Three more overhead or underground walkways linking Orchard Rd’s malls are set to open next year as an ambitious city plan come to fruition.
The Straits Times newspaper reports a new link bridge has been completed joining Centrepoint and Orchard Point and awaits certification before opening.
Basement and overhead walkways connecting The Heeren and the new 268 Orchard Rd centre (formerly called Yen San Building) are complete will commence operation when the new mall opens in the second half of 2015.
Another underground route between Ion Orchard and Shaw Centre is undergoing refurbishment but remains operational.
The Straits Times reports that Paragon is likely to be linked with a complex under construction on the site of the Cairnhill Place carpark via an overhead walkway.
“These new links are part of efforts by mall operators to revitalise Orchard Road by making the shopping district more interconnected,” the newspaper reported.
An Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) spokesman said the priority is to ensure that pedestrians enjoy a seamless and connected pedestrian experience, where covered walkways and elevated linkways complement underground pedestrian links. This avoids crossing the busy one-way Orchard Rd traffic thoroughfare.
“These links create a multi-level network to enhance pedestrian connectivity and convenience,” she said.
But convincing building owners to build underground in recent years has been more of a headache.
