Public to Give Views on Revamp of Chinatown in Singapore

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and Chinatown Business Association (CBA) are inviting members of the public to provide their feedback on three concept proposals submitted for the enhancement of Chinatown Food Street.

 They will be able to view the proposed concepts at Kreta Ayer Square in Chinatown from 11 to 15 November and then along the Orchard Road pedestrian mall outside Ngee Ann City from 17 to 20 November. The public can also provide their feedback online.

The STB and CBA had called for a “Request for Business Proposals – Pre- Qualification Stage” from 29 August to 7 October 2011 as part of a two-stage process.

 Leading now to the second stage that will see the award of the tender, the public is invited to provide feedback on all three concepts to highlight their likes and dislikes of various concept elements and experiences, including architecture, ambience, food concept and activities.

“We understand and appreciate the importance of Chinatown as a cultural and historical precinct, and that improvements have to be made sensitively while leveraging and conserving its heritage value. This stage of public feedback is crucial in determining the face of the enhanced Chinatown Food Street as it will determine the parameters for the final stage of the “Request for Business Proposal,” said Mr Andrew Phua, Director of Precinct Development, STB. “Ultimately, the enhanced Chinatown Food Street needs to leverage the strength of the Chinatown identity and surrounding tenant mix, as well as fulfill the needs and expectations of locals and tourists alike.”

The focus of the concept exhibition will be on the elements and experiences suggested in the submissions but identities of the proposers will not be revealed. The three concepts for Chinatown Food Street are varied and includes enhancement of the outdoor street stalls and the conservation shophouses flanking the street.

 For example, one proposal creates a nostalgic atmosphere with ornate Chinese decor, another fuses tradition and modernity to incorporate contemporary stylishness while the third takes on the outdoor beer garden concept, with artistic vibrancy displayed through the creative use of lighting.

Even the dining experiences proposed vary, with one concept suggesting a focus on traditional Chinese dialects and another reflecting the wider multi-cultural character of Singapore, with cuisine from other ethnicities. Another has proposed to augment with traditional snacks such as Chinese dumplings (bak chang), Kachang Puteh, and Kueh Tu Tu.

Mr Wong Chi Keong, Chairman, Chinatown Business Association, said, “The face of Chinatown has changed over the years, even from when the Chinatown Food Street was first launched in 2001. There are now new retail, dining, residential and hotel developments. This is thus a timely and excellent opportunity for the Chinatown Food Street to develop to complement these changes.”

Mr Phua added, “In the weeks ahead, CBA and STB will also be conducting various in-depth focus group discussions with the public and various industry and public stakeholders for deeper insights to be drawn. This will further ensure the reach and depth of the feedback received. We have endeavoured to showcase the exhibition in highly accessible public places like Chinatown and Orchard Road, and hope that the public will take some time to visit and share their views.”

The second appointment stage will be launched if there is positive overall public feedback and sentiment towards the enhancement of Chinatown Food Street. A company will then be appointed by the second quarter of 2012 to operationalise the business proposal and operate Chinatown Food Street, with enhancement works expected to start in the third quarter of 2012.

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