Orchard Road Underground Pedestrian Links

Mr Ang Wei Neng asked the Minister for National Development (a) what is the progress on the scheme that provides incentives for building owners to build underground pedestrian links; and (b) how the proposed underground pedestrian links in the Orchard area can help to improve the vehicular traffic flow along Orchard Road.

Page: 1295

The URA has planned a comprehensive network of underground pedestrian links for the Marina Bay, the Central Business District and the Orchard Road areas. This is for the convenience of pedestrians as such links provide all-weather connectivity.

For the Marina Bay and the CBD areas, we have been able to require the developers to implement underground links through land sale conditions imposed on the Government Land Sale sites. For example, developments, such as One Raffles Quay, The Sail and Marina Bay Financial Centre, are all connected to one another as well as to the Raffles Place MRT Station and to the upcoming Downtown MRT Station via underground pedestrian links. Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, which is directly connected to the Bayfront MRT Station, is also connected by an underground link to Gardens by the Bay.

For the Orchard Road area, progress has been slower because there are existing developments. We were able to realise some critical links to surrounding developments from the Orchard and Somerset MRT stations for ION Orchard and 313 Somerset, as they were former GLS sites. However, it has been more challenging to extend the network to older developments. Understandably, building owners prefer to carry out such works only when they intend to either undertake major works or redevelop their buildings.

To encourage such development, URA has introduced a Cash Grant Incentive Scheme. The URA grant is intended to cover a large proportion of the construction costs for the underground links. However, building owners may still have other concerns, for example, the loss of business during the construction period and the loss of lettable space due to space needed for the links. The take-up rate has thus far been low. Nevertheless, we will continue to work closely with owners and developers to enhance the underground pedestrian networks, as we strive to make Singapore pedestrian-friendly.

Such underground links can potentially ease the flow of vehicular traffic as more people may choose to take the MRT instead of driving to their destinations along Orchard Road. In addition, there may be less pedestrian crossings and pedestrian-related traffic incidences at Orchard Road.

Page: 1296