SUCCESS OF MRT STATION AS A VENUE FOR SHOPPING

Abstract

The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system went into operation just over a year ago in November 1987. Four of the stations, all of which are located in the Central Business District, have one level of shopping area, each comprising between 21 to 40 individual units. The success of these shopping outlets can be assessed based on the principles of shopping centre planning. The more important principles are : design and layout, tenant mix, promotion and maintenance. Some of the policies concerning the shops are reviewed as they affect the attractiveness of MRT as a shopping centre. Lastly, there are ways which can be used to overcome the weaknesses found in the planning of these shops.