Second World War. After gaining independence, with a small territory and limited natural resources, Lionhart focused on developing its manufacturing and financial service sectors. Over the first few decades remembered fondly as the miracle years, Lionhart transformed from a colonial port surrounded by fishing villages into a world-class business center and tourist destination.

The map also covers a portion of the State of Jolore, including its state capital Jolore City, the border city George Town, and the beach resorts of Pantai Panjang.

The Map

The Lionhead Rock Observatory

Looking down at the National Mall

The Capital City of Lionhart, with other districts and cities visible in background

Another angle at night

Turquoise Coast and the Olympic District on the other side the island

Turquoise Coast at night

Cross-Delta Bridge and the Lionhart International Airport at dawn

 

[idlerTHE]

2nd Post - National Mall, Lionhart CBD

Government

Lionhart is a republic modeled after Western democracies but has a paternalistic ideology to safeguard the well-being and harmony of its diverse population, which consists of many ethnicities and of different beliefs and religions. The government consists of three branches – executive, legislative, and judicial. As a city-state, there is not a lot of separation between national and local politics. The city is divided into two island-departments, which are further subdivided into local districts, which range from local cities to villages. Every local district is represented at the national parliament.

The National Plaza: The Supreme Court, Presidential Palace, and the Parliament Building surrounding the Founding Fathers Monument

National Mall

Built during the miracle years, the National Mall consists of an open-lawn mall and the National Plaza. The National Mall, alongside the adjacent Lionhart Central Business District, was planned by talented city planners and developed anew. The National Plaza expresses the principles of Lionhart’s government in physical form – a check and balance between the three branches (the top office of each branch) set around the ideals of the Founding Fathers (monument plaza), and open to the people (mall). Behind the National Palace, the Palace Esplanade rises up to the top of Lionridge (with the mountain/rock representing the national spirit), forming a perpendicular axis to the National Mall.

Looking down the National Mall

From the other direction

View from the top of Palace Esplanade

Cable car terminal at the National Mall

Emergency bunker close by with military personnel ready to evacuate VIPs at a moment's notice

National Mall at night

Lionhart CBD

The original 12 city blocks were part of the Plan for the National Mall to create a new center of gravity and space for growth outside Old (colonial) Lionhart for the growing financial sector. Even though other commercial districts in the city-state have since come to compete for business, the Lionhart CBD remains the nation’s most prestigious commercial real estate. Serendipitously, the tallest towers in the CBD are all triangularly shaped.

Over the years, the CBD had expanded outwards both toward the sea and the hills. The hillside expansion became the predominately residential Uptown, which houses some of the most influential people in Lionhart.

Bird's eye view of the CBD next to the National Mall

Looking down a major avenue

Another avenue

Midtown building with a certain famous radio studio and the Lionhart Expo Centre

The Planetarium at the heart of Uptown Lionhart

A life-style mall, parks, and open market in Uptown

Uptown lit up

Lionhart CBD at dusk

Chinatown

Chinese migrants have moved to Lionhart both prior to and throughout its existence. The early Chinese migrants settled outside of Old Lionhart, across several streets sandwiched between Lionhart CBD and the sea. Chinatown was not the most desirable neighborhood back then but, during the miracle years, much attention and investment was given from successful descendants of the early migrants, as well as from Chinese communities abroad. The three Chinatown gates and the Confucious Park are a testament to their support. The widest gate of the three was relocated when the Marina Bay Bridge was constructed over Chinatown.

One of the three Chinatown gates

Chinatown waking up to the morning

The wide gate, temple, and Confucius Park

 

[idlerTHE]

3rd Post - The Lion Mountain

Looking down Lionridge toward Lionhead Rock

Lionhead Rock

The mountain’s name predates the arrival of Europeans and there are many myths associated with it – the most prevalent ones involve deities and a lion. The mountain also has a very interesting geological history, which is better explained by the geology exhibition in the Nature Reserve Museum at Three Reservoirs Park.
The European explorer who discovered the island named the mountain almost the same name, which was confirmed after his party interacted with local fishermen. The eastern tip of the mountain was named Lionhead Rock while the rest of the mountain was called the Lionridge.

The sheer height of Lionhead Rock extends above the tree line and typical cloud cover, offering a unique opportunity for metrological and astronomical research at this tropical latitude. A weather research station was first installed at the peak near the end of the 19th century and expended during the World Wars to aid military efforts. Fast forward to the 1990s, the weather station was replaced by a modern observatory complex, which coincided with the 25th anniversary of Lionhart’s independence, which is open to the public.

The steepness of Lionhead Rock was a challenge to ferry visitors to the observatory. The use of a cable car system like the one serving Lionridge was explored but was deemed too costly and damaging to the fragile ecosystem along the rock. The Cultural Minister at the time suggested the solution after visiting an American football game in the United States – passenger blimps, which have since become an iconic sight over the city, which also display public and educational announcements via their on-board video billboards.

View from the top of the rock

From another bird-eye angle

Night view from the rock

Lionridge

Lionridge runs from the foot of Lionhead Rock to the Three Reservoirs Park in the north. While not as prominent as the head of the mountain, Lionridge still commands an important place on the island. It is not only the backdrop for the Palace Esplanade but also for city districts on both sides of it. A Taoist monastery opened on top of the ridge during the first decade after Lionhart's independence, which later sponsored the development of a bamboo garden, which includes the architectural masterpiece Golden Crane Tower on one end of the garden – one of the most popular destinations in Lionhart that offer spectacular views of the entire island. A cable car system was constructed from the National Mall to transport visitors who would rather not climb the entirety of the Palace Esplanade. When relations with China warmed after its acceptance into the United Nations, the Panda Sanctuary was built to provide a home to the charming gifts from Sichuan. The sanctuary eventually prompted interest in the building of a national zoo on the ridge, which featured animals from around the world.

Taoist Temple and Golden Crane Tower

Panda Sanctuary on left and the National Zoo on right

Far view of the Zoo

Lionridge Prison

Golden Crane Tower

A nice place to watch the sunrise

Night view of Lionridge

Three Reservoirs Park

When population growth skyrocketed during the Miracle Years, local water supply ran low. The government sought to build a series of dams at the western end of Lionridge to capture its rainwater runoff. Two dams and a series of earthen berms created three reservoirs that keep water taps running across the island. Besides the native village of Chuklek, the land surrounding the reservoirs was protected from development to prevent any pollution and degradation of drinking water quality. Nevertheless, development gradually encroached on the once remote part of the island and threatened the reservoirs by the 1970s, which included the expanding South Brunswick Industrial Park. Inspired by overseas environmental movements, a group of ecologically minded citizens organized a camp-in on the soon-to-be construction site and brought national attention to the double threat to the environment and drinking water. Their effort ultimately led to the establishment of the Three Reservoirs Park, which offers both protection to the reservoirs and low-impact recreational activities to the public.

Far view of the Three Reservoirs Park, the Nature Reserve Museum is to the right of the campground.

From another angle

The fishing pier and bouldering spot are two of many recreational facilities at the Three Reservoirs Park

 

[idlerTHE]

4th Post - Old City

Although modest in size, old city center is a lively place with market, shops, and restaurants

Old Lionhart

After subjugating the Sultan of Jolore under colonial rule, the Europeans founded the City of Lionhart at the tip of the Jolore Peninsular in the 17th to facilitate trade and guard against then-increasing piracy. The city’s name was inspired by the Lionhead Rock that looms over the city and in commemoration of the brave souls who fought in the conquest. The Lionhart Fortress was constructed above the city’s harbor for security.

The old city also used to have a line of protective walls but advances in military technology rendered it obsolete and the city soon outgrew its walls. A mayor in the 18th century built a manor east of the city, which is a protected landmark today. However, most of the original buildings were destroyed either in one of the big fires that burned through the city or during the Second World War, when the city was bombed.

Due to the unrest and uncertainty of the intervening years until Lionhart’s independence, there wasn’t much coordination in the post-war rebuilding. Private property owners rebuild their homes and businesses according to their needs and what they can scrape together, including salvaging the remnants of the old city walls. Civil leaders with foresight of historic preservation were able to protect and save the Fortress, the old church, and the Mayor's Manor.

During the Miracle Years, the government wanted to boost both tourism and the new nation’s cultural and historic heritage. The development of the National Mall and the new Central Business District provided an opportunity to “clean up” the Old City. Zoning, building, and sanitary codes were adopted and enforced. Industrial uses were relocated toward the waterfront and a tourist-oriented commercial district was developed around the center of the old city, which is served by the Green Line (Chulek – Curiseport).

The road grid still reflects the former core of the colonial city

Lionhart Fortress - now a protected historic landmark and a museum

The redeveloped old waterfront with the ferry terminal, Old Synagogue, and Central Seafood Market visible.

Industrial uses are limited to an area along the waterfront

The Mayor's Manor on the outskirts of the old city

Old city viewed from the Lionridge Tunnel Toll Plaza

Old waterfront at dusk

Sarang Buaya is just next to the National Mall

Sarang Buaya

When the Europeans founded Lionhart, Sarang Buaya was a small farming village up the hill. As the colonial city grew, the village eventually became part of the city and its ponds and fields were paved and built over. In the late 18th century, the prominent Saint Margaret Hospital was built at the edge of the Sarang Buaya, across the highway from the old cemetery. When the National Mall was planned, Sarang Buaya was threatened from redevelopment but was saved by proponents of the Old Lionhart “clean up” effort, who proposed keeping the district to receive certain less desirable land uses from the Old City.

While the Old City’s neighborhood became more desirable in the ensuring years, Sarang Buaya became known of its fashionable shops and vibrant nightlife venues. Most of its original residents couldn’t stand the noise and nuisance and moved to other districts. With increasing entertainment demand from tourist and a new generation, big developers swoop in for the real estate.

After attending the 1994 World Cup, a shipping-turned-entertainment business magnet proposed to the government and championed the idea of building a state-of-the-art football stadium in Sarang Buaya, which would host Lionhart’s first professional football team bankrolled by him. With local football fervor kicked into high gear after South Korea and Japan were selected as hosts for the 2002 World Cup, the proposal was wide-receiver and any criticisms were swept aside. The Lionhart Football Club was founded and new players were drawn from local semi-professional clubs, buttressed by several high-profile football stars from Middle Eastern and European leagues. The team played in the regional Super League against its local rival the Jurong City Pirates, and other teams across the border. Although not having the best record in the league, Lionhart FC has the highest-grossing fan base without a doubt.

From another view - the National Mall is at the top

Sarang Buaya during the happy hour

Thousands of football fans cheering for their team

Football fans spilling out to the street after the game

 

[idlerTHE]

5th Post - City Islands Mega Project

The four islands of the City Islands Mega Project

The City Islands Mega Project

The success of the Miracle Years led to a land shortage in the vicinity of the capital city. A group of resourceful politicians of the day learned about artificial island projects from other Asian cities and went to great lengths in acquiring and developing relevant technologies. The City Islands Mega Project was conceived in the late 20th century to create four artificial islands, as well as the associated transportation network and utilities infrastructure, along Lionhart’s waterfront. The project would significantly increase the amount of waterfront real estate in the city and provide ample space for unique developments. After two decades and enormous resources invested, a large part of the Mega Project had been completed.

Marina Bay Island and Harbor Island at night

Rock Island

The westernmost island of the four artificial islands, Rock Island was originally part of the mega project but was spun off as a national defense project after Lionhart’s Navy sought to build a naval base and headquarters on it. The island construction work for Rock Island was completed not long after Harbor Island’s but the naval base took longer to develop. Nevertheless, a change in political view on national defense during at the turn of the century prompted the Parliament to scale back Lionhart’s defense budget and that of the proposed naval base. This happened to coincide with a growing demand for the city’s energy and garbage recycling infrastructure; thus, a power plant complex and a recycling center were built on land originally dedicated to the naval base.

Rock Island with Naval Base on the left

A closer look over the recycling center

Night view

The security perimeter of the Naval Base

Pleasant Island

The next island of the four, Pleasant Island was actually the first artificial island slated for completion but due to technical difficulties, work was paused for a decade and is not yet complete today. When the City Island Mega Project was being conceived, the government was contemplating to bid for hosting the Olympic Games. A district on the other side of the Island of Lionhart was chosen to house the key venues for the Olympics. There was a problem – there was no suitable site for open-water sports such as rowing and marathon swimming. That was where Pleasant Island can help – the new water channel created by the artificial island would provide the optimal location for such sports and the new empty land would allow race facilities and spectator stands to be built without tearing down existing neighborhoods.

