Thanks! Hope you liked it!

Quay battles

28 May 06

While an overhauled Clarke Quay is drawing the crowds away from key rival Boat Quay, Robertson Quay and Marina South have their own image problems to iron out

By Tan Dawn Wei


The quays' keys to winning? :rofl::D :P

@redstone...ok tacky

@Srakovski...I did, just keep the pics coming!

@redstone...ok tacky

@Srakovski...I did, just keep the pics coming!

oh ok! :)

Clarke Quay
http://img129.imageshack.us/img129/9255/dsc0328vq1.jpg

Thats a sweet picture! :cool:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/Singapore20001.jpg
Clarke Quay. :)

Some more pics of Singapore River and Clarke Quay.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/Singapore20003.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/Singapore20011-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/Singapore20014.jpg

those are old pics JoSin? :)

I can still see 1 George Street under construction

Yah i just found them from internet.

Thats a sweet picture! :cool:

Thanks....:D

Symmetrical

1.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0123.jpg

2.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0122.jpg

Playing

1.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0101.jpg

2.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0104.jpg

nice pics! I have a similar one

http://img299.imageshack.us/img299/1697/playsmlwv8.jpg

^ OMG.....so "passionate".......so "un-cliff" haha.....:lol:

lovely pics!

I think the rest of the boarded-up areas of Clarke Quay have been opened up already

lovely pics!

I think the rest of the boarded-up areas of Clarke Quay have been opened up already

Yeah.....I supposed it'll be very happening in a few months time with Clarke Quay fully opened and Central opening.....:yes:

Phantom Photographer
1.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0113.jpg
2.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0110.jpg

More pictures....
1.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0108.jpg
2.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0114.jpg
3.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0121.jpg
4.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/1st%20Sep%202006/DSC_0103.jpg

They really have done a great job over this area. Nice pics ! :)

Drop anchor at this Quay

1 Oct 06

Forget Boat or Clarke quays - Robertson Quay is the new place to chill out at, with its restaurants and cafes

WHEN Mr Joseph Lee gets home in the evening and dinner's not cooked, he does not settle for three-minute noodles or call for food delivery.

Solutions are closer at hand, or in the case of this father of a nine-year-old girl, just outside the condo where his family lives - The Pier At Robertson Quay.

He has access to at least 12 food outlets, including Japanese, French, Taiwanese and Teochew types, in the vicinity.

'There are so many things here to eat, it's so beautiful and the atmosphere's good. Sometimes, I come down just to take a walk,' says the 51-year-old businessman.

Robertson Quay, which stretches along the Singapore River from Clemenceau Avenue to Kim Seng Road, has quietly become a food and entertainment hub over the last three months.

The hotbed of activity is the area between Clemenceau Avenue and Saiboo Street.

The area, which was once a warren of warehouses and old shophouses, was gentrified in the 1990s when these structures were demolished for condo and commercial projects.

The area has received a further boost with the opening of food and beverage outlets at the ground floors of three condos - The Pier, The Quayside and Riverside View.

Indeed, diners and revellers are now spoilt for choice. From Robertson Quay Hotel, where the river flows below Clemenceau Avenue, to Alkaff Bridge in front of The Quayside, there are 22 outlets fronting the 180m stretch of the river.

A French restaurant, a wine retailer, a coffee chain and a chocolate specialist shop are among the new additions to the Japanese restaurants, wine bars and cafes there.

On weekends, dating couples, groups of friends and families flock to the place.

On weekdays, especially Wednesdays when mid-week partying is popular, it draws mostly working executives who come to unwind.


A second lease of life

BUT things were not always this bright for Robertson Quay.

While nearby Mohamed Sultan Road thrived as a party zone in the late 1990s, Robertson Quay was largely left in the shadows, literally, because it was dimly lit and tucked away in a quiet part of the area.

Then, pubs and eateries had already set up business in Robertson Quay.

When construction of The Pier, which sits right in the centre of the area, started in 2002, the noise and dust made the place even less appetising.

