Extensive redevelopment work at the Images of Singapore experience – which showcases Singapore’s heritage, culture and values – on Sentosa island has been completed and the site has been reopened to the public in time for the nation’s 40th birthday celebrations.

The attraction is housed in a building that was built in the 1880s as a hospital for British troops stationed on the island. The revamp cost SGD$11m (5.42m euros, US$6.6m, £3.7m) to complete and included the addition of two new sections – Four Winds of Singapore and Celebration City.

The reopening is the culmination of a 17-month long plan to redevelop three attractions – Images of Singapore, Merlion and Fort Siloso – which was first announced by the Sentosa Leisure Group in November 2003.

Darrell Metzger, chief executive officer of Sentosa, said: “With this makeover, we have basically taken a traditional museum formula and retold history with an interesting, memorable twist.” Details: www.sentosa.com.sg