THE REDEVELOPMENT OF THE CENTRAL AREA OF SINGAPORE : AN EXAMINATION OF TRENDS AND POLICIES WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO RETAIL AND SERVICES

Abstract

The growth and development of the Central Area of Singapore is a microcosm of the overall growth and development of Singapore as a city-state. The Central Area is the heart of the city. It pulsates with a rhythm that mirrors the intricate and delicate juxtaposition of activities that take place within it. To date, no study has yet been done on the Central Area of Singapore and its impact on the development of the island as a whole. This thesis is an attempt to rectify the omission. During the last 25 years, the physical landscape of the Central Area has changed dramatically; redevelopment has been extensive and economic growth and restructuring have played a vital part in the urban renewal experience of Singapore. The thesis traces the development of the Central Area from its early growth on the banks of the Singapore River and examines the physical, political and socio-economic factors that have shaped the development. A holistic approach has been adopted and planning developments are seen in their historical context. Of special interest to this study is the extraordinary role played by the Singapore government which acts as both planner and entrepreneur. What are the perceived , and implicit, effects of this extensive state intervention? The Central Area of Singapore, because of its function and form, is the natural confluence of the services and retail sectors of the economy and is thus highly susceptible to the influence of the multitudinous changes that have taken, and are taking place, in Singapore's market economy. The earlier entrepot port of Singapore has evolved from a largely bazaar economy into an industrial and technological society. The Singapore government is today talking about the "total business centre" concept envisaged for the future, whereby Singapore will be the one-stop business and service centre for the region. How has the transformation of the economy affected the concepts of retail shopping and office space? In addition, what impact has tourism had on the redevelopment of the Central Area? Through a historical and descriptive analysis of trends and policies, the thesis attempts to understand and evaluate the forces that have shaped and are shaping the Central Area. The main thrust of the thesis is that the urban morphology of Singapore today is largely the result of government planning, intervention and entrepreneurship. It is therefore argued that the Singapore experiment is the direct result of certain concepts as envisaged by the government.