Esplanade to refresh outdoor area with new garden landscape

SINGAPORE - One of Singapore's most iconic buildings, Esplanade, will be undergoing a revamp as part of ongoing plans to give its exterior area a new look.

The building will undergo the face-lift from March 22 to July 31 in tandem with the Urban Redevelopment Authority's (URA) enhancement works for the nation's Civic District, said Esplanade in a press statement on Thursday.

The revamp aims to provide a more holistic experience for its visitors and patrons, and also make the place more family-friendly.

The Esplanade said its new forecourt (outdoor area) will feature a new garden landscape that will provide more shade, seating areas and water features for both the young and old to enjoy.

Additionally, a natural habitat comprising tropical trees and other types of flora and fauna will also be included in the revamp.

In order to facilitate the revamp, Esplanade's current forecourt will be closed to the public from March 22 to July 31 for construction. However, performances at all the other venues and businesses at the Esplanade Mall will continue.

Pedestrians will also be able to access the Esplanade Concourse through the underground tunnel.

The forecourt is estimated to be re-opened to the public in early August this year, just in time to celebrate Singapore's 50th birthday at the Padang.

CEO of The Esplanade Co Ltd Mr Benson Puah said: "It has been almost 13 years since Esplanade officially opened in October 2002 and we have since hosted more than 20 million arts goers to 28,000 performances and welcomed over 80 million visitors.

"We are taking this opportunity to refresh parts of our premises, making use of technology and innovation to drive greater efficiencies and increase flexibility of the venues."

The forecourt revamp is part of Esplanade's physical renewal exercise that began in July last year. More upgrading works will be conducted later this year.

For more information and updates on Esplanade's upgrading exercise, visit www.esplanade.com.

ssandrea@sph.com.sg