New place plan launched to revitalise Kampong Gelam

The Kampong Gelam Alliance (KGA) has unveiled its Place Plan for the Kampong Gelam Historic Area, aimed at enriching the heritage surrounding Kampong Gelam and which hopes to provide offerings and experiences for stakeholders as well as visitors. 

The plan was produced based on a common vision for Kampong Gelam which was shaped by feedback and ideas from over 1,600 Kampong Gelam stakeholders and members of the public, said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in a statement. 

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As part of the Place Plan, visitors and stakeholders can anticipate a series of installations that will liven up public spaces in Kampong Gelam in September.

The installations will be presented in collaboration with the Singapore Institute of Architects (SIA) and Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) as part of Archifest 2023 and derives its inspiration from prominent ideas in the Place Plan as well as the abundant heritage of Kampong Gelam. Through traditional references, contemporary aesthetics and innovative storytelling methods, it hopes that the vibrant spirit of Kampong Gelam will be encapsulated in the installations.

One of the new artworks presented in partnership with the community is Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong’s upcoming three-storey high mural on the side wall of a shophouse at 92 Arab Street. The mural is sponsored by the property’s owner and will showcase a detailed pictorial map of old Kampong Gelam. Painting works for the new mural will begin in July and is expected to be completed by September.

Additionally, a cultural mapping initiative has been developed to document layers of its various cultural assets such as heritage businesses, institutions and key buildings in Kampong Gelam. Members of the public are also invited to pin locations and stories that they want to document on a virtual map.

KGA also plans to collaborate with property owners and business for creative interventions such as a “share a shop” concept to spur the co-existence of pop-up businesses within predominant businesses to create a more diverse range of businesses that provide a wider variety of products and services.

Furthermore, the introduction of more green spaces such as community gardens and tree planting campaigns are underway in efforts to curate new spaces for visitors to bond while being immersed in the atmosphere at Kampong Gelam.

KGA will also collaborate with relevant agencies to enhance the connectivity to Kampong Gelam through directional signage, improving traffic conditions and introducing cycling lanes as well as bike parking areas.

KGA also plans to enhance visitors’ experience by creating an online calendar of crucial events at Kampong Gelam to facilitate visitors’ planning and scheduling, as well as planning and collaboration amongst stakeholders.

“Through the Place Plan, KGA aims to promote Kampong Gelam’s identity and heritage values, support the businesses here and put public spaces to great use. We will continue to work with agencies to make Kampong Gelam a vibrant, connected and attractive place for everyone to visit,” said Saeid Labbafi, the chairman of KGA.

“Kampong Gelam is a gold mine which you need to discover. We would like to invite more volunteers to come aboard the journey of enhancing Kampong Gelams’ future,” Labbafi added.

The news comes as Singapore Tourism Board appoints local communications consultancy Distilleri as the sole organiser for Grand Prix Season Singapore (GPSS) precinct parties for the second year running.

The appointment will see Distilleri’s brand experience arm, Foray, taking the helm for the second year running, bringing the city to life with a celebration in Singapore that complements the race experience.

Themed ‘Circuit of Festivity’, GPSS 2023 will see 10 days of non-stop race-themed and motorsports celebrations spread across four interconnected locations. 

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