But now that the glitter of Mohamed Sultan Road - a victim of rowdy crowds, higher rentals and competition - has fizzled out and Robertson Quay has things in place, the spotlight has fallen on the latter's cosy, quiet setting by the lazy river.

'When it was barricaded for construction works, the place was quite inaccessible, but now that the barricades have been removed, more people are starting to come,' says Mr Jimmy Yap, director of wine retail at Tasting Notes at The Pier.

Diner Gayathri Mohanakrishnan, 26, a student who was there for the first time, was so taken by the ambience that she says she 'couldn't believe it's in Singapore'.

Indeed, Robertson Quay is the quieter cousin to the other two more boisterous quays along the river - Boat Quay and Clarke Quay.

'The other two quays are very touristy; over here, it's more exclusive and you get more privacy,' says pilot Jason Tan, 36, who was drinking with friends at French restaurant, Brasserie Wolf, at The Pier.

Mr Yap says business has been good since he set up shop in June this year. A mix of locals and expatriates, mostly residents from the area, have become regular customers.

Over at Ai Japanese restaurant at The Quayside, its supervisor, Mr Ken Tan, says business has improved, especially on weekend nights, since hip nightspot Butter Factory opened in the next building.


Things are looking good

ACCORDING to the Urban Redevelopment Authority, the vision for Robertson Quay is a charming waterfront residential and hotel district.

This incorporates alfresco dining and commercial uses fronting the river, says its director (urban planning & design), Madam Fun Siew Leng.

Though it doesn't control the type of establishments that can be set up, it does require buildings lining the river to be not more than four storeys high so as not to spoil the ambience.

While businessmen in Robertson Quay are happy that the area is taking off, some have grouses too.

Rentals are being raised at Riverside View, for example. Some shopowners say the owner of the development, Far East Organization, is hiking rents by as much as three times the current rate, citing an expected rise in the popularity of the area as a reason.

However, most of them are still pinning high hopes on the area and staying on. As Ms Glenda Han, owner of Les Chameaux Cocktail Bar, says: 'We've no choice but to accept it; we're looking at the business in the long run since it's rare to find outlets facing the river and with a nice ambience.'

Some owners are also worried that charged parking at the building, which used to be free until August, might cause a dip in business.

Still, that has not deterred businessmen from hatching grand plans for the area. One of them is Mr Chia Ngiang Hong, group general manager of City Developments Limited, which owns The Pier.

He says his company has assembled a group of culinary experts to set up restaurants in The Pier. One called Brussell Sprouts will open in December. It is part of the Saint Pierre group, where celebrated Belgian chef, Emmanuel Stroobant, is both chef and owner.

But will Robertson Quay have staying power?

'I'm already seeing it flourish now. When I opened in June, mine was the only outlet here at The Pier. Now, there are about seven outlets, and there'll be more to come,'' an excited Mr Yap says.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/mica.jpg

^^ so colorful the pictures especially with MICA building on the background :okay:

Thanks :)

Quiet spot by the river

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/riverwhse.jpg

Progress and Decay

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/warehsecontrast.jpg

YIKES! I must go there! :D

This story was printed from TODAYonline

The Quays to a vibrant S'pore

STB to announce blueprint to develop Singapore River area into a 24-hour hotspot

Friday • November 24, 2006

Tor Ching Li
chingli@mediacorp.com.sg

THE Singapore Tourism Board (STB) will soon reveal plans for a vibrant Singapore Riverfront that never sleeps.

A tender for qualified surveyors to study the site — stretching from the Esplanade Drive in the east to Kim Seng Road in the south — was recently called. Upon appointment, the site survey must be completed within six weeks.

The STB said it intends to appoint a design consultant to "develop Singapore River into a must-see, 24-hour favourite riverfront precinct in the region".

Said Mr Oliver Chong, STB director for cluster development (events and entertainment): "We are currently looking into plans to revitalise the Singapore River and position it as a must-visit, 24-hour lifestyle and entertainment precinct that targets the well-heeled young professionals, business travellers, singles and couples."

