PLANS FOR REMAKING Orchard Road are rapidly taking shape with the successful sale of the two sites at Orchard Turn and Orchard Road/Killiney Road earlier. The government has also injected $40 million to enhance its landscape and infrastructure with the vision of making it one of the world’s greatest shopping streets. On 28 March 2006, the third site at the Orchard Road/Somerset Road site - Somerset Central - was put on the Reserve List of the Government Land Sales Programme to be triggered for launch for public tender.

The release of this commercial site, which is above Somerset MRT Station, will complement the developments in the area. These developments will expand the diverse range of shopping outlets available and generate added vibrancy to activities along Orchard Road.

The 99-year leasehold site will yield a total Gross Floor Area of 39,410 sqm. At least 60% of the total GFA has to be built for retail, food & beverage and/or entertainment use while the remaining can be built for other commercial and complementary hotel and residential uses.

Enriching pedestrians’ street experience
Located at one of the main crossroads along Orchard Road, the Somerset Central site is envisaged as an anchor retail development that will capitalise on its extensive frontage.

To enrich pedestrian’s street experience, the successful developer is required to construct a deck over part of the Stamford Canal to create an open pedestrian mall lined with shops and outdoor refreshment areas. This will provide a “street-like” shopping experience.

Coined as “Discovery Walk”, the deck will enhance pedestrian connectivity by providing an alternative link from the Somerset MRT Station to the junction of Orchard and Grange Road. Discovery Walk will be kept open 24 hours for pedestrian use.

The development will be a central focal point for pedestrian and rail commuters in the area. The Somerset MRT Station will be integrated to the development and pedestrians will be able to walk through from Orchard Road to Somerset Road and vice versa on its first storey. These connections will be linked to the network of covered links along Orchard Road and facilitate commuter flow all around.

Quality design
Given its prominent location and extensive frontage, the development is expected to be designed as a landmark development that will enhance the skyline and quality of the physical environment of Orchard Road. As such, a Design Advisory Panel will be set up to work with and guide the development team in the design of the development, after the tender has been awarded.