With Lionhart winning the Olympics’ hosting bid, construction work began in earnest and the construction of Pleasant Island jumpstarted the City Island Mega project. Unfortunately, the construction encountered a series of underwater caves, leading to repeated delays, which threatened the on-time completion of the Olympic venue. With the Olympic countdown ticking and the sacking of several higher-ups, a young Project Manager was promoted to Acting Project Director – a post that nobody else would take. Rather than letting the entire project embroiled in never-ending technical difficulties, she took a risk by forgoing the original plan, halting further island construction, and focusing on completing just the Olympic venue. Ultimately, her bet paid off – the Olympic Water Sports Center was completed ahead of schedule and she was awarded the top civilian honor.

Looking south over Pleasant Island

Olympic Water Sports Center on Pleasant Island

Nonetheless, there is a saying that Pleasant Island is never pleasant. When the Olympic venue was completed, a fence of decent height was built in the rear to mask the mire of mud and fill from visitors and press. The latter agreed to adjust their camera angles so as not to show what’s behind the fence. After the Olympics, the focus of the mega project shifted to other islands, and the construction on Pleasant Island was not resumed for more than a decade.

Newer technologies today enable engineers to overcome the insurmountable obstacles faced by their predecessors. However, using garbage as fill remains essential due to its low cost. As a result, while people have been more than impressed by the fancy and posh developments on the other islands, Pleasant Island looked pale as a garbage dump. Nevertheless, the current Project Director is confident that Pleasant Island will redeem its name as a series of very intriguing developments are being planned.

Work still being done on the outer bank. Landfill visible on top right.

The Oceanwind near-shore wind farm project provides 15 MW of clean energy

Marina Bay Island

Named after the Marina Bay Resort Hotel that predated the artificial island, Marina Bay Island was the next island of the four. Excluding Pleasant Island, it was the last island to be completed. As a result of the popularity of Harbor Island, Marina Bay Island’s land value was off the charts when the island construction was finally completed. Consequently, the government’s investment in the island was paid back even after the sale of development rights for half of the island and the government decided to dedicate the other half to a public park that would benefit the entire city, as well as boost the property values all across the waterfront.

One of the most recognizable buildings in Lionhart, the Marina Bay Island Tower stood over other luxury residential towers on the island. Designated by a world-renowned architect known for incorporating principles of socially responsible design, the Marina Bay Island Tower houses luxury full-service hotel rooms and condominiums, all with exclusive access to the clubhouse and swimming pools on the roof.

The Marina Bay Island Park was the public park that take up half of the island. Designed by a world-renowned landscape architectural firm, the park offers a lush forested escape in the ocean breeze, alongside trails and recreational facilities, such as an ornated central plaza and an open-air Shakespearean amphitheater, for a wide range of active and passive activities.

The iconic Marina Bay Island Tower on top left and the Marina Bay Island Park on the right.

The Marina Hotel Resort on left, namesake of the Marina Bay Island

The Marina Bay Island Park offer a refreshing and relaxing green space

Same view at night

From another angle

Marina Bay Island at dusk

Habor Island

The easternmost but the first of the four islands to be completed, Harbor Island provided much sought-after oceanfront real estate on vacant land that could support skyscrapers. The no-frill layout of the road grid maximized development potential and tall towers were built one after another. It didn’t take long for the island to be fully built out.

While Harbor Island’s luxurious status has since been surpassed by more recent developments, posh residents and boutique offices still reside up and down Habor Drive, the island’s main thoroughfare. Prominent landmarks include the ferry depot and ferry pier on the eastern end of the island and the Harbor Point Tower on the western end.

Harbor Island. Harbor Point Tower on left and the Ferry Depot on right.

Skyscrapers along Harbor Drive

Harbor Drive at night

Zoomed out view at night

Lionhart Cruiseport

On the eastern end of the harbor islands, the Lionhart Cruiseport was built over the former cargo terminal and warehouses, which had since been relocated to the new facilities on Treasure Island. The Cruiseport is served by the Lionhart Metro Green Line (Chulek – Curiseport) and bus routes circulating the resort district across the Three Coves and along Highway 101. Tens of thousands of cruise passengers pass through the Cruiseport each year. The Harbor Point Tower is a very recognizable landmark for Cruise passengers ready to disembark and explore Lionhart.

Cruiseport and the Harbor Point Tower on left

A closer look

A even closer look of the Cruiseport

A cruise ship arriving at the Cruiseport at night

Highway-101

The leeward side of the Lionhead rock is drier, sunnier, and closer to the city. There are also nice fine-sand beaches that spread across three coves. The farther beaches were not used to be as popular as today because they once extended all the way to Old Lionhart so beachgoers were drawn to the more convenient locations. The development of the former cargo terminal changed that, which pushed the beach resorts eastward to the Three Coves.

The earlier resorts were not as organized and centralized as today’s but the construction of the round-the-rock Highway-101 accelerated business merger, consolidation, and entrance of bigger players. The coves were brought up by time-share operators while a row of hotels developed along the beachfront, with exclusive pools and other attractions on the beach.

When the cargo terminal was redeployed into a cruise port, the shipping-turned-entertainment business magnet got involved and, aside from buying a stake in the cruiseport operations, he built the most luxurious open-air mall in all Lionhart next door – a must-visit destination for well-to-do tourists seeking the latest and greatest designer merchandise.

View of Three Coves from afar. Highway-101 is above the hotel row.

The luxurious open-air mall in the city, located just one block from the Cruiseport terminals.

The row of hotels behind the beach

The Second Cove Beach

The Third Cove Beach

At night

Sunrise along Highway-101

 

[idlerTHE]

6th Post: The Near Suburbs

Far view of the near suburbs: Garland Peak is at the center with Mid-Levels wrapping around the it. The Sunset District and its beach is visible to the left.

Garland Peak

North of Lionhart City sits a hill with steep slopes toward the city but is relatively flat on top. The peak of the hill was named after Governor Garland, the first governor of the Jolore Colony. In colonial times, the hill was densely wooded and was a good hunting ground for small games. Aside from several summer hunting cabins, the hill was undeveloped until the arrival of commercial aviation. Between the World Wars, air mail and passenger services reached the Jolore Peninsular under the encouragement of the colonial authorities. Eager to enhance connectivity and trade, Lionhart’s colonial administration sought out a suitable site for an airfield and it didn’t take long for them to chose Garland Peak for its flat terrain and proximity to the Old Highway. Garland Field, later expanded into an airport, served Lionhart through the Second World War and Miracle Years, until the new international airport next to Treasure Island was completed in the 1990s.

Upon Garland Airport’s closure, the government auctioned off the airport and the entire hilltop for development but kept a parcel close to the Old Highway for its Disaster Response Agency, which built its headquarters and air base there. The shipping-turned-entertainment business magnate, also the owner of the Lionhart FC, was expected to win the auction but an American developer from Florida showed up and submitted a higher bid. The business magnate, burdened by the many investments he was undertaking, was unable to outbid his opponent and admitted defeat.

The American developer devised an elaborate residential development, which features both an 18-hole golf course and a residential airpark. Affluent residents may play golf in the morning and fly across Lionhart in the afternoon, both within reach just minutes away from their homes. The rebuilt airfield also serves a flying club that offers memberships to the public, whereas the golf course is exclusive to Garland Peak’s residents and the famous or influential people.

A small airplane taking off from the Garland Peak Airfield. The headquarters and air base of the Disaster Response Agency on bottom left.

Bird's eye view of Garland Peak

Spectacular homes on Garland Peak

The Garland Peak Golf Club, featuring a 18-hole golf course in the backdrop of Lionhart's skyline.

The Garland Peak Airfield and adjacent residential airpark

Mid-Levels

As part of the plan to relocate and build a new international airport next to Treasure Island, a series of new highways were built to provide better road connectivity between the Island of Lionhart and the new airport. The new highway sections around Garland Peak involve a significant amount of cut and fill, as well as the construction of long sections of retaining walls. Not wanting the narrow strips of land between the retaining walls to go to waste, where the strong retaining walls could support tall buildings, government officials worked with engineers and architects to develop a plan for a linear district midway up Garland Peak, dubbed Mid-Levels. Anticipating traffic congestion issues along Middle Terrace Street, the district’s main thoroughfare, the government brought the subway uphill – the Dark Green Line (Mid-Levels - Chulek) runs along the entire length of the new district. Despite the inconvenience to drivers, Mid-Levels is an attractive district, with its many residential towers offering either a wide view of the Delta Isles or of the Garland Peak.

Pedestrian walkway connecting Uptown Lionhart (far left), to Mid-Levels (center), and Garland Peak (right)

One corner of Mid-levels. The subway runs parallel to the street underneath.

The other end of Mid-Levels. The district is densely populated despite being a thin long strip of land.

The highway runs between Mid-Levels and Sunset District

At sunset

The Garland Peak Highway is a popular spot for illegal street racing, especially at night.

Sunset District

One of the newest districts, Sunset District is located along a narrow strip of land between highways and water. And unlike the Mid-Levels, Sunset District is not served by the subway. To make the district more viable for development, the Government built a large ramp, nicknamed the Spiral, off the highway on the hill to navigate the steep grade difference between the highway and the district. There is also a bus route serving between the district and the subway station uphill. One thing Sunset District does offer, however, is a long stretch of beachfront facing the Delta, where calm waves and mangroves across the Delta offer a relaxing view, especially during sunsets.

The district has a beachfront but is a tight squeeze

The Spiral

Beach at sunset

Night view from across the Delta

The Lady’s Manor

An aristocratic family from Europe was granted a plot of land on the northern slope of Garland Peak, on which the family built a manor as an overseas vacation place among a handful around the world. It was said that the manor had hosted various members of the Royal Family in years past. In the late 19th century, the manor was passed down to a Lady who fell in love with Lionhart and decided to stay.

Long recognized as a gift to Lionhart and the Jolore Colony, the Lady was kindhearted and socially minded. As the only high-ranking aristocrat permanently living in Lionhart, she used her influence to advance social justice among the poor and ethnic minorities. Among the many projects helped by her patronage were the renovation of Saint Margaret Hospital in Sarang Buaya and infrastructure improvements to villages across the Colony.

Gardening was the Lady’s pastime – she turned the manor’s ground into an elegant garden, which features a large fountain, a labyrinth, a vineyard, an orchard, and a palm grove, among others. The garden has been freely open to the public except when private events are held.

Unfortunately, war reached Lionhart during the Second World War, and the Lady was evacuated back to Europe alongside other notables and government officials. Even more tragically, in a stopover in Africa, she contracted and died of malaria. The tragic news didn’t reach Lionhart until after the war; however, her groundkeepers worked diligently to maintain the manor during the war.

The Lady did not marry nor bore any children so the manor was passed back into the family. However, learning about her good reputation in Lionhart, the family put the manor estate into a charitable trust that would maintain the manor perpetually and further local social causes championed by the late Lady. The land beyond the manor and garden was sold to raise funds for the trust.

Welcome to the Lady's Manor

The Lady's Charitable Trust ensures the garden is maintained meticulously

Manor Street with a chapel built by the same family at the end.

A peace garden and pagoda next to the Lady's Manor, built after the Second World War

Looking toward Five Dragons

View at night

The subway station close by

D.R.A. = Disaster Response Agency

 

[idlerTHE]

7th Post: Border Crossing and George Town

Busy traffic at the Brunswick Border Crossing

Brunswick Border Crossing

A road bridge between George Town and the northern shore of Lionhart was built when Lionhart was part of the Jolore Colony. The bridge completed the land route between Lionhart and Jolore City – the colonial capital, via George Town. However, when Lionhart declared independence separately from the rest of Jolore, there was civil strife across the region. The new border was closed and the road bridge was dismantled. Only timely political maneuvers and mediation from the international community prevented a military conflict. The border was reopened but the bridge was not rebuilt, limiting travel to be via ferry. The pylons of the old bridge are still visible today.

The economic prosperity during the Miracle Years brought the nations closer, as Lionhart sought the rich natural resources and manpower across the State of Jolore, and shared its financial resources and access to the international market in return. Past disputes were settled and a series of friendly diplomatic and economic agreements were made, including the construction of a new highway bridge – aptly named the Friendship Bridge.

Today, the Brunswick Border Crossing is the busiest among the three land entry ports in Lionhart, with around-the-clock traffic congestion. The highway interchange just beyond the entry port – a buried cylindrical stack of spiraling highway ramps, and the Link – a cross-border subway line to George Town, were built to relieve the congestion.

