IMPACT OF NORTH-EAST MRT ON THE ATTRACTIVENESS OF RETAILING AT CHINATOWN

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine whether the operation of North East (N.E) MRT Line at Chinatown, will lead to an increase in attractiveness of retailing at Chinatown. The main objectives of this research are to determine if there is an increase in pedestrian traffic and performances of the businesses since the operational of North East line (NEL) at Chinatown MRT station, whether shoppers will choose to shop at Chinatown with the increased in accessibility. Lastly, to conclude with recommendations on how to further improve the attractiveness of retailing at Chinatown. The methodology adopted in this research is through conducting surveys. Questionnaire was used to interview shoppers and retailers to find out about their business performances and shopping frequency before and after the operation of NEL. Cross tabulation, frequencies and T-test are used to analyse the data collected. The main findings of the survey show an increased in the shopping frequency of shoppers to Chinatown and businesses are better after the operation of NEL. However, it is those respondents of aged 36 and above that have increased their shopping frequencies, whereas there is a declined in patronage by respondents aged below 35. It was because they preferred to patronize at suburban areas and Orchard Road, even though the travelling time to Chinatown has been greatly reduced after the operation of NEL. Majority of the shoppers supported the following factors that will increase their patronage to Chinatown: (1) renovated Chinatown, (2) more outdoor cafes/meeting places for socializing, (3) active promotion of events and (4) increase number of pedestrian walkways.