Fostering a sense of belonging is important to establish the identity of a place and enhance its value. Through involving the community and giving them a greater sense of ownership, we will continue to support the development of loveable places across the city.
By getting different stakeholders to work together, we can make a precinct more attractive to visitors and businesses. Such ground-up placemaking efforts go beyond place marketing and maintenance to also include co-developing solutions and instilling a sense of ownership among the local businesses and communities.
The programme has encouraged stakeholders in their precincts to pool their resources and drive placemaking initiatives together. Current operational pilot BIDs include Marina Bay, Marina Central, Raffles Place, Singapore River and Tanjong Pagar.
The first pilot BID formed in 2017 covers Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay, each with their own flavour and characteristics. Singapore River One (SRO) takes the lead to plan and coordinate placemaking efforts in the Singapore River precinct. They organise a number of events such as the Singapore River Festival, and undertake public space projects such as play areas for children and public seating along the river promenade. SRO also actively promotes the precinct to encourage more people to visit the area.
A variety of programmes have been developed to showcase Singapore’s built heritage and areas with identity. The annual Architectural Heritage Season, for instance, rallies building owners and communities to welcome the public into their heritage properties.
We have worked with communities in many other ways too.
Residents, local communities, civic society groups and other partners bring about an extensive pool of talent, knowledge and dedication in placemaking. We will continue to engage a range of people and groups to create places and spaces that are cherished by all.