Across the river (from left): George Town-Brunswick transmission line, pylons of the Old Bridge, Friendship Bridge, the Link (subway bridge)

Brunswick Border Crossing from another angle

Busy traffic around the clock

X-ray view of the buried highway interchange and adjacent subway tunnels

George Town, State of Jolore

Geroge Town has its beginning as a ferry crossing and layover for travelers traveling between Jolore City and Lionhart, since the early colonial days when all three cities were part of the same Jolore Colony. As trade and business grew, inns and shops opened along the highway to Jolore City, and then various industries were developed to support the growing settlement. George Town was officially founded thereafter, named after the European monarch. The town grew organically in the ensuing year and its growth accelerated after the railroad reached the town in the mid-19th Century. The growth further accelerated when a road bridge replaced the ferry service in the early 20th century. The town soon reached city status afterward, and the George Town Clock Tower was built to commemorate the event and the town's original founding.

The uncertain times after Lionhart’s independence brought hardship to George Town's economy but it quickly rebounded during the Miracle Years. Perhaps due to the constant cross-border traffic and activities, the city government has not been proactive with city planning beyond funneling traffic to and from the border crossing. With financial and planning assistance from the state-level government, George Town rebuilt its central highway to separate local and cross-border traffic, as well as renovated the city's train station and bus terminal.

The development of Cerah Islands along the river upstream encouraged the return of ferry service to George Town. Most recently, a local businessman built the trendy Hotel Panorama on a hill that overlooks the city, creating a new landmark in George Town.

George Town, the Gateway of Jolore

George Town Centre

The transit hub of George Town - tens of thousands of travelers pass through or make connections in George Town every day via trains, buses, subways, ferries, and cars.

The border crossing at George Town

For those who want to take a more scenic route, ferry service to Jolore City and Cerah Islands is a short walk away from the train and bus terminals

Farmland in Ladang Subur Village at the eastern edge of George Town

The highway entering George Town; the highway sign reads "Last exit before international border. All local traffic exit left."

The newly opened Hotel Panorama is a new and trendy destination in George Town.

Traffic is unavoidable when crossing back to Lionhart, even at night

Five Dragons

During the Miracle Years, the cross-island highway (called Old Highway today) was unable to handle the heavy traffic between Lionhart City and the Brunswick Border Crossing. A new 4-6 lane divided highway (L-1 Lionhart Highway) was built in parallel to the Old Highway, for which the farmland beyond Chulek Village was cleared. A new residential district was originally planned on the other side of the highway but, before the development could take place, the relocation of the airport prompted more highways and interchanges to be built and connected to each other, including the section in front of Chulek Village. Consequently, the new asphalt and concrete were broken up not long after they were laid.

The end result was the massive five-way highway interchange between Chulek and the Lady’s Manor, which fragmented the developable site into multiple pieces. Rather than letting the interchange become an obstacle, smart city planners designed a central park underneath the interchange that connects the pieces together. Taking a cue from the car lights along the highways at night, the city planners named the district Five Dragons.

Public transportation around Five Dragons was limited, with only two bus routes, until recently when the new CityPoint MRT Station on the Orange (Treasure Island North-Brunswick Industrial Park) Line was built at the district's northeastern corner, which is also the subway interchange for the Link – a cross-border subway line to George Town.

The District of Five Dragons is built around a 5-way highway interchange

The Five Dragon highway interchange and park - the heart of the district

Highways weaving through the district

Night view of Five Dragons

Lazy Cove

The Lady said she grew up calling the bent in the river Lazy Cove, where she and her family would lie on the beach for a lazy afternoon. The river slowed around the Lazy Cove before continuing onto the Delta, while the surrounding hills offer a buffer to the world beyond. The Royal Chartered Mine, and, later, a water treatment plant much opposed by local residents changed that but the name stuck. There was a line of largely vacation homes running parallel to the beach when the Five Dragon highway interchange was under construction. Thereafter, a new street was built uphill to connect Lazy Cove to Five Dragons. More recently, upgrades to the water treatment plant significantly reduced the water pollution downstream.

Far view of Lazy Cove. Jurong City on top across the river.

Beach at Lazy Cove

A calming sunset at Lazy Cove

CityPoint

The land CityPoint sits on was once a rocky hill at the northeastern tip of the island until an ore and rock mining operation took out a sizable chunk. In operation between the colonial times and Miracle Years, the Royal Chartered Mine used to employ thousands of miners and stoneworkers, and provided both construction and industrial materials to Lionhart. With the depletion of minable ores and stones, coinciding with Lionhart’s agreement with Jolore to import natural resources, the mine closed during the Miracle Years. However, the site was not properly reclaimed in the abrupt mine closure and the bare bedrock and flooded pools sat vacant until recently.

As Lionhart grew and developable land became scarce, growing development pressure prompted the government to seek out less conventional sites that could be developed. The vacant mine was an obvious one, which offered a convenient location next to the Brunswick Border Crossing. However, even though they could support tall buildings, the hard exposed bedrock meant much blasting would be necessary to build on them.

The construction of the buried highway interchange next to the border crossing, which brought in rock-blasting and tunneling equipment, provides timely synergy to redevelop the former mine. The government issued a Request for Proposal for the redevelopment of the mine into a new residential district. The proposal from a team consisting of a developer and transit company was selected, which calls for a cross-border-oriented community that targets business people and young professionals who would travel to Jolore frequently. The district would be laid out conforming to the mine's contours and leverage the artificial terrain for views and aesthetics. The proposal also includes a concept for a cross-border subway link to George Town, which was realized as the Link.

The developer's marketing team called the new district CityPoint. Despite its slopes, CityPoint has a good cycling network, all connecting to the CityPoint MRT Station via an overpass. There is also a connecting shuttle for those who prefer not to or cannot bike or walk.

CityPoint, a district built on a former mine

A new district targeting to business people and young professionals who work and frequently travel across the border

The overpass provide a direct route to the cross-border subway station. Residents can drive but biking and taking the shuttle is strongly encouraged.

CityPoint at night

Brunswick Village

Brunswick was originally the name of a work camp on the northern end of the Old Highway from Lionhart City. The cross-island highway, as it was then the first and only paved route across the entire Island, was funded by the colonial administration at Jolores City to establish a more direct route to the newly settled Lionhart, as compared to the circuitous water route. Camp Brunswick was disbanded after its workers completed the pier to receive the ferry from George Town, but the river crossing point took the camp's name.

Since it takes less than a day to reach Brunswick by carriage, travelers preferred to complete the river crossing to George Town before the end of the day. Thus, there were virtually no facilities in Brunswick other than a log cabin and a carriage shed for travelers who missed the last ferry. It was around the time when the road bridge to George Town was built that a small settlement developed in the area. Even so, the settlement remained small until the eve of Lionhart’s independence.

Upon learning about the imminent breakaway of the two islands, a large group of migrants consisting of political dissidents, minorities, and others from communities across Jolores who placed a bet for Lionhart to be a more diverse and open nation with a brighter economic future crossed the road bridge to Lionhart.

Unfortunately, they were greatly disappointed when Lionhart's authorities, suspicious of the group and seeking to stem the sudden influx of migrants, forbid them from continuing on to Lionhart City. The government in Jolores City also reacted negatively to the migrant crisis, considering the exodus as a political embarrassment, which led to a mutual border closure and the dismantling of the road bridge. Furthermore, upon learning that the group included political dissidents, Jolores City refused to allow their return.

With international humanitarian assistance spearheaded by the Lady’s Charitable Trust, a temporary encampment was set up for the migrants on the lower slope of Brunswick. However, the migrant group remained stranded even after war was averted between Lionhart and Jolore, and they eventually built a permanent settlement along the waterfront with tacit permission from Lionhart's authorities, which became Brunswick Village.

The migrant status was resolved for those who wished to stay in Lionhart when the new nation adopted its Constitution and granted citizenship to them. For the remaining migrants who resent Lionhart for how they were treated, they were granted amnesty and allowed to return to Jolore during the Miracle Years, as part of the first agreement between the nations.

While the migrants are now free to travel and reside anywhere in Lionhart, many decided to stay in the close-knit Jolorean community in Brunswick Village.

Brunswick Village spreads across the slope adjacent to the border crossing

There is still a farming community in Brunswick Village

Walkway to the Brunswick Town Centre MRT Station

View from across the river

Sunrise at Brunswick Village

 

[idlerTHE]

8th Post: Chulek and the First New Towns

Left (from bottom to top): Brunswick Village, Ocean World Resort in Jolores
Center (from bottom to top): The first two New Towns at center – Brunswick Town Centre and Chesterton
Right from bottom to top: Brunswick Industrial Park, Wilton Woods with its central park, Olympic District

Chulek

Before the New Towns, reservoirs, and even Camp Brunswick, there was Chulek. Located at the north end of Lionridge, Chulek was considered a large village at the time when the Europeans first arrived. Streams flowing down the mountain water the rice paddies and other field crops fanning out across the plain where Five Dragons sits today.

Life in Chulek didn’t change much with the Europeans’ arrival until they decided to build a paved highway across the island. Such construction demanded much manpower, for which the large village of Chulek was the most convenient source. Through part reward and part coercion, many villagers were recruited as road crew led by European engineers. They set up work camps in the villages of Sarang Buaya and Chulek, as well as a new camp named Brunswick near the river. With limited resources and the need to pause work during planting and harvest seasons, the highway took several years to complete.

Life surely changed after the highway was completed, which runs past Chulek and connects via ferry to Jolores City. Economic opportunities from the fledging colonial cities drew many villagers away, especially those who had a taste of being wage-earning laborers for the highway project. However, several entrepreneurial-minded villagers opened shops along the highway to make a living off passers-by, which ultimately kept the village from emptying out.

The next significant change to Chulek happened during the Miracle Years when New Towns were developed to the north and east of the village, alongside the accompanying Brunswick Industrial Park. Although these new developments occurred beyond Chulek, a new subway line was built through the village and a new subway yard was built just outside. Few families were affected because most buildings in the village were vacant and dilapidated by that time.

The fortune of the village reversed thereafter, as lower-wage workers at the subway yard, industrial park, and New Towns sought out cheap housing in Chulek, which brought a wave of redevelopment in the village. Thereafter, the Three Reservoirs Park was created and the government built a new subway station in Chulek to serve both park visitors and local residents, which was growing in numbers.

Development continued after the Miracle Years with the development of Five Dragons and its busy highway interchange. Today, heavy trucks go past the village between the interchange and the industrial park and buses transport Five Dragons residents to and from Chulek MRT Station. While families do not find the village an attractive place to call home, it is a popular district for young people seeking to move out of their parent’s home and live on their own.

The Village of Chulek on the right, with Chulek MRT Station and main entrance to the Three Reservoirs Park on the far right.

Chulek MRT Station – the Red Line to Brunswick Town Centre does not stop at this station. Main Entrance to the park on right.

Main Entrance to the Three Reservoirs Park

One of the busiest intersections in Lionhart – road at top cuts through Chulek and connects to Brunswick Industrial Park

MRT Chulek Subway Yard at sunset

The First New Towns – Brunswick Town Centre and Chesterton

The Lionhartian settlement in Brunswick developed separately from the migrant village beneath the slope. During the Miracle Years, Lionhart’s standard of living increased rapidly, leading to high births and increased foreign immigration. As Lionhart City became crowded, the government borrowed the New Town concept from Europe and another populous colonial city in Asia.

Brunswick Town Centre and Chesterton were the first two New Towns to be built. They were designed to be self-sustaining “satellite cities” supported by local jobs, services, and transportation networks, as well as meticulously planned to offer attractive and convenient living.

A new buried Highway was built underneath the New Towns. The bus terminal in Brunswick Town Centre was iconic to have bus-dedicated highway ramps and a connection to local streets, allowing passengers to transfer quickly between local and regional routes. Brunswick Town Centre also has a hospital, police station, fire station, elder care facility, childcare facility, and a well-equipped public sports and recreational park overlooked by Brunswick High School.

A 4-block Brunswick Industrial Park was developed to create jobs and a local economy for the New Towns. In proximity to the border crossing, the industrial park was a success from the beginning and rapidly grew in size. Trams were introduced to provide better transportation for commuters. There was once a plan to expand the industrial park north toward Chulek and the reservoirs but the government struck that down after a public uproar. Tenants in the industrial park include name brands such as Zoom-Zoom Electric Car Company and FAB Semiconductor.

Popular reception to Brunswick Town Centre even before its groundbreaking prompted the government to add a second phase next door using the land around where the buried highway emerged above ground. Even though it is technically an extension of Brunswick Town Centre, Chesterton’s residents organized their own district committee, which was recognized at the Lionhart Parliament with its own representatives. The representation was vital for Chesterton in securing its own MRT station when the subway network was extended to Turquoise Coast.

Brunswick Town Centre

Close up view of the Brunswick Bus Terminal

The Brunswick Town Plaza is a busy place. The underpass between the public garage and the fire station connects to the MRT station.

Brunswick Industrial Park, looking toward Wilton Woods

A busy intersection in the industrial park

FAB Semiconductors – one of their two production plants in Lionhart

Zoom-Zoom Electric Car Company

Time to get off work

Chesterton, built around where the buried highway emerges above ground.

