SINGAPORE - Visitors to the upcoming Jurong Lake Gardens (JLG) can look forward to community gardens, a rich biodiversity and sustainable measures such as water-saving designs.

The National Parks Board (NParks) on Monday (March 7) morning called for an Expression of Interest, inviting consultants to design JLG Central and East.

The 90ha gardens in the heartlands will comprise the Chinese and Japanese Gardens, the promenade fronting the new Science Centre and the northern part of Jurong Lake. The new Science Centre located next to Chinese Garden MRT station will be integrated into JLG East.

NParks said in a press release: "JLG is home to unique biodiversity such as native coastal plants, unique birds such as the herons and egrets, and butterflies. The Gardens' habitats will be enhanced for the conservation of its biodiversity.

"It will also act as a vital green infrastructure that mitigates urban heat island effect, improves water and air quality. The design will also focus on environmental sustainability through water-saving designs, features that minimise energy usage, the use of recycled and renewable materials, and green buildings."

The Science Centre can also tap on the Gardens for its educational programmes, which can feature natural sciences, biodiversity and water sustainability efforts and technologies, added NParks.

Interested consultants are required to submit their proposals by April 25, 2016.

NParks will evaluate the proposals and shortlist five firms to participate in the second stage of the tender in June this year. The appointed firm will be announced at the end of 2016.

On his Facebook, National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said on Monday that Jurong Lake Gardens is shaping up nicely as Singapore's new national gardens in the heartlands.

He added: "Today, we went one step further in the development of the Gardens. Building on the suggestions received from our public engagements, NParks has now called for consultants to undertake the concept design for Jurong Lake Gardens Central and East.

"We will showcase the proposed design concepts at the end of the year, and invite you to give us your feedback. Looking forward to the development of our Jewel in the West!"

Mr Wong also mentioned that the "sakura trees" planted at Jurong Lake Gardens West last year are growing well and will flower in a few years.