RENEWAL OF AN AREA BETWEEN THE ORCHARD ROAD SHOPPING/TOURIST BELT AND THE GOLDEN SHOE BUSINESS DISTRICT

Abstract

The rebuilding of Singapore's Central Area is the primary goal of the urban renewal programme. While economic objectives continue to dominate, the attainment of significant material progress allows greater emphasis to be placed on the retention of the country's history, roots and uniqueness. This requires a sensitive renewal programme which integrates redevelopment with the retention of old buildings. The study reflects the need for an integrated approach in the urban renewal programme. Within the Central Area is an area which has tremendous potential for commercial development because of its strategic location between the Orchard Road shopping/tourist belt and the Golden Shoe business district. The area, however, also possesses a number of public and private buildings of historical and architectural value. Redevelopment to maximise the economic potential of the land must thus be reconciled with the preservation of the area's historical and architectural heritage. A land use survey identified both buildings and sites suitable for redevelopment and buildings and spaces which merit preservation. An examination of proposed renewal plans for the area revealed undesirable effects that can result from uncoordinated redevelopment and preservation efforts. Through sensitive planning and an integrated approach towards the renewal of the area, however, it is possible to lessen or eliminate such effects and bring about an integration of the old and the new.