Since December last year, landscape and planning consultancy Edaw has been appointed to look into the revitalisation project and work with stakeholders.

Ms Jo McAllister, Edaw associate and senior landscape architect, told Today: "We've been studying other waterfront cities such as Sydney to help the STB realise its vision for a vibrant waterfront in Singapore, and to bring Singapore's waterfront to the world stage through a mixture of software and hardware."

Infrastructure enhancements may include more walkways, viewing points and promenades. Software elements will include signature events and regular activities to breathe life into the river stretch.

There may also be plans to seamlessly link up Boat Quay, Robertson Quay and Clarke Quay, which recently went through an $80 million makeover. Said Mr Chong: "We believe the Singapore River precinct has the potential to stand out as a 24-hour lifestyle and entertainment riverfront belt that attracts visitors and local residents.

"More importantly, the area adds to Singapore's profile as an exciting and dynamic destination. This project will be one of the key initiatives that will contribute toward realising STB's Tourism 2015 vision."

The STB's aim is to double tourism arrivals to 17 million by 2015.

Copyright MediaCorp Press Ltd. All rights reserved.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/riverwhse.jpg

This one looks so peaceful, hard to imagine all the highrises, discos and pubs metres away !

yes I like it that way now....and there are some rotting warehouses nearby that give you a sense of history....its also a popular place for joggers living nearby

but in time...more residential developments will be built, and that stretch may become busier

yes I like it that way now....and there are some rotting warehouses nearby that give you a sense of history....its also a popular place for joggers living nearby

but in time...more residential developments will be built, and that stretch may become busier

Warehouses rottimg? where?

Warehouses rottimg? where?

those in the picture I had just posted :yes:

Some riverside pics:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rvr.jpg

Raffles Statue
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rvr2.jpg

Groups of tourists

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rvr3.jpg

Raffles Statue
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rvr2.jpg

OMG.....i almost thought the guy with the tripod is me.....:lol:

:lol:

but it was really hot

it goes to show just how popular that area is for photo-takers....especially every night there is someone there with tripod ;-)

:lol:

but it was really hot

it goes to show just how popular that area is for photo-takers....especially every night there is someone there with tripod ;-)

Hmm....dun think i'll use tripod in daytime also.......very easy to get good sharp picture with good light......:yes:

Hmm....dun think i'll use tripod in daytime also.......very easy to get good sharp picture with good light......:yes:

true lah! But, you need a tripod if travelling with your girlfriend and do not want to ask passerbys to take for both you. :D

true lah! But, you need a tripod if travelling with your girlfriend and do not want to ask passerbys to take for both you. :D

:lol: ok......maybe I'm just lazy as I use a beanbag instead.....:D

Very sunny! :D

those in the picture I had just posted :yes:
Raffles Statue
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rvr2.jpg

Does any one know how many Sir Stamdford Raffles statue do we have in Singapore? I am under the impression that we have 2 - 3 (at least) ard the Singapore River area. If my memory serves me right, there shld be 1 near Victoria Concert Hall. :nuts: I'm confused.

Btw, good bright shot there. :)

^^

I have only seen 2 full size statues in public...but I think I've seen a pic of another one showing just the upper body, and read that its in a muesum if I'm not wrong..

Thanks btw, was another hot day in Sunnypore :)

The black statue is original, the white one is a replica. :yes:

sharing some photos from the less-photographed upper portions of the singapore river. it was a nice sunny day for photo taking!

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/2931/crw5626skz0.jpg
clark quay

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/1435/crw5647slk3.jpg
some modern office building

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/9554/crw5665sgf2.jpg
colourful alkaff bridge

http://img143.imageshack.us/img143/1228/crw5693szj1.jpg
the grand copthorne

http://img245.imageshack.us/img245/2169/crw5695sey0.jpg
a unique bridge

nice. very well taken. :)

great pics aloyteo! thanks for photographing the less photographed bits of the river...I always find it a pleasure to walk the whole promenade from Boat Quay all the way up....and I'm sure the residents who live around there make good use of it too :cool:

thanks hya and rafflescity! yes i feel the upper portion of the singapore river much greener and relaxing:) especially the part of the river in front of the grand copthorne, that part looks very classy and very european like...

