2013 saw the formation of the Kampong Gelam Work Group consisting of key stakeholders in Kampong Glam, to discuss issues relating to the precinct. In 2014, the One Kampong Gelam (OKG) association was officially formed to enable businesses there to work more closely together, assist members in liaising with the respective agencies, and inject more vibrancy into Kampong Glam.
As part of the Draft Master Plan 2013, URA announced the launch of PubliCity, an initiative that aims to involve the community in enlivening public spaces through good design and programmes. It was later renamed “Our Favourite Place” and continued to support community-led activations of public spaces.
To showcase the possibilities of activating spaces normally reserved for cars, the first regular road closure was organised at Club Street in 2013. Following its success in bringing vibrancy to precincts, other regular road closures were also piloted at places such as Kampong Glam and Singapore River. These have generated positive outcomes such as additional footfall and bringing the community together.