Providing adequate links

In addition, URA and LTA would have to determine the positions where the MRT station would link to the future development. This can take the form of vertical or horizontal linkages. "Knock-out panels" are provided along the station wall for developers to "knock-out" to link the future development to the MRT station.

A good example of a vertical linkage can be seen at the Novena MRT Station, where commuters can gain direct access into the shopping mall from within the MRT station via escalators. At the Clarke Quay site, the developer can choose either to connect via vertical linkage or horizontal linkage, where the concourse level of the MRT station is linked directly to the basement of the development.

Apart from these linkages, the locations of vent shafts and staircases have to determined so that they can be well integrated with the new development without stand alone structures.

Timing it right

Timing-wise, construction of an integrated development could take place either together with the station or after the completion of the station. For Clarke Quay, URA brought forward the launch of the sale of the site so that the construction of the new development could follow immediately after LTA has completed the construction of the MRT station. This allowed LTA and the developer to work closely to better co-ordinate the construction and also resulted in cost savings for both parties. LTA was able to save on the cost of backfilling the site after completing its construction work, and the developer, the cost of re-excavating the site again later.

More like this

Besides Clarke Quay, another integrated development currently under construction is over the Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station, where a 10 storey commercial building is almost completed. Other MRT stations with potential for future integrated developments include Outram, Orchard and Tanjong Pagar.

 

Please click on map for larger image

Plan showing the outline of Clarke Quay MRT station beneath the future development.