Business Times - 15 Dec 2006

NIGHTSPOT
Brand new Lifebrandz goodies at Clarke Quay

By MELISSA LWEE

PARTYGOERS are in for a treat this weekend at Clarke Quay.

One year after Lifebrandz introduced the popular nightspot Ministry of Sound to Singapore, the listed company is planning to open a range of bars and restaurants to accompany the club.

About 10,000 people are expected to turn up tonight for the official opening of the company's newest project, The Cannery, the building at Clarke Quay housing eight bars, restaurants and clubs, six of them totally new.

Lifebrandz is sticking by its policy of backing big brand names. Its international brands include Barfly, a sexy supper club under the Buddha Bar umbrella, BICE, said to be one of the world's biggest Italian-style restaurant chains, and Fashion Bar (or FBar), a chichi bar inspired by Fashion TV where only goodlookers need apply. Other brands acquired by Lifebrandz include Kandi Bar, which got its name from the cult music brand Hed Kandi, and which opened on Dec 1.

Plus, of course, the Ministry of Sound itself, the club which started out in London.

Aside from The Cannery, there will be a clone of Ibiza's famed Cafe del Mar on Sentosa before the end of the year.

The 25,000 sq ft beach bar will come equipped with rolling sands and an indoor pool.

Be it fashion or anything else, a brand's appeal has its intrinsic value, said Lifebrandz executive director Clement Lee.

From a business point of view, it costs more to build a brand than to acquire one. Even so, Mr Lee's favourite outlet at The Cannery is clearly The Clinic, an original entertainment concept inspired by English artist Damien Hirst, who is famous for his witty but controversial works. Fifteen of Hirst's original artworks will be on display at The Clinic.

Designed by Concrete, the Dutch architects behind The Supperclub, The Clinic is a two-storey labyrinth of pill-shaped rooms.

Don't be surprised if you get a little lost going through previously locked doors and encountering secret door switches in the 15,000 sq ft club, bar and restaurant.

Mr Lee said: 'I'm very happy when I see my customers lose their way in the club. It's about exploring, experiencing and surprises around the corner, like going to a major theme park.'

The Clinic also houses Aurum, an intimate restaurant that seats 60, and offers a $148 13-course menu, plus a pastry and dessert place called Nectarie. Not to be outshone by its newer siblings, the Ministry of Sound is expecting to pull in yet another 5,000 clubbers per night as it celebrates its first anniversary with a two-day bash that runs from today till tomorrow.

This wraps up an exciting week for local partygoers that started last Saturday with the dance festival ZoukOut.

St James Power Station will also officially launch its seventh and largest dance outlet, the 10,000 sq ft Powerhouse today.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

Revamped Clarke Quay officially launched on Tuesday
By Valarie Tan, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 26 December 2006 2142 hrs

SINGAPORE : The new Clarke Quay was officially launched on Tuesday with a Brazilian twist as Mardi Gras performers took to the stage and entertained.

Minister of State for National Development Grace Foo was guest of honour.

The new Clarke Quay boasts over 30 new food & beverage and entertainment outlets.

One of its sections, the Cannery, which was launched earlier this month, has since been attracting 13,000 locals and tourists every night.

The transformation of Clarke Quay from waterfront godowns to the spot for night entertainment took over 10 years and more than $85 million to complete.

It's part of Singapore's long term plans to double tourism arrivals to 17 million and tourism receipts to $30 billion by 2015. - CNA /ls

Singapore River on 12 Jan 2007

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSCF0486.jpg

Interesting angle!

