New Orchid Park, Family-Friendly Facilities Proposed as Part of Expanded Istana Park

Singapore's Istana Park is set to more than triple in size, with plans for a new orchid park, family-friendly facilities, and a pedestrianised section of Orchard Road as part of the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan.

Singapore's iconic Orchard Road is set to become greener and more family-friendly, with the National Parks Board unveiling plans to transform Istana Park into a sprawling green oasis. The expanded park will more than triple in size, integrating the existing 1.3-hectare Istana Park with Dhoby Ghaut Green, Penang Road Open Space, and a 500-metre pedestrianised section of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road.

"This area will become the green heart of a renewed Orchard Road greener, more vibrant and more family-friendly," said Senior Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan at the announcement on Wednesday.

A Garden for Native Orchids

A key highlight of the redevelopment is the Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza, envisioned as a dedicated space to showcase the diversity of native orchids across different habitats, from trees to wetland areas. NParks is also exploring the use of nature-based solutions, including a multi-functional water garden to manage stormwater runoff and structures to support biodiversity.

Three Distinct Zones

The redeveloped space will be organised into three main sections:

• Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza: Featuring native orchid species and nature-oriented attractions like aquatic and terrestrial gardens.
• Istana Park: To be redeveloped as a formal foregarden to the Istana grounds, retaining its ceremonial significance with a new ceremonial driveway flanked by flagpoles and mature trees leading to the Istana's main gate. Indoor attractions such as galleries showcasing Singapore's multicultural heritage are also being explored.
• Dhoby Ghaut Green: A multi-functional green space integrating the retail belt (including Plaza Singapura) into the park's greenery, designed for public performances, street markets, festivals, and community uses. A garden honouring Singapore women will also be situated here, following recommendations from the 2022 White Paper on Singapore Women's Development.

A "Green Heart" for Orchard Road

The plans are part of the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan, launched in 2019 by NParks, the Singapore Tourism Board, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority. The project aims to transform Orchard Road into a lush green corridor and "bring back the orchard" to the area.  An elevated link bridge connecting Dhoby Ghaut Green to Fort Canning Park is also being explored to provide better access to other attractions in the area.  NParks stated that development timelines will be shared once further planning and funding details are confirmed and more stakeholder consultations are completed.

Here is the question this development raises. The expansion of Istana Park seeks to bring greenery and family-friendly spaces back to Orchard Road. When a city's most famous shopping street is reimagined with nature at its core, what does it say about the future of urban living and the balance between commerce and community?

As Singapore continues to transform its urban landscape, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When a "green heart" is planted at the centre of a bustling city, will it reshape how residents and visitors experience Orchard Road for generations to come?

FAQ:

Q: What is the Istana Park expansion plan?
A: The Istana Park will be expanded to more than triple its current size by integrating it with Dhoby Ghaut Green, Penang Road Open Space, and a pedestrianised section of Orchard Road.

Q: What new features will be included in the expanded Istana Park?
A: The expanded park will feature an Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza, a nature playgarden, multi-functional green spaces, a ceremonial driveway, and indoor galleries showcasing Singapore's heritage.

Q: Will Orchard Road be affected by the Istana Park expansion?
A: Yes, a 500-metre section of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road will be pedestrianised to become part of the expanded park.

Q: When will the Istana Park expansion be completed?
A: Development timelines have not been confirmed. NParks states that timelines will be shared once plans are refined, funding approvals are received, and stakeholder consultations are completed.

Q: Who is leading the Istana Park redevelopment?
A: The redevelopment is being led by the National Parks Board, in partnership with the Singapore Tourism Board and the Urban Redevelopment Authority, as part of the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan.