They came up with an innovative 'Premier Park' proposal, combining world-class events with smaller-scale ones where Singaporeans could get involved in.

The other two bidders, SingaporeGold and Alpine, promised top names like tennis beauty Maria Sharapova and pre-season tournaments involving top European and South American football clubs.

Their presentation to the media did not focus as much on the man in the street as the SSH team's.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports, said yesterday the SSH group displayed a 'significant strength' in the 'programming and events' criteria, which carried the heaviest weightage.

Expounding on the Consortium's philosophy, World Sport Group (WSG) president Seamus O'Brien said: 'There's no point in relying only on bringing big names here because these guys will come and go.

'The important thing is embedding local events in the community for years to come.'

His group's proposal envisions the Sports Hub to be a thriving and sustainable integrated sports, entertainment and lifestyle hub buzzing with life 24/7.

Highlights on the annual sporting calendar include three first-class international football matches, a five-night international cricket Twenty20 event, and a nine-day Singapore National Games.

WSG, as exclusive partners of the Asean Football Federation, will also launch an Asean Super League.

Two Singapore-based clubs will form part of a regional 16-team competition.

Ordinary Singaporeans have not been forgotten. Every year, 192 'Open Nights' will allow the public to train or even play alongside top local or foreign athletes.

Also, 156 'Experience Sports' sessions will help broaden the Singaporeans' understanding of sports through films, exhibitions, talks, clinics and coaching sessions.

The SSH group also guarantees 136 non-government financed sports-spectator events in the National Stadium and Singapore Indoor Stadium in 2012 - more than four times the Singapore Sports Council's requirement.

A Sports Institute Next Generation (Sing) will also be set up to nurture future stars. There are also plans for an indoor karting track, a whitewater rafting facility and over 41,000 sq m of retail and dining space.

Said SSH member and architect Teoh Hai Pin: 'It's going to be a place where Singaporeans will want to go to for dates, for family outings, for shopping, and not just sports.'

limze@sph.com.sg