The river always turns that colour when there is a heavy downpour...and today the clouds were so low! :eek:

[U]SINGAPORE RIVER!! U]

http://i12.tinypic.com/2v2jce9.jpg



http://i12.tinypic.com/2vl1d3r.jpg



http://i18.tinypic.com/2el9y5c.jpg



http://i12.tinypic.com/3zkmuj5.jpg



http://i10.tinypic.com/2prutlt.jpg



http://i16.tinypic.com/2z8dzkj.jpg

^^
Thanks for sharing these pics...the boat cruise on the river is fun! :happy:

Welcome!! I like the boat Cruise at Singapore!! It was Fun!! Especially the Duck Tour!! It look like a boat,but can Drive on the land and go into the river!! it so cool!!

http://i16.tinypic.com/2nk0wpf.jpg

New sculpture hints at old days at S'pore River

26 Jan 07

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20070125/ST_IMAGES_SCREEDt.jpg

THE reeds that used to grow along the Singapore River are back - this time in the form of a cast bronze sculpture.
Called the Reed Sculpture, it was designed by Mr Peter Chen, 39, who is trained as an architect and currently an assistant professor at Nanyang Technological University's School of Art, Design and Media.

The 6.5m-tall sculpture was commissioned for $120,000 by property developer City Developments Limited, under the National Heritage Board's Public Art Tax Incentive Scheme (Patis).

The sculpture in Robertson Quay fits in with the Government's vision to bring greater vibrancy to the Singapore River through the arts.

The sculpture was unveiled last night by Dr Lee Boon Yang, Minister for Information, Communications and the Arts. He said the scheme makes it more attractive for property owners to participate in beautifying the city with artwork.

Under Patis, donors will get double tax deduction for the appraised value of the donated public artwork, maintenance cost of the adopted public work of art, or installation and maintenance cost of displayed public artwork.

The scheme aims to encourage companies and individuals to donate, commission, display and maintain public art, with artistic and/or heritage merits.

Patis started off as the Public Sculpture Donation Scheme in 1988, and was then spearheaded by the Ministry of National Development.

It was renamed the Public Sculptures Scheme in 2003 and came under the Heritage Board's charge.

In April last year, it was enhanced to include other forms of public art under Patis.

To date, 16 donations have come under the scheme, the most recent of which is from Ascendas (Tuas) in December last year, where five works of art will be installed at the Neuros building in Biopolis.


By Tay Suan Chiang

The river promenade outside UOB Plaza is a popular spot, especially during weekday lunch hour:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/rv0902.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/rv0902a.jpg

Cavenagh Bridge
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rv1002a.jpg

Bumboats along Boat Quay
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/rv1002.jpg

Thanks for all these beautiful riverside photos, how incredibly beautiful! :banana:

I just found an article on CNN (http://edition.cnn.com/2007/TRAVEL/02/14/singapore.waterfront.reut/index.html) that talks about Singapore's achievements and future plans on opening up and further enhancing its waterfront areas. :okay:

I didn't quite know where to put it, but I hope this is a good spot. :)

Oh I love the article!

I didn't quite know where to put it, but I hope this is a good spot. :)

It is indeed a good spot :)

There was a recent exhibition detailing how all of Singapore’s waterways, reservoirs and canals were going to be enhanced aesthetically and recreationally :yes:

The Singapore River itself has had a thorough madeover, but a lot more work can be done to make the other canals outside the tourist areas more attractive, and the exhibition was on that.

Here is a pano I took while at the exhibition, showing the Singapore River:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/riverpano0902.jpg

Glad to hear you liked the article, JoSin! :happy: And glad I put it into an approptiate place as well. :)

^^ That's quite a panorama, Raffi! It shows the tininess and intense colorfulness of the shophouses and the colorwise more uniform tallness of Singapore scrapers that rise high above them ... really well done! :okay:

^^
Thanks SEAFan, another example of 'giants next to the dwarfs':

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/sxyriver.jpg

The Asian Civilisations Museum across the water

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/sxyriver2.jpg

Thank you, Raffi! :)

More lovely photos of Singapore's spectacular waterfront. :cool:

Now may I ask, are there public proomenades all along the river banks on both sides?

You are right :D

the banks of both sides of the Singapore River are safeguarded as public promenades, to allow one to stroll along the entire length.

