Inner Ring

Connecting diverse city-fringe charms

The 12-kilometre corridor links a series of trunk roads encircling the city centre. Many unique and charming neighbourhoods have developed along it over the years, from quaint neighbourhoods such as Tiong Bahru and Newton, to vibrant destinations including Orchard Road and Jalan Besar.

Stitching together existing and future neighbourhoods, attractions and recreational routes, the Inner Ring corridor currently serves 80,000 existing homes within a 15-minute walk and will benefit more residents when new homes in areas such as Pearl’s Hill and Newton are introduced to this city loop.

Discover the diverse neighbourhoods and charms along the Inner Ring and learn how the community has contributed to strategies and opportunities that aim to enhance the corridor!

A vibrant conduit around the city

We heard you! These are your ideas for Inner Ring.

Enhancing walk-cycle mobility

To promote walking and cycling around the city fringe, connectivity along the Inner Ring will be improved through the phased implementation of cycling paths and streetscape enhancements.

By 2030, residents and visitors can expect wider walking and cycling paths along parts of the corridor. This will cover the western stretch from Outram to Orchard, as well as the eastern stretch from Lavender Street to Balestier Road.

A key highlight is the Transit Priority Corridor along Zion Road. In addition to bus lanes that provide more reliable and smoother bus journeys, road space will be repurposed into wider walking and cycling paths for residents and visitors to enjoy. The design takes into account public feedback for both cyclists and pedestrians to feel safe and comfortable sharing these streets.

The Transit Priority Corridor along Zion Road. Source: NParks.

Shaping unique neighbourhoods with distinct charm

As each neighbourhood along the Inner Ring continues to evolve, their unique sense of place will be celebrated through sensitive planning and urban design strategies that bring out their heritage, identity and stories.

Newton and Pearl’s Hill are examples of upcoming neighbourhoods whose history is celebrated alongside planned developments.

A new “Village Square” as part of the upcoming developments in Newton.

Given Newton’s familiar establishments like Newton Food Centre, a selection of State properties with heritage interest will be sensitively integrated within the new neighbourhood to enhance its identity.

At Pearl’s Hill, historically significant buildings, such as the former police barracks, offer opportunities for adaptive reuse. They could be transformed into vibrant mixed-use spaces that celebrate the area’s unique sense of place.

At the foot of Pearl’s Hill.

Activating community spaces from the ground up

Communities play an important role in giving each neighbourhood its sense of identity. The uniqueness of the corridor’s charms can be enhanced through community-driven public space activation and improvements.

Members of the public actively participating in a co-creation workshop organised by URA.

Through co-creation workshops facilitated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), members of the community were invited to imagine how underutilised spaces at Newton and Jalan Besar could be transformed into vibrant places for all.

Residents, business owners and social organisations in Jalan Besar came together to reimagine how back lanes in the area could become creative canvases for street parties and murals.

URA and Moulmein-Cairnhill residents gathered to brainstorm how the space under Newton Flyover could be used for sports and community bonding.

The Lively Places Fund will continue to spark and support community projects such as the creation of public spaces, furniture, and artwork at appropriate areas within these neighbourhoods. They will empower each community to shape their living environment and tell their stories.