| SINGAPORE: Work to upgrade Orchard Road's pedestrian walkways and infrastructure will start early next year - after the Singapore Tourism Board awards the S$40m enhancement project at year's end.
Late-night shopping could also be a permanent fixture soon.
These are just some of the exciting times ahead for Singapore's retail sector, said 2nd Trade & Industry Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
Teams from all over the world took part in Singapore's very own "amazing race" of sorts - the Great Singapore Shopping Challenge - to launch this year's Great Singapore Sale with a bang.
And the race to grow Singapore's retail shopping scene is also on track - said 2nd Trade & Industry Minister Dr Vivian Balakrishnan.
He added that retail shopping as a key pillar of the tourism effort has borne fruit, with tourists and locals alike supporting it.
The Singapore Tourism Board is now working with industry partners to look at developing late-night shopping - a feature during the Great Singapore Sale - into a more permanent one.
While this depends on demand and viability, the concept has already won over Dr Balakrishnan.
"By increasing the shopping hours, part late night shopping, it makes it possible to reach out to people who would otherwise be too busy. Me for one, I would love to do shopping after twelve, that's the only time I have available. All in all, it's going to do very well," said Dr Balakrishnan.
Also coming soon will be a revamp of Orchard Road.
The aim of this is to ensure that it remains one of the premier shopping streets in the world.
And a win-win combination for retailers and shoppers - locals and tourists alike.
"I would like to see greater integration where the mall opens up and you are welcomed into the building from outside in. I hope to see more of such developments so it becomes seamless - you can stop at shops, stop for a drink - it becomes part of an experience. The mall is not just a means to walk but part of an experience, a combination of work done by MND, URA, with more flexible rules, escalators and all, creative ideas from architects and owners of malls," added Dr Balakrishnan.
The pedestrian walkways here along Orchard Road will soon be upgraded.
Dr Balakrishnan hopes to see less barriers and a more open concept, to enable Orchard Road to also be a stage for more colourful stage performances and outdoor activities all year round. - CNA /dt
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