This diagram gives a bird's eye of the river. (Fullerton Hotel is on the extreme right):

-------------------->>>

http://www.ura.gov.sg/sales/MohamedSultanRd/images/robertsonquayBigMap.jpg

Haha, that drawing is so cute ^ ^
Funny though that you can see Central and even Robertson Blue on it, but you can still see the warehouses where the Watermark is being built.
And, hmm, what's up with the "land parcel" ? ^ ^

I got the drawing from URA website.

The drawing was meant to show the land parcel they were selling.

The site has since been sold, so a new hotel is on its way :-)

]http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/5266/dsc0989sue5.jpg[/URL]

us]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/278/dsc0987spc5.jpg[/URL]

]http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/1029/dsc1002spw1.jpg[/URL]

Finally something is done about the aging mall......:yes: Hopefully they revamp riverside point soon too....:yes:

April 7, 2007
Liang Court's Asian makeover
Planned $40m overhaul will see shops with 'modern Asians' theme for Japanese expats

By Lim Wei Chean

THE beat is on at Clarke Quay, and the 24-year-old Liang Court Shopping Centre wants to get back in the groove - with a $40 million revamp starting next month.

http://www.straitstimes.com:80/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20070406/ST_IMAGES_WCLIANGt.jpg
FOR THE MODERN ASIAN: An artist's impression of Liang Court once it has undergone the $40 million renovation. Japanese supermarket Meidi-Ya will be its biggest tenant, taking up 26 per cent of the space in the six-storey mall.

Work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to business and will be completed by the third quarter of next year.

There will be no physical increase in gross floor area, but the mall's interior will be reconfigured for easier access to shops.

The six-storey mall was sold to Asia Retail Mall Fund II for $175 million by the Ascott Group in 2005.

AsiaMalls Management, which is the property manager for the fund, is overseeing the renovation work.

Assistant general manager Stephanie Ho said: 'The shopping centre environment is very competitive and the mall, being 24 years old, is in great need of a change.'

In its heyday, the mall counted on anchor tenant Daimaru to draw in shoppers. But the Japanese store closed in early 2003 and the numbers started dwindling.

There are now 103 shops, of which 30 per cent are vacant. The average monthly shopper traffic to the mall now is between 250,000 and 280,000. The main draws are Japanese supermarket Meidi-Ya, Kinokuniya and Audio House.

Ms Ho hopes to see monthly shopper traffic go up to 400,000 to 600,000 once the revamp is done.

The new theme of the mall will be 'modern Asians', in recognition of the regular pool of Japanese expatriate shoppers. Shops and restaurants are expected to have an Asian theme.

Meidi-Ya will be the biggest tenant, taking up 26 per cent of the space. Its director, Mr Kiyohiro Gunji, said the supermarket will continue operations during the overhaul.

He added that the supermarket will also overhaul its equipment and undergo an image change. It will stock more Japanese groceries, vegetables, fish and fruits.

Ms Ho said that unlike other malls, fashion will not be the mainstay of the mall, constituting a mere 4 per cent of the trade mix.

Another big component is food and beverage. Ms Ho said they are looking to house a culinary school and a Japanese-themed foodcourt. It will have two shops teaching tea appreciation as well as the art of Chinese and Japanese tea ceremony.

Home electrical appliance as well as lifestyle shops focusing on audio and music form the bulk of the other tenants.

Ms Ho said with Clarke Quay being so vibrant after its overhaul, it is time that Liang Court caught up.

weichean@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2007 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

There will be no physical increase in gross floor area, but the mall's interior will be reconfigured for easier access to shops.


I hope the facade fronting Clarke Quay and the river will be made more porous...something like what Wisma Atria did...

Yep, I'm all in favor of that! :okay:

Actually I'm even more interested in easier access to the Riverfront than the access to shops. ;)

yah...I think gone are the days when a mall was basically a self-contained box...these days...its all about glass facades that reveal their contents...and also, the view :happy:

Boat Quay & the skyline

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/skyline0206a.jpg

Clarke Quay

http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/central0206.jpg

Closeup up of the shophouses around Boat Quay

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/bqcloseup.jpg

^^ are those heritage act protected or they can be bulldozeD?

