Boay Quay promenade to be given makeover

SINGAPORE - Boat Quay's outdoor refreshment areas (ORAs) along the promenade will soon be given a makeover, after a majority of landlords and business operators expressed their support for the project.

Initiated by Singapore River One (SRO), the projects aims to transform the riverfront promenade at Boat Quay with new ORA structures.

Three new open spaces will be built for the public to enjoy views to and from the river. The makeover will also improve both the physical environment and fire safety of the area as existing overhanging wires across the promenade will be removed and relocated underground.

The new ORA structures will provide for a more open dining area and will include retractable canopies that can be lowered to provide protection from the rain. Slots have been designed for menu boards and signage, and beams for mounting lights and fans will be provided. The new structures will also feature a low-maintenance timber-like flooring.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will be calling a tender in the second half of 2015 to appoint a contractor for the makeover of Boat Quay. Construction works are estimated to commence in phases from the first quarter of next year and will take around 10 months.

Mr Ng Lang, Chief Executive Officer, URA said: "The Singapore River is an important precinct that reflects our history. The Boat Quay area in particular, offers a unique riverside dining experience set amid our conserved shophouses."

"This project is a wonderful example of how the place managers of a precinct can take the lead to galvanise stakeholders' support to improve their precinct. We hope more place managers will be inspired to do the same for their precincts."

The URA appointed a consultant team last year to develop detailed proposals for the enhancement of the promenade and how the works could best be implemented. This included designing the new ORA structures as well as creating three open spaces with new public seating and enhanced landscaping.

ljessica@sph.com.sg