Customers seated on tables and seats placed by F&B operators along pedestrian walkways at Circular Road. The pavements along Circular Road are often packed late into the night with supper hunters and those out for a few drinks and a good time. But this buzz may soon be gone, as the operators have been asked by authorities to remove their outdoor furniture from the walkways for obstructing pedestrians with the furniture.
For three months, parking spaces in Circular Road will be closed off to vehicles and transformed into pedestrian spots featuring games and art installations.
This closure, which began on Tuesday (Dec 18), is aimed at revitalising Circular Road, said precinct manager Singapore River One (SRO).
Vehicles will still be able to drive along Circular Road during this time.
“Some of the parking spaces will be converted into a ‘lawn’ with artificial grass or public spaces with handpainted art installations using wooden crates and car tyres,” SRO said on Wednesday.
Games such as arm-wrestling and Twister will be free to play for members of the public.
A “street lounge” featuring regular musical performances and other acts is also being planned.
The plans had the “resounding support” of businesses along Circular Road, said SRO executive director Michelle Koh, adding that many hoped for the road to be permanently pedestrianised.
SRO is a private sector-led group that aims to increase footfall in the Boat Quay, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay areas.
It said the closing of parking spaces will be done in tandem with the closure of Circular Road to traffic on Friday and Saturday nights.
The closure of the road to traffic has helped increase business in the area during the two evenings, Ms Koh said, adding that eateries appreciated the added space for outdoor seating.
“Hence this current initiative with the parking spaces is a trial for us to understand the management of the traffic better, and plan the operational aspects of a longer term full pedestrianisation,” she said.
Ms Koh added that these three months will allow SRO to gather feedback from businesses, as well as visitors and drivers, on the feasibility of permanent pedestrianisation.
