Singapore has unveiled a creative new sporting venue with the opening of ActiveSG Courts @ Farrer Park, a facility that demonstrates how urban spaces can be optimised to meet the growing demand for sports and recreation.
The new courts were officially opened by Alvin Tan, who also serves as Adviser to Tanjong Pagar GRC Grassroots Organisations (Moulmein-Cairnhill).
Supporting Growing Demand for Racket Sports
The launch follows an announcement by the Ministry of Culture Community and Youth during its 2026 Committee of Supply debate that an additional 50 multipurpose courts for badminton and pickleball will be built across Singapore over the next five years.
The initiative forms part of the Sport Singapore Sports Facilities Master Plan, which aims to ensure that most residents will have access to affordable and accessible sporting facilities within a 10-minute walk from their homes by 2030.
Repurposing a Bus Terminal into a Sports Venue
As part of this effort, sections of the Little India Bus Terminal have been converted into eight dedicated pickleball courts, showcasing an innovative approach to space optimisation in land-scarce Singapore.
The facility, now known as ActiveSG Courts @ Farrer Park, was developed by Sport Singapore with support from the Land Transport Authority. The project illustrates how underutilised spaces can be transformed to serve multiple community needs.
The development is also part of longer-term plans for the area, which will eventually include the future ActiveSG Sport Park @ Farrer Park. When completed, the sports park is expected to feature a sheltered swimming complex, multi-purpose play areas and inclusive gyms.
Pickleball’s Rapid Rise in Singapore
The launch comes as pickleball continues to gain traction across Singapore. According to Sport Singapore, bookings for pickleball courts at ActiveSG facilities have increased tenfold between 2023 and 2025.
With the addition of ActiveSG Courts @ Farrer Park, Singapore now has more than 80 courts allocated for pickleball across ActiveSG Sport Centres and dual-use facilities islandwide.
Courts Now Open for Booking
The new courts can be booked via the MyActiveSG+ platform, with public access beginning 16 March 2026.
Peak-hour slots will be allocated through a balloting system that opens 14 days in advance, while non-peak and unassigned peak-hour slots will be available on a first-come, first-served basis starting 12 days before the booking date.
The courts operate Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 9pm, while the space continues to function as a bus terminal on Sundays.
Building Community Through Shared Spaces
Located within a bustling neighbourhood that includes commercial areas, residential estates and transport infrastructure, ActiveSG Courts @ Farrer Park is designed to bring people together through sport.
Beyond encouraging physical activity, the courts aim to create shared community spaces where residents can connect and build stronger neighbourhood ties.
During the launch event, members of the public were invited to try out the courts with equipment provided, including quiet pickleball gear designed to minimise noise.
The Moulmein-Cairnhill Community Sports Network also organised a friendly pickleball competition among residents, giving neighbours the opportunity to meet and bond while enjoying the fast-growing sport.
