Details

1. Guidelines for Outdoor Kiosks and Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs) (i.e. alfresco / outdoor dining areas)were first introduced in Jul 1996, as part of the urban design approach to encourage more street level activities and enhance vibrancy along Orchard Road. Subsequent revisions were made to the guidelines in Jun 98, Dec 02 and Aug 04.
2. In response to feedback and in consultation with the Orchard Road Business Association, URA has reviewed the guidelines to ensure that they remain relevant in enhancing the visitor experience in Orchard Road, and to meet the operational needs of ORA and Kiosk owners. The key revisions to the guidelines are summarised as follows:
   • Outdoor Kiosks and ORAs are encouraged along additional streets, as well as within the courtyards and open spaces that form an extension of the pedestrian network at locations shown in Appendix 1;
   • Outdoor Kiosks will be supported for the sale of food and drinks only and not for the retail of convenience items e.g. newspapers and souvenirs. This is in line with the original intention of the guidelines to encourage more alfresco and F&B choices, which complement the shopping experience along Orchard Road; and
   • Wider full height opaque panels for Outdoor Kiosks can be supported on a case by case basis, to ensure that equipment and storage spaces are neatly concealed.
     
     Please refer to:
     Annex 1 for the detailed guidelines for Outdoor Kiosks
     Annex 2 for the detailed guidelines for Outdoor Refreshment Areas (ORAs)
     Annex 3 for the submission requirements

3. The revised guidelines will take effect from 8 July 2013 for a period of 5 years for all new Outdoor Kiosk and ORA proposals and renewal of temporary applications.
4. All proposals are to be submitted to our Development Control Group and each proposal will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and on the merits of the individual proposal.
5. This circular supersedes the earlier circular URA/PB/2004/25-CUDD released on 2 Aug 2004 and is to be read in conjunction with the Circular on “Framework for Managing Bonus Gross Floor Area Incentives” (Circular No: URA/PB/2009/03-DCG), that stipulates an overall 10% GFA bonus cap for each development.
6. I would appreciate it if you could convey the contents of this circular to the relevant members of your organisation. If you or your members have any queries concerning this circular, please do not hesitate to call Executive Architect Nicholas Li at Tel: 6329 3569 (email: nicholas_li@ura.gov.sg), or our Development Control Group (DCG) Enquiry Line at Tel: 6223 4811 (email: ura_dcd@ura.gov.sg). We would be pleased to answer queries on this, and any other development control matters. For your information, our past circulars to the professional institutes are available from our website http://www.ura.gov.sg.