North-South Corridor could include iconic public space linking three cultural districts

An iconic public space at the intersection of Rochor Canal Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar could be constructed to connect three cultural districts Little India, Kampong Glam and Waterloo Street and educational institutions nearby.

- Esther Loi

These institutions include Lasalle College of the Arts, Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and Singapore Management University.

This is among early proposed plans for the surface streets along the 21.5km North-South Corridor (NSC), the Land Transport Authority (LTA) said on Aug 27.

The public space has the potential to enhance walking, cycling and riding experiences around Rochor Road, and allow better connections between Little India, Kampong Glam and Waterloo Street.

A stretch of Ophir Road next to Kampong Glam could also be pedestrianised to become a site for events and activities that celebrate heritage and culture, and connect Kampong Glam to Bugis, added LTA.

These ideas stemmed from landscape architecture firm Henning Larsen, which, with its partners, has been appointed the masterplan consultant for the surface streets along the corridor, LTA said.

The authority said the firm envisages four distinct segments for the corridor from the north to the south: a 6km community-industrial stretch, a 7km ecological loop, a 5km people's wellness corridor, and a 3.5km cultural-heritage segment.

LTA noted that the four segments will feature more than 20 public spaces that reflect the unique characteristics of nearby neighbourhoods and destinations.

Another early idea by Henning Larsen is the construction of a “life reserve" in Ang Mo Kio along the proposed ecological loop segment of the NSC.

The reserve will feature naturebased public spaces, bicycle paths, footpaths and play areas with greenery, and link the corridor to Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.