Green Connection

As part of the 2019 URA Draft Master Plan, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA* and National Parks Board (NParks) are collaborating to create a significant 6km-long green connection that will link several iconic landmarks and parks in Singapore. This green network aims to enhance the liveability of the city by integrating nature into urban spaces, promoting outdoor activities, and providing seamless access between key parks and cultural districts.

Key Features of the 6km Green Connection:

1. Linking Major Parks and Cultural Landmarks
– Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Botanic Gardens is a key starting point of the green connection. The new pathways will make it easier for residents and visitors to explore this lush tropical garden before transitioning into the urban fabric.
– Orchard Road: Known for its bustling retail scene, Orchard Road will benefit from greener, pedestrian-friendly pathways as part of this connection. Orchard Road is undergoing a transformation into a lifestyle destination, and the green corridor will complement this vision by bringing more nature into the area.
– Istana Park: Located near the President’s residence, Istana Park will be part of this green belt, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of the city. This will integrate green elements into a historically significant area, enhancing its appeal to both tourists and locals.
– Fort Canning Park: A historic hilltop park, Fort Canning will be another key node in the green connection. Visitors will be able to easily transition from Orchard Road and Istana Park into the green, historical landscapes of Fort Canning, which features heritage landmarks and trails.
– Singapore River: The iconic Singapore River, with its vibrant quays and waterfront developments, will be connected to the green network, providing a refreshing way to experience the river’s cultural and commercial significance. Green pathways will offer scenic routes along the riverbanks.
– Pearl’s Hill City Park: Located near Chinatown, this hidden gem of a park will become more accessible through the green corridor. Pearl’s Hill City Park provides a quiet, natural escape in the middle of the city, with an emphasis on preserving its biodiversity and tranquility.

2. Enhancing Connectivity and Walkability
– This 6km-long green corridor will create seamless connectivity between parks and cultural landmarks. By improving walkability, it encourages more residents and visitors to explore these green spaces on foot or by bicycle.
– Pedestrian paths and cycling routes will be developed, linking these areas, making it easier to navigate through Singapore’s central region without relying on motorized transportation. This is part of the broader push for a car-lite city.

3. Bringing Nature into the City
– The plan is designed to bring more greenery into the urban core, blending nature with Singapore’s bustling city life. Through the use of trees, plants, and landscaped public spaces, the green connection will not only enhance biodiversity but also improve the overall environment by providing shade, cleaner air, and recreational spaces.
– This will also promote sustainability and improve the mental and physical well-being of residents by encouraging outdoor activities and interaction with nature.

4. Promoting Recreational and Cultural Activities
– The green corridor will serve as more than just a pedestrian route—it will be a vibrant public space where people can participate in outdoor recreational activities, such as jogging, cycling, or walking tours.
– The connection will also highlight Singapore’s rich heritage and culture by linking parks with historical and cultural landmarks, such as Fort Canning Park and the Singapore River, providing opportunities for educational and cultural experiences as people move between these areas.

Vision for the Future:

This green connection aligns with Singapore’s broader vision of creating a **city in nature**, where urban development is closely integrated with greenery. By linking some of the city’s most iconic parks and landmarks, this project will provide residents and visitors with a unique opportunity to experience both Singapore’s natural and urban environments in a seamless journey.

Future residents of Union Square Residences will get to enjoy the upcoming green connection.

Source: URA

Source: URA