The Business Times
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THINKING ALOUD

The future of Orchard Road rests on having a cohesive vision

Singapore’s famed shopping belt is losing ground to its regional rivals

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Lee Su Shyan

Lee Su Shyan

Published Thu, Jun 18, 2026 · 07:15 AM
    • Even though weekdays may appear quiet, with only a handful of customers in the shops, crowds throng Orchard Road on Saturdays and Sundays.
    • Even though weekdays may appear quiet, with only a handful of customers in the shops, crowds throng Orchard Road on Saturdays and Sundays. PHOTO: BT FILE

    [SINGAPORE] Rejuvenating Orchard Road has been the subject of much vigorous debate over the years, as online shopping drew customers away from the belt and retail rivals emerged around the region. 

    There is no shortage of plans and projects to boost the shopping belt.

    The latest, announced in May, involves transforming Orchard Road with ready-to-use pop-up spaces, niche hotel concepts and heritage developments. These are scheduled to be rolled out from 2026. 

    Orchard RoadRetailFinancial centres

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