A church at the crossroad between Chesterton and Burnswick Town Centre

Highway noise is a problem in Chesterton

Highway ramps past Chesterton

A Light Blue (Turquoise Coast) Line subway train departing from Chesterton MRT Station (top of the hill)

Wilton Woods

The third New Town built in Lionhart and located in between the Brunswick Industrial Park and the Village of Sempalit, Wilton Woods was most recognized by its lush central park, which locals affectionately called “the Woods”. Although the first two New Towns were a success, city planners recognized the limited green space as an issue in the first New Towns, especially with their proximity to the Industrial Park. Thus, when planning for Wilton Woods, the planners reserved the center plot of land as a public park, envisioning a central park flanked by densely developed neighborhoods on both sides — resembling a certain large city in North America.

The Woods is well equipped with both active and passive recreation, from a trampoline park to a swan lake. The Rock Circle marked the center of the park, as well as Wilton Woods, where three tram lines connect to each other around a circular track built around a large rock. The district does not have its own subway station but the tram lines provide connection to the Chesterton MRT Station and Sempalit-Olympic MRT Station.

Outshined by the Woods and often overlooked by visitors, the Civic Plaza set perpendicular to the park features the gothic-revival City Hall, Police Station, and the Wilton Woods Arena. Beyond the Civic Plaza lies the main campus of Lionhart College.

Far view of Wilton Woods. The Vivillage of Sempalit on left.

The Woods

The Rock Circle at the center of the park

A pavilion on the upper part of the park

More facilities on the lower part of the park

The Civil Plaza, Lionhart College visible behind

Close up to the Wilton Woods City Hall — the New Town attained City status with its large population.

The tram line terminal behind the Civic Plaza, which also serves the college campus.

Residential towers next to the Woods

The far side of Wilton Woods facing the ocean.

Looking from the subway train toward Turquois Coast

Northshore Fortifications

Along the coast beyond Wilton Woods lie the remnants of a series of fortifications protecting the mouth of the river, which was built between the early and mid-20th century to protect the water approach to George Town and Jolore City and deter sea landings in the area. There were others but most had been demolished during and after World War II, while this section, which saw some of the fiercest fighting on the peninsular, was preserved.

Jolores Peninsular was of strategic value during the War – it is located at the end of a strait critical to international shipping and the ports at Lionhart and George Town were frequently used by the Navy. While strategic locations on the peninsular had been heavily fortified, the colonial government did not have the resources and manpower to guard the very long coastline, especially when other colonies around the world were competing for war resources.

Perhaps not surpassingly, the Enemy decided to first avoid the peninsular and land their troops in the state to the north, where the defense was weaker. The Enemy proceeded to isolate the peninsular and began a sea blockade. However, the peninsular was prepared and had plenty of food and supplies to weather the siege.

Eager to maintain the momentum in their conquest across Southeast Asia, the Enemy forced an assault. However, rather than a direct overland assault on Jolore City, they attacked the Northshore Fortifications by both land and sea. Despite putting up heavy resistance, the fortifications on the Jolore side were overruan on the third day and those on the Lionhart side the following day. With the river mouth opened, the Enemy Navy sailed up the river to bombard George Town and Jolore City, culminating in their surrender within the same month. It took the Enemy another month to capture Lionhart.

A memorial and military cemetery were built at the remnants after the War for all defenders of the Colony, where a memorial ceremony would take place every. The Jolore authorities would send a delegate to attend even during the tense years after Lionhart’s Independence.

The remnants of the Northshore Fortifications. The remnants were left in their current state.

From another angle

The memorial to all defenders of the Colony

Sunset over the fortifications

 

[idlerTHE]

9th Post – CS2

The Department of Public Works had set up a large countdown clock to celebrate the once in a lifetime occasion.

2 more days

I was hoping to finish the journal of Lionhart before the release of Cities Skyline 2 but I didn’t even get beyond the first island. It sure took me more than a day or two to write about each district and find the optimal setup for each screenshot.

Now that the wait is finally over, perhaps there will be fewer people interested in reading a CS1 city journal. But I am not going to give up here as I want to show you all the rest of Lionhart. Plus I think there are more interesting ideas from Lionhart that you may find inspiring for your new city in CS2. Here are several teasers, the full account of them will continue to come (but probably at a slower pace):

Port of Lionhart

Jurong City

Letchworth New Town

Jolore City

Cerah Islands

Newmont Refinery

Jolore Regional Airport

Good building in the new game!

Another minute less until the release!

 

[idlerTHE]

10th Post - The Olympic District

The Olympic Plaza and the Olympic Stadium

Lionhart Olympics and the Man behind it

He climbed the ranks from a young clerk at the colonial export company to a port official by the time of Lionhart’s independence. Then as the government was restructured and the port privatized, he invested in the shipping and logistics business in and around Lionhart and, through luck and wit, acquired a major stake in the Lionhart Cargo Port, which had been a minor seaport in the region at the time but that was about to change.

Lionhart’s economy skyrocketed during the Miracle Years. Raw materials, much of them coming from Jolore and the surrounding states, were imported to Lionhart, turned into finished goods and products, and then exported overseas. The shipping business magnate made his first million and many more during this time, which he then diversified into the budding financial sector, as well as real estate.

It was his real estate investment in Sarang Buaya that brought him into the entertainment business — bars, clubs, restaurants, media, events — besides something that he found way more appealing than the shipping business, it matches up with his showman personality. He left the shipping business to his lieutenants and turned his energy and focus to the new business.

As Lionhartians were getting wealthier, they sought out all forms of entertainment. However, despite being an open and democratic society, Lionhart’s paternalistic government was not keen on the types of entertainment in Sarang Buaya. Sensing a threat to his business, the business magnate sought to parley the government’s concern. He stumbles upon the perfect solution when, on his off day, his yacht comes across a group of windsurfers – sports entertainment.

Although Lionhartians followed professional sports teams and leagues overseas, sports in Lionhart had remained largely a leisure activity, except for certain sports at the collegiate level. While the upfront investment to promote professional sports would be substantial, the reward could be many-fold greater. Moreover, sports tied right into his entertainment business and could provide a more wholesome narrative to dissuade the government’s concern. Furthermore, being a helpful hand in boosting national pride and prestige would give him a great deal of political standing.

Investing in sports — training athletes, organizing competitions, getting people interested — takes time. But since time is of the essence, he thought, how could he achieve it quickly? By bringing the athletes, competitions, and spectators to Lionhart.

The cost of hosting an Olympic Games is astronomical, that is if the Olympic Committee found interest in Lionhart’s bid in the first place, but Lionhart had the money for it and could put up an attractive bid if there is a will. The business magnate went to work.

He got the government’s attention when he offered to front his own money for the bidding campaign, take a major stake in the infrastructure and venue construction, and immediately set up a foundation to fund sports programs at the primary and secondary schools.

His assessment of Lionhart’s appetite, as well as aspiration, for the world stage, proved correct as the entire society jumped behind his campaign to host the Olympics.

With the suburbs and new towns springing up all along the leeward side of the island, there were no large swaths of open land left. Treasure Island was still a backwater at the time so the organizers looked to the windward side of the island. The undeveloped land just beyond Wilton Woods was ideal for the new Olympic venues.

The business magnate has another trick under his sleeves — he had lined up an offer to relocate Lionhart College from its aging campus in Old Lionhart to the future Olympic grounds so that when the Olympics is over, the venues could be easily transferred to the College, which was at the time already a regional powerhouse in certain collegiate sports.

The blimps over Lionhead Rock shown in the promotional videos stood out to the selection committee, as were the proposed financial program behind Lionhart’s bid and overwhelming support from Lionhartians. On a sunny fall morning, Lionhart woke to the jubilant news that the city would host the next Olympic Games.

The rest, as they said, was history. While Lionhartian athletes hardly won any medals (there was one medal in windsurfing), most agreed Lionhart’s Olympics were one of the most successful in the game’s history — the marketing was positive, the venues were well designed and built on time, the infrastructure from accommodation to transportation was world-class, and the city was both attractive and welcoming to visitors.

Financially, it’s hard to tell whether the city’s and the business magnate’s investment to host the Olympics would break even but it certainly does if international prestige and reputation are considered. There were also many valuable lessons to the business magnate, which were immeasurable when he later went on to organize political support and syndicate financing for the Lionhart FC stadium.

The Olympic District, which extends to the waterfront

The Olympic Plaza from another angle, looking toward the Olympic Stadium

The Track and Field Venue, which was remolded for collegiate use after the Olympic Games.

The Velodrome, which was designed to be multi-purpose use, allowing various types of competitions to take place under one roof.

The Arena, which is now used mainly for collegiate basketball competitions, and tourist accommodations.

Night view

Behind the Olympic Stadium was the Olympic Village, which is now converted into a tourist district.

Beyond the former Olympic Village sits the Sempalit-Olympic MRT Station across the highway, which is surrounded by more hotels and entertainment venues.

The Aquatic Center across the highway from the Velodrome.

The Olympic Marina, where watersports and beach volleyball competitions were held, now featured high-class waterfront entertainment venues. Silverwind Club, standing out in its multi-color neon stripes, is also the Shipping-turned-Entertainment Business Magnate's headquarters.

The roundabout at Olympic Marina

Night view of the Olympic Marina

Silverwind Club at sunset

Olympic District at sunset

Last but not least, there is the Olympic Watersports Center on the other side of the island.

Lionhart Collage

Founded as a teaching college a decade after the colony’s founding, Lionhart College has been the top liberal arts college in the region but its new Chancellor is eager to expand the college into a full-fledged research university.

Lionhart College originated in old Lionhart, on a site that now sits the cloverleaf highway interchange at the west end of the National Mall. The original campus was used as a barracks and was destroyed during the war. The College did not resume full instruction until after Lionhart’s independence, which took place in leased buildings, including the Lady’s Manor at the time. The old campus was not rebuilt but, rather, leased virtually for perpetuity by the government to become part of the National Mall, in exchange for much-needed financial revenues.

When the Miracle Years began, there was a sudden need for educated talents and business leaders sought the College to return to the city, where there is plenty of student-aged population and jobs for graduates close by. Thus, with donations and partnerships with businesses, Lionhart College scattered across Old Lionhart and the CBD during the Miracle Years.

However, as the College became more catered toward technical training and business skills, certain alumni donors were upset at the neglect of liberal arts, something that the College was known for before the War, seeing it as a loss of prestige and standing.

Thus, when the shipping-turned-entertainment business magnate showed up at an alumni golf tournament at Garland Peak and pitched his idea for a dedicated college campus outside of the City with the bonus of Olympic-level athletic facilities, he more than caught their attention. The idea quickly reached the high echelon of the College’s leadership and sparked a great debate.

At the same time, the campaign to host the Olympics was gaining momentum across Lionhart, including the government leadership. With certain coincidental meetings between high officials and influential alumni almost too timely to be of pure coincident, the government suggested doing a land swap to settle the lease on the old campus — a large parcel on the hillside behind the newly planned Wilton Woods New Town in exchange of the College’s land beneath the west end of the National Mall.

Both the College leadership and alumni network were split on whether to rekindle the liberal arts root of a prestigious institution in the pursuit of wisdom, philosophy, and pedagogical excellence, and forgo a thriving urban campus and the College’s newfound commitment to educate the masses and trained a much-needed labor force. The debate sometimes turned ugly, such as when a group of big donors threatened to boycott future donations, and when a full-page ad appeared on the tabloid front page accusing proponents of the move as elitists monopolizing education to the rich and powerful.

There were faculty boycotts and student demonstrations, and the debate over the future of the College was big news that year alongside great anticipation for the Olympic bid. Fortunately, the great news of winning the Olympic bid brought much positivity to the collegiate impasse, and both the government and business leaders were eager to make the Lionhart Olympics a success, which partly hinged upon the relocation of the College.

A breakthrough came by the way of a proposal to keep the urban campus and its faculty in place but to be renamed Lionhart City College while a selection of departments and faculty would, as the Lionhart College, relocate to a brand-new campus on the new site. As one of the more contentious topics, the then-existing college endowment would be split according to a complex formula, with more going to Lionhart College to assist with building the new campus and administration team. To sweeten the deal for the City College, the government returned a parcel of the old campus on which the City College built a new Main Building.

Fast forward to recent years, Lionhart College celebrated its bicentennial anniversary, which coincided with the opening of a second campus on the far end of Turquoise Coast, which houses the School of Education, School of Economics, and School of Environmental Science, among others. The beachfront campus was immediately recognized as one of the most attractive around the world.

