Public space linking Little India, Kampong Gelam and Waterloo Street among proposed plans along North-South Corridor

SINGAPORE: When the North-South Corridor is completed, the surface streets along the project will also be transformed, with public spaces linking cultural districts in the city as well as play areas lined with greenery in neighbourhoods.
Preliminary ideas for this transformation were revealed by the Land Transport Authority on Tuesday (Aug 27).
Among the ideas is to create an iconic public space at the intersection between Rochor Canal Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar. It would serve as a focal point connecting three cultural districts – Little India, Kampong Gelam and Waterloo Street.
“Part of Ophir Road next to Kampong Gelam could also be pedestrianised to create public space for landscaping and events, providing opportunities for celebration of heritage and culture,” LTA said in a media release.
“This would improve walkability, enhance cycling experience, and strengthen connections to surrounding districts and streets.” 
The 21.5km North-South Corridor is meant to enhance connectivity from Singapore’s northern region to the city, serving towns such as Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, Novena and Rochor. 
It comprises viaducts in the north and underground tunnels in the south.
When surface road traffic is diverted to these viaducts and tunnels, it would free up about 30 football fields of road space for other uses, LTA said previously.
Expected to be completed in phases from 2027, it will also be the country’s first integrated transport corridor that includes express bus lanes, pedestrian paths and cycling trunk routes.
Proposals for the surface streets along the North-South Corridor were drawn up by the landscape architecture firm Henning Larsen.
The firm and its partners have been appointed Master Plan Consultant for the surface streets, LTA announced on Tuesday, after reviewing proposals from 25 other local and international design teams.
According to LTA, Henning Larsen had envisioned the North-South Corridor as a linear corridor featuring four distinct character segments – a 6km Community-Industrial segment, a 7km Ecological Loop, a 5km People’s Wellness Corridor, as well as a 3.5km Cultural-Heritage segment.
“These four segments will collectively be lined with more than 20 public space nodes that reflect the unique characteristics of the adjacent neighbourhoods and destinations,” the agency said.
In Ang Mo Kio, for instance, one idea is to create an area that features nature-based public spaces, cycling paths, footpaths and play areas lined with greenery. These would connect the corridor to neighbourhoods and places such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park.
Meanwhile, the northern stretch of the corridor could include spaces for a playground, art installations and cycling beneath the corridor’s viaduct at Gambas Avenue. 
Henning Larsen’s plans are preliminary concepts for the Master Plan that will be developed in the coming months, said LTA. 
Public engagement sessions will be held during this process to allow stakeholders and the public to provide feedback.
“Beyond the community’s needs and aspirations, the Master Plan will also take into account other considerations, including the broader development plans, transport connectivity for the surrounding areas, and site layout and provisions,” said LTA
The Master Plan is expected to be completed in 2026. Repurposing of the corridor’s surface streets will be implemented in stages from 2027.
Members of the public who wish to participate in workshops and events for the Master Plan can express their interest online.