New Orchard Road Park to Triple Istana Park Size with 500-Metre Pedestrianised Stretch

The plans were unveiled by Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan on August 12 at Temasek Shophouse, as part of the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan launched jointly by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, Singapore Tourism Board, and NParks in 2019.

The redeveloped space will be organised into three sections. The Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza, located at the Penang Road open space at the intersection of Orchard and Oxley roads, will showcase a wide range of orchids planted across different habitats, walkways, and a lush environment. NParks said the variety of orchids will “collectively showcase orchids’ remarkable adaptability across different growing environments”, such as trees and wetlands.

For the redeveloped Istana Park, NParks said the plan is to build a new ceremonial driveway that will be flanked by flagpoles and mature trees leading directly to the Istana’s main gate. This driveway could potentially replace the existing Festive Arch. There could also be new indoor attractions such as galleries to showcase Singapore’s multicultural heritage and “enhance the horticultural experience for visitors”.

Dhoby Ghaut Green will be a multi-functional green space that integrates the existing retail belt, including Plaza Singapura, into the greenery of the new park. Minister Tan said it will be “a multi-functional area to bring greenery to the doorstep of retail, commercial and community buildings here around our vicinity”, designed for public performances, street markets and festivals, and community uses.

A garden dedicated to honouring Singapore women will be situated within Dhoby Ghaut Green, following one of the recommendations of the 2022 White Paper on Singapore Women’s Development.

The 500-metre stretch of Orchard Road to be pedestrianised connects Buyong Road to Handy Road. Traffic from Orchard Road will be redirected to Penang Road, which will become a two-way road. Plans for the traffic diversion have not been finalised yet. NParks is also studying nature-based solutions in the park, such as multi-functional water gardens to manage stormwater run-off.

Additional infrastructure being explored includes an elevated link bridge connecting Dhoby Ghaut Green to Fort Canning Park, as well as pocket parks in the Somerset area and Handy Road. NParks group director of Fort Canning and Istana Ng Boon Gee said the park’s development timeline can be confirmed only after planning details are firmed up and consultations with stakeholders are completed.

The public can submit feedback and view the park’s redevelopment plans at an exhibition ongoing at Temasek Shophouse until August 26.

The rejuvenation of Orchard Road’s green spaces is part of a broader effort to reposition Singapore’s most famous shopping street as a destination that blends retail, culture, nature, and community life. For property owners and businesses in the Dhoby Ghaut and Orchard precinct, the transformation could enhance footfall and amenity value in the surrounding area.