SPOTLIGHT / BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
Place-making, a coordinated, multi-stakeholder approach to improve districts has become increasingly important for cities in creating lively streets and sustaining vibrant districts. Efforts in this area have gained momentum with stakeholders from 9 precincts coming forward to participate in the pilot BID programme launched by URA in September 2017. The precincts are China Place, City Hall, Jurong Gateway, Kampong Gelam, Marina Bay, Marina Centre, Paya Lebar, Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar.
Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, at the announcement of the 9 precincts piloting the BID emphasised the importance of place-making especially in response to changes in the digital and retail landscapes: “We need place-makers to turn generic spaces into authentic experiences that can engage people and make them want to spend time, and come back again. Successful place management can also bring the community together, and help to develop shared memories and build meaningful connections. That is the key, also, in making our city special, distinctive and endearing – both for Singaporeans as well as our visitors.”
Precincts selected to participate in the pilot BID programme are required to develop detailed business plans and get at least 51 per cent support from stakeholders within the defined boundary in their respective precincts to go on to form pilot BIDs. The government will then provide dollar-for-dollar matching for the membership fees collected by each pilot BID up to a cap of S$500,000 per year, for the first 4 years of the pilot BID programme. URA will also work closely with the stakeholders in developing business plans for their precincts.
Find out more about the Business Improvement District programme.
Precincts are attracting communities with lively festivals such as the Kampong Gelam Day Out on 24 November 2018 (above) and vibrant public spaces like the Urban Park at Tanjong Pagar Centre (top banner).
Photo credits: One Kampong Gelam and Guocoland