SENTOSA Cove is defying the recession and fast taking shape as a prime residential haven.

Building at the 117-hectare site is on schedule, although some developers have asked for extensions.

One developer of a condominium was granted an extension of one year.

By the end of the year, 85 per cent of the projects in North Cove will be ready, while the South Cove, where land sales were completed only last year, will be fully developed by 2014.

There are 1,700 residents in Sentosa Cove but this will grow to about 3,000 by the end of the year.