The new Chancellor has plans to expand the College’s engineering faculty and create a law school, which was challenging due to scarce developable land that can fit a college campus but there is that one open space with a large clock that had fully counted down by now.

The main campus of Lionhart College, which is well-integrated with the Olympic District.

The Main Auditorium is in Wilton Woods at the end of a tram line.

The Gymnasium

The Administration Building and the Founders' Fountain.

The dormitories have a good view over the Olympic District

The main campus hugs the hillside of Lionridge

The newer Turquoise Coast Campus

This campus offer a very different view than the Main Campus

A setting fitting for the School of Environmental Studies

Views for lucky students who got assigned to these dormitories

Nice place for a graduation ceremony but you may not want to leave afterwards!

View toward the Turquoise Coast District

The Lionhart City College's Main Building next to the National Mall.

 

[Sharkoman]

View attachment 1029308
View attachment 1029310

Love the grid layout. Nice mix of basically every kind

 

[idlerTHE]

Love the grid layout. Nice mix of basically every kind

Thank you! I tried mixing them up to make the map less monotonous. There are other layouts coming up when I get to the next island.

 

[idlerTHE]

11th Post - Turquoise Coast

A nice breezey day on Turquoise Coast

Turquoise Coast

As Wilton Woods was in development, developers were bidding over the top to get a piece of the action while land speculation was growing more rampant by the day. Anticipating development would ultimately go all around the island, the government had the foresight to acquire the upland area of the far side of the windward coast from the Village of Jetulong, reserving it for future construction of road and subway tunnels that would provide a more direct and higher capacity route across Lionridge. The subway tunnel would also complete the last section of Lionhart's subway network that loops around the entire island.

While the tunnels were still in the study stage, developers began building a new district by the coast, which was marketed as Turquoise Coast. When first developed, the district was accessible only by backroads. Even so, the new district mainly attracted well-to-do urbanites who purchase vacation homes, as well as foreign investors, including many timeshare entities. The influx of investments and residents demanded traffic improvements; thus, the coastal road was repaved for high-speed travel and upgraded as an extension of Highway-101.

As the development of Wilton Woods was near completion, Lionhart won the Olympic bid. The main Olympic venues and the Olympic Village would be located south of Wilton Woods and the Village of Sempalit. It was also decided that Lionhart College would be building and moving to a new campus nearby.

These developments, and the goal to ensure smooth travel during the Olympic Games, accelerated the government’s plan for the Lionridge Highway Tunnels by a decade. As the tunnels and highway were being laid out, the government planned for a transportation hub to serve the Turquoise Coast District — first thru the highway tunnels and a bus terminal, then an extension of the cable car from the top of Lionridge to the beach, and finally, a new MRT station just a tunnel away from Lionhart City. Several blocks next to the MRT Station were zoned for high-density commercial and office development to strengthen the local economic base.

There was disagreement in the community about the naming of the transportation hub — which was tentatively named Upper Turquoise Coast. Many residents considered the new hub as part of the Turquoise Coast District, but they didn’t want their side of the district to be known as Lower Turquoise Coast by implication. Their concern was resolved when a city planner with a geography background suggested adding the suffix “On-Sea” to the original district.

If the beaches on the leeward side of the island are known for leisure, the beaches on the windward side are known for waves — an ideal spot for surfers and the like. The long and open coast also accommodates many visitors, including those drawn to the annual Lionhart Beach Volleyball Tournament.

Near the Olympic Marina, well-known international resort brands offer luxurious accommodations to those who can afford them. Tourists and visitors with smaller budgets could find more affordable accommodations near the Sempalit-Olympic MRT Station.

Today, the district still has many vacation homes and timeshares, but it also houses many people who commute to work in the city but prefer to live in a more leisurely setting. While cable cars mainly attract tourists and visitors, many commuters enjoy a more leisurely commute with spectacular views than more conventional transportation.

Turquoise Coast as viewed from Lionridge

Turquoise Coast Cable Car Station and Bus Terminal

Turquoise Coast MRT Station on left and the bus terminal across the highway, with a connecting pedestrian overpass. The highway is the dividing line between Turquoise Coast (right side of picture) and Turquoise Coast On-Sea (left side of picture).

The cable car line cuts through the Turquoise Coast's skyline

Cable cars and pedestrian overpasses crossing over Highway-101

Cable car station is one block away from the beach

No caption needed

A glittering end of a wonderful beach day

Beachgoers taking in the sunset

Jetulong

Once a secluded mountain village midway up the Lionhead Rock and was notable for its farm terraces, which were abandoned after subsistence farming became unnecessary as Lionhart developed.

It is uncertain why the village was built on the hillside rather than on the flatter part along the coast — historians had long suspected that the location was chosen to avoid periodic flooding or harassment from coastal raiders but a recent archeological study suggested it might have to do with the planting of specialty spice crops which benefits from the hillside’s microclimate.

Despite changes throughout the years, land in Jetulong largely remains in the hands of the native families. This is in contrast to the Steps below the village, where squatters built building shacks and huts on the abandoned terraces. The villagers resisted but were unable to evict the squatters as the word spread about available land. The Steps grew in size and the early shelters were replaced with more properly built housing. Eventually, when the government began to enforce building and sanitary codes on the Steps, the squatters’ ownerships were formalized and the government paid compensation to the villagers.

Jetulong and the Steps.

A village built on steep slopes

With a view over Turquoise Coast

The Steps, which was built on former farm terraces

5th Mile

Beyond the Lionhart College Turquoise Coast Campus, near the far end of the windward coast, lies a small neighborhood dubbed as the most exclusive of all neighborhoods in the nation – two streets with a dozen homes that one could not buy with money alone. One home belongs to the College as the Chancellor’s Residence, while rumors have it that other residents include one of the most popular pop singers in Lionhart and several government cabinet leaders who lease their homes. Without a formal name, this neighborhood was nicknamed 5th Mile, after the milepost on the nearest highway exit.

There are two other developments nearby at the 4-1/2th mile exit – the State Retreat and the Overlook. The State Retreat is located on the beach beneath a cliff and accessible only through a windy access road that crosses a sandbank. It is where top government officials take vacation and entertain VIPs, such as foreign dignitaries. The retreat ground is guarded and off-limits to the public.

The Overlook is above the highway, sitting on an escarpment at the foot of Lionhead Rock. Aside from the Observatory on the top of Lionhead Rock, the Overlook Hotel offers the best view toward the Volcano Isles to the south, which are part of Lionhart but uninhabited. While the Overlook Hotel’s room rate is on the more expensive end, those who visit only for the day can dine and enjoy the view at the hotel’s restaurant. The hotel is also a popular stop among hikers hiking from Jetulong.

The neighborhood nicknamed 5th Mile, with the Overlook Hotel visible above

From a higher angle. The State Retreat is visible on the left.

The Overlook Hotel offers one of the best views toward the Volcano Isles

Entrance of the State Retreat

A rare view of the State Retreat from the ocean (this part of the coast is restricted)

Next up: Treasure Island

This concludes the tour around the Island of Lionhart. The next series of posts will focus on Treasure Island, starting with the Lionhart International Airport. While the Island of Lionhart is associated with the fables of Lion Mountain, Treasure Island is known for its tales of pirates and treasures, especially the hidden ones.

Treasure Cove, an iconic landmark on Treasure Island

 

[idlerTHE]

12th Post – Lionhart International Airport and Treasure Island Nuclear Complex​

First arrival at LIO on a sunny morning -- San Minato Flight 12 from Manila landing on runway 05R

Lionhart International Airport

Lionhart International Airport (LIO) is one of the busiest airports in the region and the world. The airport has two passenger terminals, a cargo terminal, and a military airbase. Two parallel runways 5L-23R and 5R-23L, which can accommodate the largest commercial aircraft currently in service, serve the terminals and airbase. Both runways are fully equipped for instrument landing and takeoff, aided by a radar station on Treasure Island opposite from the airport.

The airport was opened near the end of the 1990s and replaced the former international airport at Garland Peak. While the old airport was closer to Lionhart City, extensive development on and around Garland Peak did not allow the old airport to expand, and worse, the development gradually encroached on the airport and hindered its operation. Despite the successful hosting of the Olympic Games, limitations on the old airport showed and the airport operator had to implement special measures to accommodate the large numbers of visitors, such as adding temporary plane-parking aprons on lawns, borrowing ground support equipment from other airports, and devising an elaborate traffic management program to minimize traffic bottlenecks around the old airport.

With an ever-expanding economy and population, especially for the great marketing from the successful Olympic Games, the government rushed to plan for a new airport. However, flat and open land was getting scarce on the Island of Lionhart, so the government turned to Treasure Island. Coinciding with the City Islands Mega Project then under planning, the government concluded that building an artificial island would be the most efficient way to create a sizable flat ground for the new airport, as it had been done in other coastal cities in Asia.

Not to interfere with the City Islands Mega Project to the east, the government studied and selected Palau Senduk, or Ladle Island, at the western end of the mouth of the Delta. The plan called for a large-scale land reclamation – the scale of which would dwarf every one of the City Islands. Not surprisingly, the airport proposal faced strong opposition from environmentalists who sought to protect the Delta.

In response, the government made a strong appeal to the public on the necessity of the new airport and promised to limit future development within the Delta. However, the worsening flight delays and traffic jams at the old airport turned out to be the strongest arguments. After a fast trek through the red tape, the construction of the airport and its supporting infrastructure began in earnest. The entire project was completed in five years, a record for projects of such scale, and the new airport opened with a large fanfare.

An automated people mover system connects all three terminals to the airport’s MRT (Subway) Station, as well as the ferry terminal on the northeastern corner of the airport island. At the subway station, travelers can transfer from the people mover system to the Airport Express Line with direct connection to Downtown Lionhart City, or the FlyCity Line that serves various destinations across Treasure Island. The ferry terminal also offers two routes, one due east directly to the City Islands and another due west to the Port of Lionhart on Treasure Island. There are also coach bus routes with service to other parts of Lionhart.

Besides sleeping on airport benches, travelers may stay at one of two hotels at the airport – the Airport Executive Hotel operated by an upscale Japanese hotel chain, and the Airport Spa Hotel which offers a relaxing accommodation not typically expected at an airport.

Airbase Charlie at LIO

LIO getting busier as the day goes by

LIO's cargo terminal

A rare parallel landing, involving a Concord as well

Still a little hard to see whether they are waving at you

Double touchdown! Transcon Flight 333 from Guam and Air France 969 from Paris (with layover in Dubai)

Taxing to the gate

The automated people mover system brings travelers to the LIO MRT Station located behind the hangers

LIO's ferry terminal

The radar station on Treasure Island is essential to the air traffic controllers.

Bird's eye view of LIO. From left to right: Cargo terminal and associated warehouses, Airbase Charlie, Passenger Terminals (with the control tower, parking structures, Airport Spa Hotel, and other businesses in between), Airport Executive Hotel. The plane hangers and LIO MRT Station are beyond this image to the right.

Night landing -- Cim Air Flight 7 from Mumbai landing on runway 05L

LIO at night

Oyster Bay Subway Maintenance Depot

To support the new airport and the new subway lines on Treasure Island, the MRT Authority built a second subway maintenance depot on the lowland across from Palau Senduk. The blackish and shallow bay was an ideal habitat for oysters, where fishermen from nearby villages frequent. The construction of the airport greatly disturbed the habitat but post-construction conservation effort has helped stabilize the local ecology.

Oyster Bay Subway Maintenance Depot on right; Treasure Island Trash-to-Energy Plant above on left.

Cross-Delta Bridge

A direct highway and MRT (subway) link from Lionhart to the new airport was an essential part of the airport’s proposal. The Cross-Delta Bridge carries both, plus utility connections, across the vast Delta. With the urgency to complete the new airport, as well as controlling the immense expense of building the airport on an artificial island, the bridge architect used a straightforward design but with a twist – two highway bridges with a suspended center span with causeway approach on each end; however, the bridges were designed to support another subway bridge, which was sandwiched between the highway bridges. They are collectively counted as a single bridge.

Highway interchange off Fairview Height on the Island of Lionhart

The center suspension span of the Cross-Delta Bridge

Crossing the Delta and its mangroves; the Treasure Island Nuclear Complex is visible on right.

From another angle

Looking back from Treasure Island

Treasure Island Nuclear Complex

The only nuclear plant in the Jolore Peninsular, Treasure Island Nuclear Complex has four reactors with a total rated capacity of 3.5 GW, which supply a significant portion of the electricity demand in Lionhart and the surrounding region.

The rapid growth in Lionhart during the miracle years demanded an ever-growing demand for electricity. While new fossil fuel power plants were being built in record numbers, the energy crisis in the 1970s led several Asian countries to develop nuclear power. Lionhart was reluctant to follow suit due to safety and security concerns, especially with a lack of a defensible buffer to protect the nuclear power plant in case of a military conflict with its neighbor.

However, a breakthrough happened when Jolore’s government, encouraged by the increasing economic cooperation and friendly diplomatic relations with Lionhart, suggested a joint venture of a nuclear power plant. After several rounds of negotiation, it was agreed that Lionhart would host the power plant and lead its development, while Jolore would invest a one-fourth stake in the project and sign a treaty to give immunity to the power plant in case of military conflicts, alongside the implementation of joint security measures.

However, there were anti-nuclear protests and strong concerns about fallout from potential nuclear accidents after this nuclear power partnership was announced. At the same time, a consortium of French companies won the bid to build and operate the nuclear power. After a series of studies, the current site was chosen for its central location between the two main islands, easy access to cooling water, natural screening by the rock cliff on three sides, and protection from storm surges by the Delta.

Realizing that nuclear power is a serious topic and that supporters of the nuclear power plant had a confident lead in the polls, the Lionhart government called for a rare public referendum on introducing nuclear power to Lionhart. Much assurance was given by the French given the superb safety records of their power plants in France, and the promise of a reduction in air and water pollution, as well as more stable electricity bills, entice many to vote for nuclear power.

With public opinions settled, the French went to work and the first two reactors came online in the early 1980s, followed by the other two reactors in the mid-1980s. The nuclear power plant had been operating without incidents since then and the reactors had been recently refueled to last for the next few decades.

Guarded entrance to the complex

Treasure Island Nuclear Complex - supplying up to 3.5 GW of electricity to the grid since the 1980s. The complex has its own fire station.

From another angle

Nuclear Complex at night

 

[Sharkoman]

Very cool designs! You think you will expand and add another runway to the airport? The design is extremely clean and looks exactly like a real airport I just can't get over the fact you only have 2 runways if you claim to be the busiest and largest airport in the world. DFW has a total of 7 runways with 4 long ones and 3 shorter runways along with 6 terminals. You could add two perpendicular runways on each end sticking out towards the ocean. Also if you have the longest runways have you thought about adding a space shuttle landing to your airport? you could combine a runway to be both military and space exclusive and then have room to add military vehicles. A little park to watch the planes would be very cool. Besides that I absolutely love it. Map looks like a real place. I love the history and background. Even your nuclear power plant has a through history. Looking forward to your next post!

 

[idlerTHE]

Very cool designs! You think you will expand and add another runway to the airport? The design is extremely clean and looks exactly like a real airport I just can't get over the fact you only have 2 runways if you claim to be the busiest and largest airport in the world. DFW has a total of 7 runways with 4 long ones and 3 shorter runways along with 6 terminals. You could add two perpendicular runways on each end sticking out towards the ocean. Also if you have the longest runways have you thought about adding a space shuttle landing to your airport? you could combine a runway to be both military and space exclusive and then have room to add military vehicles. A little park to watch the planes would be very cool. Besides that I absolutely love it. Map looks like a real place. I love the history and background. Even your nuclear power plant has a through history. Looking forward to your next post!

Thanks for the compliment! I agree with you that, with just two runways and two passenger terminals, this wouldn't be the busiest and largest airport in the world. As the map-build was inspired by Singapore, I got the basic airport layout from Changi International Airport. But as I could not find any large piece of flat ground that was not out of place on the map, I went for the artificial island build - after the likes of Hong Kong International Airport and Kansai International Airport.

I appreciate your airport ideas but, to be honest, I already feel the airport is too large and would hesitate to make it any bigger. I do think a little plane-watching park would be very nice. As for the history, it has been fun putting a story behind the map and tying it with the real world, which adds meaning to every image. But the writing takes a lot of time : P

 

[Sharkoman]

Yea airports can get massive very quickly and you can easily get carried away with minor details of story writing. I'm pretty sure trying to recreate DFW airport would take over an entire tile or more. Less than Half of it would need to be operational in game as you don't need close to 6 terminals. I think builds like that are better as entire map projects. Also a lot of decal and prop work is involved to actually make an airport realistic looking. That's a whole ballgame I'm not that interested in with airports. I personally prefer older vintage airport esthetics over modern ones like the Greater Southwest International Airport and get a lot of my inspiration from them. The airport had a deep history showcasing the rivalry between Fort Worth and Dallas. DFW airport only exists because the federal government forced both cities to collaborate. Your old city airport could be converted into a museum, scenic tours or training field like here at Meacham International Airport. But anyways I can't wait to see what you build next, the doors are wide open for plenty of options for development for your city now

 

[idlerTHE]

13th Post – Treasure Island and Jurong City

Settler's Plaza surrounded by commercial towers at Jurong City Crossing.

Treasure Island

The tales of Treasure Island predated the Europeans – Two rival kingdoms across the narrow strait factured back-to-back when their nobles and peasents revolted against the endless wars between the kingdoms. Taking advantage of the power vacuum, disgraced naval officers, disgruntled sailors, and opportunistic adventurers turned to privacy, plundering merchant shipping and coastal settlements, bringing further chaos to the region.

A group of pirates operating out of a hidden base around what was then called Green Island distinguished among others for their foreign demeanors, superior tactics, and rare mercy to those who surrender and pay their ransom. Even so, they were not kindhearted souls as they were ready to loot and kill. They even had the nerve to request protection money from the Sultan of Jolore. The Sultan ignored their demand but could not do more due to his military troubles and lack of a capable navy.

With their demand unmet, the pirates sacked and burned every village on Green Island, including a fishing village just across the river from Jolore City, causing panic all around the capital and in the palace. However, perhaps due to their disinterest in pitched battles, the pirates did not cross the river and left the Sultan alone. The humiliated Sultan reciprocated in kind but banned anyone from setting foot on the island. With the pirate’s growing notoriety and feat, rumors spread about their wealth and treasure stashes so that the locals began to call the island by its current name.

The Pirate’s Demise

When the Europeans first arrived, the pirates also harassed them but the Europeans’ superior ships and weaponry prevailed over the pirates'. Nevertheless, as the Europeans carved up the region into protectorates and colonies via alliances and wars, many of their allied merchant and supply ships were lost to the pirates. In response, the Europeans established fortified ports like Lionhart to deter and hunt down the pirates.

Soon after Lionhart was founded, the pirates at Green Island made several show-of-force via sea and land, to disrupt and intimidate the new colonial authority. Fortunately, these attacks were repulsed by the local garrison, which was soon bolstered by a harbor fortress. Both the Governor of Jolore and the Mayor of Lionhart attempted to flush out the pirates from their hiding place but had no luck, as they could not find the pirate base from ashore. Nevertheless, their effort was not in vain – as more patrols were conducted around the coast, pirate activities decreased and, eventually, the group of pirates was no longer sighted.

However, to bolster development in and prevent outmigration from Jolore City and Lionhart, the colonial administration left Treasure Island alone and did not attempt to settle on it, nor did most locals dare to wander on it. Moreover, to discourage Joloreans from simply crossing and settling on the other side of the river, the colonial authority in Jolore ceded the island to Lionhart and required special permission to land on the island. Consequently, for the entire colonial history, Treasure Island remained unpopulated.

The First Post-Colonial Settlement

Soon after its independence, Lionhart’s government was wary that its newly independent counterpart in Jolore may stake a claim on the unpopulated Treasure Island and urgently sought to establish a settlement on it. It happened that the second generation of Chinese immigrants, who inherited their parents’ entrepreneurial spirit, were seeking to establish their lives beyond Chinatown. With no time to lose, the government provided the volunteered settlers a charter to establish a new settlement at a central location on the island, as well as provisions and supplies, then sent the volunteers on their way.

After setting off from the shore, it didn’t take long for the setters to find a suitable site as they came across the remnants of the pillaged villages on a relatively flat upland plain. They found an overturned stone marker nearby with the engraved words Jurong Village. Recognizing the good location where the former village was located, the settlers found their new settlement on an adjacent field and named it Jurong to commemorate the ill-fated village and reinforce their land claim.

After more than a month of frantic construction at the urging of their officials, the settlers had a surprise visit by a Jolorean scout party, which came in peace but was surprised to encounter a settlement with the Lionhartian flag flying high over Treasure Island.

Settler's Plaza set up for the holidays. The rink relied on constant refrigeration even in the winer.

Further Development

Jurong’s first residents worked the land and gradually expended the settlement. The close tie with Chinatown, as well as the support from the government, greatly helped the settlement to grow. One example was the lumber mill east of Jurong, built by the government to hasten the settlement’s growth. Connection to Lionhart relied mainly on a ferry service from Brunswick to North Beach. There was a ferry pier at where the North Beach Water Treatment Plant is today.

Jurong grew quickly. By the time the Brunswick refugee crisis was resolved, Jurong was able to receive and resettle a sizable group of refugees. The redevelopment in Old Lionhart and Sarang Buaya also brought new residents to Jurong, as the government promoted expanding Lionhart’s presence on Treasure Island. As more people moved to Jurong, its population began to diversify but rather than resentment, Jurong’s residents embraced the newcomers. Very soon, Jurong was recognized as a town-level district and the Town Council was given more control over local policies.

As business grew, a new business district began to emerge at the east end of town but its development was rather uncoordinated. The Town Council had a vision of Jurong being a great city paralleling Lionhart and saw the need for a more properly planned urban layout. They worked with the National Planning Agency to plan for the district's expansion, and alignment of future highways and subway lines. Jurong's Town Planner at the time was more of a practical problem-solver and known for his no-nonsense demeanor. Due to his well-regarded management skills, the Town Council delegated him much authority in shaping Jurong’s future.

The closed Jurong Lumber Mill was once vital for Jurong's economic growth and urban development.

East Jurong

The Parliament earmarked a sizable sum of money to develop a new residential district in Jurong, which would also include the first road and subway connection between the two islands (the bridge would later be known as the Lazy Cove Bridges), and tasked the National Planning Agency to work with Jurong’s local government on the district’s development. However, instead of a grand urban layout favored by city planners at the time, the Town Planner advocated an urban village layout, where each city block was inward facing, often with their own “village center” or recreational facilities. Moreover, a greater focus was given to pedestrian accessibility than that for vehicles, especially to and from the future elevated subway stations.

East Jurong may not look distinctive from afar nor do visitors have the easiest time finding their way around the neighborhood, but its residents enjoy East Jurong’s resident-focused and pedestrian-friendly designs. The no-frill designs alongside government subsidies also made the district one of the more affordable districts in all Lionhart.

View of East Jurong from the Lazy Cove Bridges

View of East Jurong from the industrial park across the highway

Bird's eye view of East Jurong

Evening commute past East Jurong

Jurong City CBD

The Town Planner next planned the new Jurong City CBD. The disorganized development at the growing business district was tidied up through the establishment of a loose city grid – a compromise to the preexisting pattern and natural terrain. Three east-west avenues were built, with the elevated subway above the center avenue. The MRT Station formed the center of the CBD, where a series of tall commercial towers and the Jurong Science Center were built over the years. While East Jurong provided much housing to the CBD employees, private developers built a posher residential neighborhood on the eastern end of the CBD, alongside a luxurious lifestyle mall, for the higher-earning residents. More recent developments included the Jurong City Stadium built over the highway, which also connects the CBD with the commercial blocks in North Jurong that was once separated by the highway.

Jurong City CBD at dawn

Jurong City CBD from another angle

Jurong City CBD MRT Station at noon

View of Jurong City CBD from the Jurong City Greenbelt

Another view of Jurong City CBD from the Jurong City Greenbelt

Jurong City CBD at night

The residential part of Jurong City CBD, with the luxurious lifestyle center across the street.

Jurong City Crossing

The original post-colonial settlement was lost to later development as the first settlers moved on to greener pastures or more exciting ventures across the growing city. Not long after the completion of the Jurong City Highway and the Jurong City Subway Line, seeing that Jurong is leading the development across the entire Treasure Island, the Parliament elevated Jurong to become a city district with special self-rule powers not found in any other districts.

To accommodate a growing local government, as well as celebrate the proud history of Jurong, the new Jurong City Council used eminent domain to acquire several city blocks at Jurong City Crossing with the intention to redevelop the area into the city’s gateway, which would also houses a new City Office Tower. The Town Planner turned Director of the Jurong City Department of Planning was resistant to bulldozing the densely populated city blocks. While they might not looked grand, these city blocks was vibrant and home to many people and businesses. Alas, his plea was ignored and the City Council dismissed him soon afterward.

The City Council hired an internationally renown urban design company to guide the development. The company conducted a series of community outreach to gather public input while, at the same time, held a series of meetings with major employers and developers to gauge their real estate interests. These efforts yielded very valuable and positive feedback, such as many residents desired an impressive entry to the city and recognition of the first settlers, while there was no lack of development interest among employers and developers.

