SINGAPORE - Two major roads in the Civic District will be closed for New Year's Eve celebrations this year, giving revellers more space to roam and enjoy various activities.

St Andrew's Road and Connaught Drive will be closed to vehicles from 4pm on December 31 till 2am the next morning - the first time that the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown festivities are being extended into the Civic District.

The car-free space will include activities such as movie screenings and a picnic, with the National Arts Council and the Health Promotion Board organising a concert and a fitness dance party in the area.

The National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum and Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall will also stay open until midnight on December 31.

All this is part of the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown, jointly presented by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and the Esplanade.

Said URA chief executive officer Ng Lang: "With the extended celebration area, Singaporeans and visitors will have more options to go beyond the main celebration area at Marina Bay to the adjacent Civic District on New Year's Eve, and even up along the banks of the Singapore River. We hope this will enhance the experience and add to the festive mood for the community to enjoy an exciting night out in our city centre."