SINGAPORE: A park and plaza dedicated to native orchids as well as a nature playgarden are among the features proposed for the expanded Istana Park, the National Parks Board (NParks) said on Wednesday (Aug 12).
To retain the redeveloped Istana Park’s ceremonial significance as the entryway to the Istana, a new ceremonial driveway is also being explored, along with indoor attractions such as galleries.
Speaking during an event where plans for the refreshed Istana Park were unveiled, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan said a key part of the government’s plans involves rejuvenating the Dhoby Ghaut sub-precinct, with a rejuvenated Istana Park as its core.
“This area will be the green heart of our rejuvenated Orchard Road – greener, more vibrant and more welcoming for families,” he added.
NParks said it is also studying the feasibility of an elevated link bridge connecting Dhoby Ghaut Green to Fort Canning Park to provide better access to other attractions in the area.
It was previously announced that Istana Park would be transformed into a new park more than three times its current size after merging with the existing Dhoby Ghaut Green and Penang Road Open Space, along with the 500m stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road.
“The significantly larger space will allow for a refresh of the area with new attractions and offerings, which could include more family-friendly features, greenery and flexible spaces for activities and programmes,” NParks said in a media release on Wednesday.
The rejuvenated Istana Park will also strengthen the connection to the Istana entrance while improving integration with the surrounding commercial developments within the sub-precinct, it added.
More details on the timeline for the Istana Park and Dhoby Ghaut developments will be shared when ready, NParks said.