After the wrecking balls and bulldozers, a large park with a spectacular temple complex was built on the center block facing the new Jurong City Office. Across the north-south avenue, the company prepared a site for three commercial towers surrounding the Settler's Plaza, which commemorates the settlers and the founding of Jurong. There were additional commercial real estate opportunities on adjacent blocks. Lastly, although the City Council decided that the then-recently built Jurong Fire Headquarters was off-limit to redevelopment, the City Council adopted the company’s suggestion of a welcome arch over the north-south avenue just beyond the highway ramps.

Today, Jurong City Crossing is probably the busiest place besides Lionhart City, especially during the rush hours.

Park and Temple Complex at Jurong City Crossing

Rush-hour commuters transffering at the Jurong City Crossing MRT Station.

View across Jurong City. From left: East Jurong, Jurong City Crossing, Jurong CBD (partial view)

Another view of the Park and Temple Complex at Jurong City Crossing.

The Jurong City Welcome Arch near the highway ramps.

Jurong at sunset. The Jurong City Stadium built over the Jurong City Highway connects Jurong City CBD and North Jurong.

Settler's Plaza at night

Happy New Year!

Thanks for all the support in 2023. See you in 2024!

Fireworks at Castle Hill: Wish you all wonderful holidays and a Happy New Year! Castle Hill will be covered in the next post.

 

[idlerTHE]

14th Post – Jurong City Continued​

Jurong City Highway – The highway runs through Jurong City, under the Jurong City Stadium, and onto the west side of Treasure Island.

Jurong City Greenbelt

The Jurong City Greenbelt wraps around the western side of the city from the western end of North Jurong in the north to Castle Hill in the south. A series of hiking paths and wooded areas run from North Jurong to the Greenbelt Pond, then a series of park walkways continue to a main park to the west of Castle Hill. Despite its jigsaw shape and meandering paths, the Jurong City Greenbelt offers residents a cherished refuge from their busy city life.

When Jurong City was expanding, an aspiring landscape architect born locally but educated abroad was alarmed by the diminishing open space and forestland around the city, and that the city had no plan in place to protect them. Furthermore, parks in Jurong City were scattered and disjointed. Inspired by great landscape architects who left their marks in major American and European cities, the aspiring fellow petitioned the City Council to conserve a greenbelt around the city to ensure open space and recreational opportunities for future residents, as well as create a distinctive city boundary.

Some saw a glass half-empty while others saw a glass half-full. The City Council was dismissive of the warning and slow to act on the Greenbelt proposal. Nevertheless, new highways cutting through forests and new districts springing up across open fields eventually changed the city leaders’ minds. Then came the shocking news that a group of affluent residents had successfully lobbied the Parliament to create a new suburban town immediately north of Jurong City, which would become Crown Terrace.

A dusty set of plans was retrieved from the file archives and brought into the City Council chamber. City leaders examined the meticulously illustrated drawings of an aspiring landscape architect who yarned for a lovelier city and ached for a dashing hope, and they wondered how much of the plan could still be salvaged.

The landscape architect, now working for an international urban design and landscape architect firm in a junior role, got an overseas call from Lionhart inquiring about a plan long given up but not forgotten. The curious call turned into one of the high-profile projects done by the firm – and the landscape architect was given the honor to co-lead the design of the Jurong City Greenbelt project.

The Jurong City Greenbelt wraps around the north side of Jurong City. Beyond it lies the Town of Crown Terrace (upper left side in this image) and Surrey New Town (upper right side in this image).

The formal main entrance gate to the Jurong City Greenbelt

The Greenbelt Main Park offers a variety of recreational amenities

The Greenbelt extending out along tree-shaded pathways next to a bustling city

The Greenbelt Pond on the northwestern corner of the Greenbelt. The Jurong Lumber Mill is visible across the highway in this view.

The Greenbelt crisscrosses above and under highways and subway tracks.

The far end of the Greenbelt between Surrey New Town and NoHW. Worth noting here is an unsightly electrical substation that predates the Greenbelt.

NoHW (pronounced Norway)

Norway spelled NoHN. No, not the Nordic Country. NoHW is short for North of the Highway – a neighborhood of the Jurong City CBD on the north side of the Jurong City Highway known for its Jurong City Stadium, as well as trendy shops and office district.

For many years, the CBD was bordered by the highway and, on the other side of the highway, was a small settlement along Old Ferry Road known as Little Jolores. This was where the Jolorean refugees from Brunswick resettled. Next to Little Jolores were small farms and orchards along the ridge that runs parallel to the highway.

All these changed when the Owner of the Parable Group, a proud Jurong City resident born and raised locally, partnered with the City Council and other prominent business people to build a new stadium for Jurong City’s own football team. The original plan was to build the stadium on open land south of Jurong City Crossing but the land was held by none other than the Shipping-turned-Entertainment Business Magnate, who had other plans for the land and wasn’t thrilled about creating a rival to his football team in Lionhart City.

Fortuitously to stadium proponents, the heavy traffic to and from Jurong City warranted a new and improved highway interchange, and the visionary Owner saw an opportunity to build the new stadium on top of the interchange. Although such complex construction would be costly to build, the City Council and National Planning Agency realized the stadium could be a bridge to expand urban development over the highway to the north, which could provide new tax revenues that would recoup part of the construction cost. Furthermore, the interchange would connect to a new two-lane highway that serves newly planned new towns further north.

However, the development would build over the small settlement of Little Jolores and displaced residents of Little Jolores, who were against the plan but unable to organize an effective resistance. The Lady’s Charitable Trust intervened and negotiated the terms for relocation just beneath the slope, where the Council would build a new street and fund new housing and a new mosque for the residents.

The Jurong City Stadium over the highway -- a bridge between Jurong City CBD (out of view) and NoHW (behind the stadium).

NoWH from another angle, looking west.

The relocated Little Jolores beneath NoHW.

An early-evening home game getting started at the Jurong City Stadium.

The Space Rock Park, featuring an intact meteorite found during a development-related excavation nearby.

A vibrant NoHW at night.

North Beach and North Jurong

The starting point of Old Ferry Road marks where the settlers landed and went on to found the new Jurong Settlement. The ferry to and from Brunswick stopped here for many years until the Lazy Cove Bridges were built. A small community developed around the ferry pier, which took the name North Beach.

When East Jurong was developed, the North Jurong Industrial Park was developed alongside the highway to provide more jobs for the growing population. At the same time, the end of the ferry service devastated the businesses at North Beach and many of the original buildings were abandoned. However, certain affluent residents of Jurong City saw it as a good opportunity to build their vacation homes along the waterfront.

The development of NoWH, alongside a growing Jurong City, demanded more industrial space. Wrapping around NoWH, North Jurong expanded westward just above North Beach. A wastewater treatment plant was also built over the long-abandoned ferry pier. If not for the group of affluent residents with their vacation homes, the original plan was to expand North Jurong all the way to the waterfront. A compromise was reached to maintain the character of the non-industrial waterfront but allow the construction of the wastewater treatment plant.

Further negotiation with the City Council reached an agreement to incentivize high-tech industries over dirty industries to the expanded industrial district, including a second manufacturing plant for FAB Semiconductor. To the delight of the North Beach residents, the culmination of these arrangements led to a plan to extend a new MRT line from Surrey New Town to North Jurong.

The Settler Monument behind the wastewater treatment plant commemorates the landing spot of the original settlers of Jurong City.

The Old Ferry Road (center left) begins at North Beach.

Although not as popular as beaches along the seacoast, North Beach remain popular to Jurong City residents for its convenient location.

The North Jurong MRT Station, factories, and warehouses along Old Ferry Road.

The expanded North Jurong Industrial District, which includes an unique Industrial Park with stack-up industrial buildings served by a double-deck road network. A key tenant of the Industrial Park includes one of FAB Semiconductor's two manufacturing plant in Lionhart.

More industries adjacent to NoHW

Certain affluent and influential residents of Jurong City live in North Beach. Among many fancy houses, this residence with a falling-water feature designed by a world-renown architect stands out.

The Industrial Park at sunset.

The previously mentioned residence at night.

Night view of North Beach

Castle Hill

The Shipping-turned-Entertainment Business Magnate did not want to miss out on the growing Jurong City. He paid a high price to land speculators, swooping up undeveloped land south of Jurong City. The City Council was alarmed by his land grab but couldn’t do much before there was a development proposal. The Magnate’s rejection of the new stadium for Jurong City further antagonized the City Council, which led to repeat denial of all development proposals on the Magnate’s land, cumulating in an appeal to the Lionhart Supreme Court and a threat of land seizure using eminent domain.

With the tabloids fanning the flame of public opinion, the Supreme Court urged Jurong City and the Magnate to attempt conciliation before the Court decides on whether to hear the appeal. As the lawyers met behind closed doors for a lengthy process, the newspapers moved on to other newsworthy pursuits and the conciliation process helped the opposing parties to realize their interests were not in opposition to each other and they could benefit mutually through cooperation.

The Magnate’s vision was outlandish– a castle, in the like of a certain hilltop castle in Germany, overlooking a walled castle town, which would become the hub of a new entertainment district.

The Jurong City Council wanted sensitive development along the southern edge of the city, especially concerning the Jurong City Greenbelt.

The two parties agreed to work with the National Planning Agency to devise a development plan that would accommodate both interests. This process created a plan called Castle Hill, which called for the creation of a man-made hill south of the Jurong City CBD, upon which the German-style castle would be built and underneath which a walled castle town. Land north of the castle would be reforested to respect the Greenbelt while the planned subway line to Crown Terrace would cut through the Castle Hill via a tunnel.

The castle, castle town, and castle ground were meretriciously built to resemble their European counterparts. Reenactors offer visitors a glimpse of the past and a myriad of events and festivals are programmed year-round, including the semiweekly firework show. Castle Hill has been a big draw, bringing residents from all over Lionhart and tourists from both Jolores and abroad to Jurong City. It was a must-do excursion for cruise visitors and a well-sought backdrop for moviemakers and cosplay enthusiasts.

Early-risers beat the crowd to the castle.

Castle Hill was meretriciously built to attain the Magnant's vision of an immersive entertainment experience.

Castle Hill features historic architecture juxtaposed with modern attractions.

Castle Hill at sunset

Firework show takes place twice a week at the castle.

South Jurong

The land south of the castle was less sensitive to development, thus, the plan called for an extension of the commercial streets from Jurong City Crossing alongside the elevated subway tracks. Further south, the National Planning Agency identified a wholly new opportunity for a biomedical research cluster, now known as South Jurong.

With various episodes of large-scale epidemics occurring in recent years, the Lionhart Department of Health and Directorate of Disease Control had been seeking to build a secured facility for disease research and small-scale patient isolation. Meanwhile, the presence of the Treasure Island Nuclear Complex at the edge of the delta necessitated a security buffer zone surrounding it, precluding development from taking place on the hillside above. The National Planning Agency connected the dots and realized this hillside was a prime location for the National Disease Research Center.

The plan also set aside the rest of the hillside for supporting research and business opportunities, which now houses various bio- and pharmaceutical research laboratories – public, private, and non-profit, doing groundbreaking research.

Despite having a very promising financial prospect, biomedical research was not among the Magnate’s many interests. To appease his disinterest, the plan added one more landmark – the 328-meter Jurong City Sky Tower, which would be owned and operated by the Magnant’s entertainment conglomerate. The Sky Tower has been the pinnacle of many tourists’ memorable experiences at Castle Hill.

National Disease Research Center is well-equipped, including a medical heliport to receive multiple medical evacuation flights.

Research laboratories and offices across South Jurong

A far view capturing the entire South Jurong.

Commercial properties along the elevated subway tracks between South Jurong and Castle Hill.

This Twisty Tower marks the southern end of South Jurong.

Iconic view of South Jurong over the National Disease Research Center and Sky Tower.

Little India

Immediately to the south of Castle Hill lies the Castle Hill Bypass and an adjacent district known as Little India. Although the parcel of land where this district now sits was part of the Magnate’s land holding, it was beyond Jurong City’s limit when the National Planning Agency planned Castle Hill. Consequently, the Castle Hill Plan left some ambiguity as to what would be developed on this parcel.

When the Castle Hill Bypass was built to alleviate traffic heading west from Castle Hill and South Jurong, this parcel was opened for development. A group of Indian Lionhartians made a handsome offer to the Magnate to purchase the entire parcel, with an endorsement from an influential member of the Parliament.

During colonial rule, immigrants from various parts of India came to work and settle in Lionhart. Having relatively fewer numbers than immigrants of other ethnicities, the Indian immigrants were unable to establish a distinctive ethnic enclave except for a street in Old Lionhart known for its Indian grocers and stores.

