SINGAPORE - A revitalised Rochor Canal will be opened on Sunday, boasting new features aimed at bringing communities together.

One key enhancement to a 1.1km stretch of the iconic waterway in downtown Singapore is an urban promenade, which runs from Jalan Besar to Lavender MRT station.

It will also link residents to the surrounding enclaves of Bugis, Kampong Glam and Bencoolen.

This project was done under national water agency PUB's Active, Beautiful, Clean Waters (ABC Waters) programme, and took slightly over three years to complete. The project cost $48 million and is the first ABC Waters project to be done in an urban area.

Other new features along the canal include a community plaza called Gateway Plaza, which can hold up to 330 people and can be used for community events, or just for people to relax..

This section of the canal has also been widened and deepened to improve its drainage capacity, and fitted with 11 rain gardens consisting of specially-selected plants to treat rainwater runoff before it is discharged into the waterway.

Mr Tan Nguan Sen, PUB's chief sustainability officer, said the project has transformed the landscape to bring more bustle and excitement to the community.

"As Rochor Canal is one of five waterways that flow into the Marina Reservoir, we will be working with residents and stakeholders on how they can play an active role in taking ownership of this canal and helping to keep the waterway clean and free of litter," said Mr Tan.

Mr Lim Ah Wah, 79, who lives in Rochor estate, said the canal was very unappealing when he first moved in 15 years ago.

"But today we have a transformed waterfront. I now make it a point to stroll along the beautiful canal every day," said the retiree.

The canal will be officially re-opened on Sunday by Ms Denise Phua, mayor of Central Singapore District and a Moulmein-Kallang GRC MP.