1. As part of ongoing efforts to rejuvenate our city centre and to integrate nature into the urban landscape, the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) have launched a design competition to invite innovative design proposals for the revamp of Raffles Place Park (RPP). 2. Developed 30 years ago and located above Raffles Place MRT station, RPP is a familiar park and public space among downtown office workers, residents and visitors to the Central Business District (CBD). It is also a stone’s throw away from the historic district of Singapore River as well as the arts and cultural hub at the Civic District. In line with broader plans to introduce more mixed-use and inclusive spaces to keep the CBD vibrant even after office hours, the urban park will be rejuvenated to make it a more attractive communal space for the public to gather over events and activities, or simply bond and relax. Refer to the Annex [PDF, 89kb] for more information on Raffles Place Park. 3. The design competition builds on engagement efforts by NParks and URA in 2021, where agencies had carried out public engagement sessions under the Friends of the Park initiative to gather feedback and ideas on the redevelopment of RPP. This involved consulting visitors to the park in addition to heritage interest groups and key precinct stakeholders, such as the Raffles Place Alliance1. The participants expressed hope for the park to serve dual functions as both a key urban park and signature public space which is inclusive in accommodating a wider variety of spaces ranging from a dedicated event space to socialising spaces while serving as a green oasis for respite within the CBD. 4. To realise this vision for RPP, the competition calls for creative design proposals with features and amenities that will encourage a strong sense of belonging within the CBD community. It also seeks compelling ideas to enhance the wellbeing of users by transforming the park into a destination for relaxation and social interaction. As a key urban park, the revamped RPP will also aspire to support agencies’ efforts to improve pedestrian connectivity and bring greenery closer to the community within our City in Nature. 5. Agencies will work with the winning team to redevelop RPP into a signature urban park and public space within the CBD by 2028. The competition, which will run from today to 12 September 2024, is open to practising architects registered with the Board of Architects. More details on the competition brief can be found at https://sia.org.sg/rpp/.