Plans to transform Orchard Road, create more buzz in CBD

03/28/2019

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Shoppers in Orchard Road may one day find themselves in a lush urban corridor that connects to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park, based on plans to rejuvenate the central area.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) Draft Master Plan, released yesterday, also includes other initiatives to revitalise the central area, such as tapping vacant state properties in the Central Business District (CBD) for short-term use to bring about greater footfall.

The plan also includes the introduction of two schemes to incentivise developers to convert ageing developments to other purposes, such as hotels and residential use.

"Increased global competition, changing trends and lifestyle aspirations mean that our city centre needs to maintain its competitive edge and dynamism through continued growth and rejuvenation," said the URA in a statement.

Orchard Road will be divided into four sub-precincts, each offering a different experience. The 2.4km stretch may also see a car-free portion to connect green spaces, as well as new retail concepts, attractions, entertainment options and events.

A solution to generate more vibrancy in the CBD is to tap vacant state properties, said URA chief planner Hwang Yu-Ning to the media in an earlier briefing on Monday.

Source: https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/plans-to-transform-orchard-road-create-more-buzz-in-cbd

Adapted from The Straits Times 28March 2019