URA'S 2001 IDENTITY PLAN FOR ANAK BUKIT AREA (Reconsideration)

Column No : 2121

URA'S 2001 IDENTITY PLAN FOR ANAK BUKIT AREA

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(Reconsideration): **

4.

Mdm Halimah Yacob asked the Minister for National Development whether the URA will reconsider its decision not to proceed with covering the canal and closing part of the front service road for pedestrian walkways in front of Beauty World and Bukit Timah Shopping Centre, which was a proposal published in URA's 2001 Concept Plan for the Anak Bukit area and which will provide better pedestrian connectivity and inject greater vibrancy into the area.

Mr Mah Bow Tan: The Anak Bukit proposal was drawn up under URA's Identity Plan in 2001 as one of the possible ideas to rejuvenate key nodes in various parts of Singapore in the longer term. URA subsequently reviewed the proposal and found that the proposal of covering the canal was not cost-effective.

There are other options to inject vibrancy and life into the area, such as the setting up of outdoor refreshment areas/kiosks in front of the shopping centres, and the provision of a temporary car park in the area. URA is ready to work with the Merchants Association of the shopping centres in the area on these options.