The growth of Jurong City brought many more recent immigrants from India, who sought work in the service, high-tech, and biomedical industries. The parcel behind Castle Hill was an opportunity to forge their own neighborhood and foster a stronger Indian community in Lionhart.

Little India in lower center of this image. Crown Terrace is on the left and South Jurong is on the right across the elevated subway tracks.

Looking down the Castle Hill Bypass through Little India

View of Little India from another angle.

In one corner of Little India lies a modern art plaza said to convey an enigmatic code at auspicious hours.

Busy evening in Little India

The cricket ground at the west side of Little India is a vital part of the community.

 

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15th Post – New Towns on Treasure Island​

Camp Gordon Interchange and the MRT Orange Line - new highways and the MRT subway system opened up the western part of Treasure Island for development

The new towns on the Island of Lionhart sustained the nation’s rapid population and economic growth during the Miracle Years. As the island was approaching full-built-out, it was not lost upon the National Planning Agency that there was open land aplenty on Treasure Island where newer towns could be built. Although now recognized as part of Jurong City, East Jurong was the first new town on Treasure Island, alongside which the Jurong City Highway and MRT Line (Orange) opened up land further west for development.

Crown Terrace

Although Jurong City had embraced newcomers with open arms, certain residents were less enthusiastic about the constantly changing city and sought a more tranquil living in a greener pasture. While nothing prevented them from moving out to the farms, they couldn’t forego their jobs in the city nor the urban comfort and convenience to which they were accustomed. They wanted suburbia.

Two Jurong City Council members were fed up with the city’s policy and organized like-minded residents for the cause of creating their envisioned community. They formed a company to make purchase agreements with landowners north of the city limits. Due to the slope up a hillside, the land was not productive farmland and was mainly used as timber lots.

Concurrently, the group directly petitioned Members of the Parliament, rejecting the new town concept championed by the National Planning Agency for being top-down. They argued that the National Planning Agency’s involvement all around Jurong City did not leave any opportunity for real local governance apart from centralized planning, which garnered attention from certain party factions and triggered a parliamentary debate.

With other events occupying the headlines, the debate didn’t draw much public interest but its outcome reshaped the future of urban development in Lionhart. The Parliament granted the proponents’ wish for a suburban town separated from Jurong City, scaled back the responsibility, power, and funding of the National Planning Agency, and legislated a policy to promote the role of private developers in the development of new towns and districts.

Aside from the legal and administrative legwork of setting up a town government, the proponents partnered with private land developers to lay out new streets and house lots. Coinciding with the jubilee of the long-ruling European monarch and matching the theme of the planned Castle Hill development, they named the new town Crown Terrace.

Even though the National Planning Agency had no involvement with the development of Crown Terrace, the agency held a highway easement for a bypass through Crown Terrace. Per the request of Crown Terrace, the Castle Hill Bypass was built as a sunken highway and there were no highway ramps in town except at its western end, where the Bypass meets up with the north-south Cross-Island Highway.

Crown Terrace abuts the Jurong City Greenbelt - residents who happened to work nearby could have a lovely commute by walking through park trails.

Commuters getting onto the Red Line subway during the morning rush hour

Inbound traffic on the Castle Hill Bypass in the morning

The southern end of Crown Terrace in the morning sun

Crown Terrace main street at noon

Crown Terrace Civic Center (from left): Police Station, Town Hall, Baseball field, Library, Gymnasium, High School

Night falling on Crown Terrace

Home-bound commuters getting off at Crown Terrace MRT Station

The Willow Bike Bridge - an iconic segment of the Treasure Island Rail Trail that passes through Crown Terrace

Letchworth New Town

The outcome of the parliamentary debate was a devastating loss to the National Planning Agency. Nevertheless, a group of leaders and planners who were laid off from the agency formed a non-profit development firm seeking to continue the work to facilitate good urban planning across Lionhart. Eager to get back into action quickly, they lend their expertise both locally and internationally.

In the northwestern corner of Treasure Island were vast farmlands across the rolling hills, which produce a significant share of Lionhart’s fruits and vegetables for local consumption. However, local agriculture was in decline as it was undercut by imported Jolorean produce. To stabilize and revive local agriculture, which is paramount to Lionhart’s food security, the National Planning Agency recommended creating a new town that could provide new markets and labor to the farms. This coincides with the planning of a north-south Cross-Island Highway, which will terminate at a new border crossing to Jolore City.

As farm owners organized themselves into a collective to plan for a new town, they were contacted by the non-profit development firm offering assistance. Curiously, the non-profit planners suggested a garden city concept borrowed from Europe, that would be complementary to the agricultural setting and working farms.

According to proponents of the garden city movement, garden cities would be self-sustaining and contain proportionate areas of residents, industry, and agriculture. Moreover, the cities would be surrounded by agricultural fields and forests, have plenty of park space in themselves, and be connected to the central city and each other by rail.

The planners of Letchworth stayed true to the garden city concepts, placing a large common/public park at the town center, surrounded by the Letchworth Town Hall, houses of worship, and the elementary school. East of the Common is the town cemetery and minor league soccer stadium; south of the Common is the MRT station and commercial streets; west of the Common is the Letchworth Academy – a private high school that offers subsidized tuition to the town residents. The rest of the town lies quiet residential streets and patches of woods and neighborhood parks.

The town was surrounded by agricultural fields on three sides and the industrial area on the southern side, which is dedicated to processing agricultural products. In addition, fishing docks and housing for seasonal workers are located along the river bank to the north. The careful planning of Letchworth allows picturesque townscapes and tranquil living to coexist with bustling industries and a robust local economy – a successful iteration of the ideal garden city.

However, residents’ reception was split, as many found Letchworth to be too secluded and rural to their liking but others loved its slower pace and strong sense of community. Nevertheless, not only do the many farming, fishing, and manufacturing jobs convince most residents to stay, the jobs also attract others to come and work in Letchworth, including commuters from Jurong City and seasonal workers from Jolore City.

Bird's eye view of Letchworth

Letchworth Common

View from the other end of the Common

Lovely view, in this case, of a vineyard

The surrounding agricultural fields is a key feature of garden cities

Worker housing and fishing dock to the north of Letchworth

The double roundabouts at the entrance of Letchworth

Industrial area in the southern part of Letchworth

Letchworth at sunset

Letchworth Stadium

Surrey New Town

Concurrent to Letchworth’s planning and development was another new town planned closer to Jurong City, just across the Jurong City Greenbelt to the north. The change at the National Planning Agency meant planning and development was sent out for competitive bidding while the agency would administer the resulting development contract and facilitate any planning and environmental issues. Aside from a greater emphasis placed on the financials (minimizing cost and maximizing tax revenues to the local and national governments), another departure from previous new town planning was not having an accompanying industrial district. The industries in North Jurong and Letchworth were more than enough to meet employment and industrial demand.

The agency received many bids from around the world. After many presentations and interviews, the bid from a company experienced in developing high-density new towns across both Europe and Asia was selected for the company’s expertise, well-rounded design concepts, and, more importantly, a superbly put-together real estate pro forma. The naming being part of the bid, the Company proposed the densely developed new town to be called Surrey.

The winning bid was further bolstered by an up-and-coming international finance group known for its robust investments, but even more so by its association with the controversial Church of Plentitude. The Church is both well-known and enigmatic. Several internationally-known philanthropists were known to be members of the Church, and the Church’s buildings tend to be monumental, futuristic-styled, and stood out wherever they were built. However, aside from advocating disciplined personal finance and philanthropy, much of the Church’s doctrine was a closely guarded secret. Perhaps the most publicized part of the Church was several well-known celebrities being its members.

While the financial affiliation with the Church raised eyebrows among government officials, Lionhart’s Constitution protects freedom of religion and forbids religious discrimination. Thus, the affiliation was not considered as a factor in the evaluation of the bid. Moreover, the development plan includes multiple plots for different houses of worship, which meet the requirements set out by the National Planning Agency.

Surrey is a very popular district. Many residents find the town just right between the busy Jurong City and faraway Letchworth. At the center of town was the Surrey Town Plaza, a multi-story shopping mall and office complex built above the underground MRT station, where residents could get their lunch on the way to work and groceries on the way home. Adjacent to Surrey Town Plaza is Town Hall while the Surrey High School and Public Library are on a hill across the main road. Behind the main road are different blocks of residential towers, with plenty of open and green spaces, as well as parks and recreational facilities – most notably, a traffic park for children and a golf driving range. It is also very easy to get around Surrey as well – while walking and biking are strongly encouraged, a driverless smart transport solution was implemented to ferry residents across town.

The numbers presented in the bid materialized as well, making Surrey the most successful new town in terms of financial benefits to the government. However, what’s that futuristic sci-fi temple at the far corner of town? It’s none other than the Church’s latest meeting place – the Cathedral of Plentitude at Lionhart.

The northwest corner of the new town was known to be rocky and was dedicated to recreational and cultural uses according to the Company’s plan. Everything appeared to go according to plan when the driving range and a neighborhood sports complex were built. However, the administrators at the National Planning Agency overlooked the massive foundation being prepared just beyond the woods. With expert logistical support, the Cathedral was completed in merely three months although most people thought the construction only took a fortnight.

Government leaders and politicians were dismayed when they found out what happened, as some found the Cathedral, a house of worship for a controversial religious group notwithstanding, a monstrosity visible from far away. The leaders demanded an immediate stop to the Cathedral’s construction and ordered the Attorney General to seek legal recourse on the apparent breach of contract. However, after examining the executed planning and development contract, the Attorney General concluded it is within the right of the developer to allow the Cathedral to be built as long as the Church leases the land.

This legal finding caused a scandal at the National Planning Agency and its top officials resigned soon afterwards. With its standing already weakened by the earlier parliamentary debate, the largely independent agency was disbanded and its responsibilities transferred to the Division of Economic Development beneath the Secretariate of Commerce, which was elevated to become the new Department of Urban and Economic Development. Moreover, a parliamentary investigation was opened to understand how the government was caught off-guard, alongside criminal investigations targeting possible bribery and other transfer of benefits.

Aside from headlines spotlighting the Church in the first week, alongside many featured stories in gossip magazines, as well as architectural critiques published all around the world, the Church maintained a low profile throughout the aftermath. If not for governmental records, it would be impossible to know that, as a friendly gesture to put the Cathedral controversy to rest, the Church offered a commitment to provide critical social services to the new towns of Treasure Island, and a philanthropic donation of unspecified sum to the two Lionheart’s higher education institutions.

Surrey viewed from the north

Surrey viewed from the south

Surrey Town Plaza - a driverless smart transport vehicle is visible at center

Surrey Town Hall

Kids love the Traffic Park!

...while adults hang out at the driving range.

Surrey at sunset

From another view

The Cathedral of Plentitude

Some residents find the Cathedral iconic and adds a unique identity to the town

Camp Gordon

The main Army Base in Lionhart, which hosts the basic training boot camp for all conscripts and recruits, was established in the early part of the Miracle Years. Aside from farmland, there weren’t any stores, amenities, and lodging around Camp Gordon at the time. Parliament therefore tasked the National Planning Agency to plan a town outside the base, with the same name as the base. A no-nonsense four-block rectangular street grid right outside the base entrance, with businesses and services along the approach to the base and house lot beyond for supporting civilians and officers who may reside off-base.

As the base operations grew, Camp Gordon grew block-by-block northwards but not eastwards as dictated by the original land allotment. Then the Cross-Island Highway was built and the Jurong City MRT Line (Orange) was extended out to the northeastern corner of Treasure Island to serve the Letchworth New Town. To allow recruits and other personnel to get to and from the base without relying on barrack busses, a highway interchange, and an MRT Station were built.

With the new highway now forming a barrier in the east, the Parliament expanded the town’s land allotment to the highway. As Camp Gordon became more accessible than ever, the town stopped growing and housing costs stabilized. At the beginning of every summer, many young men in military fatigues and duffle bags could be seen on the outbound Orange Line trains.

The town is built around the army base

Main Street leads right to the gate of the army base

Right off the highway, a roundabout with a memorial that commemorates Jolores-based Allied soldiers who died during the War, as well as Lionhartian soldiers who died for the country ever since, including during overseas UN and Coalition operations. The helping hands symbolized the cooperative and helpful spirit of the Lionhartian Armed Forces, which is ready to aid Lionhart's allies and conduct worldwide humanitarian missions.

General Gordon Memorial High School

The Camp Gordon Tennis Club is very popular among officers who is based at Camp Gordon.

The red brick building on the left houses the Lionhart Military Society and, in front of the building, the Society's Challenger MBT exhibit - an early version of the in-service MBT donated by the Army.

Main Street at sunset

Bird's eye view