They are a protected conservation area :)

http://www.ura.gov.sg/conservation/images/boat.gif

Bounded by South Bridge Road, Circular Road, Lorong Telok and North Canal Road, the area was given conservation status on 7 July 1989. It was traditionally the centre of trading activities along the Singapore River. Its unique charm and character lies in its two- and three-storey shophouses mainly of the Early, Transitional and Art Deco Styles which line the river.

http://www.ura.gov.sg/conservation/boat.htm

^^ cool....:banana:

S'pore River, as seen through student art

28 Jul 07

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20070727/ST_IMAGES_XINCULTURE.jpg

PEOPLE strolling along the Singapore River from now till the end of next month are likely to come across 35 structures featuring the artwork of students.
The artwork is part of Singapore HeritageFest's Culture By The Bay - an event aimed at showcasing memories of the Singapore River.

Carrying over 100 depictions of the river, the structures will dot the banks of the river, from Clarke Quay to Esplanade Park.

Winner of the primary school category Celine Chia, 10, of Jurong Primary, said: 'I never dreamed this would happen. I'm so happy that my work will be on display!'

The Culture By The Bay student art competition drew close to 3,700 entries from primary, secondary and special education schools as well as pre-tertiary institutions.

Minister of State for Education Lui Tuck Yew said: 'Through this project, the students have not only painted their image of the present Singapore River, but have also learnt about its past and how it evolved over the years.'

The youngest winner Tan Jia Wei, 8, came in tops in the special education schools category.

Every Friday for a month, he spent his half-hour art period at the Minds Yio Chu Kang Gardens School on his artpiece portraying the transformation of the river over time.

For Nanyang Junior College's Lim Zhi Wei, her representation of the river using a picture in a picture earned her top prize in the secondary school and pre-university category.

The 18-year-old said: 'I hope my piece will prompt viewers to find out more about the river's past and to appreciate what it took to get it to what it is today.'

The artwork displayed on the 35 structures are reproductions of the original paintings, which will be exhibited at the Asian Civilisations Museum till the end of next month.

An Arts Fair, featuring 40 stalls selling art, fashion and lifestyle pieces, will also be held at the museum this weekend.

By Lin Xinyi

I saw they are having a dragon boat competition this Sunday.

Early morning, and you could almost have the whole promenade to yourself. Quiet and peaceful.

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So nice....love the mirror effect....:happy:

yes it is very calming :-)

only complaint is water level is very low. Wonder what happened???

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It hasnt been raining the past 2 days or so?

btw thats a very pristine pic, the cat sculptures are cute :D

Great reflections of both pics.

Maybe I should consider doing some lonely photography :P

Thanks raptor. Looks like there are further plans to improve the river zone, based on this joint reply from STB & URA.
I hope they implement the 'jellyfish' lights in the river.

Plans to revitalise Singapore River as a whole

1 Sep 07

WE REFER to the letters in The Straits Times on Boat Quay by Mr Raj Patro (Aug 16), Mr Steve Tan (Aug 20) and Ms Lau Ai Lin (Aug 23).
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has planned the three quays along Singapore River - Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay - based on their existing character and land use, in order to bring out their distinct characters and differentiate them. The character of the quays has evolved over time, with different ownership of the areas having a direct effect on their business dynamics and ambience.

The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) has been working closely with CapitaLand Group, which owns and manages Clarke Quay, through its development, as well as with the Boat Quay Business Association and business owners to explore ways to enhance its vibrancy and attractiveness.

We would like to assure the writers that the STB and URA are studying plans to revitalise the Singapore River as a whole. Our vision is to position Singapore River as a must-visit destination for everyone, particularly the working crowd, leisure and business visitors, young adults and families, to enjoy a vibrant riverfront destination with a good mix of F&B, retail and entertainment outlets, hotels and residences. The plan takes into consideration both the 'hardware' and 'software' aspects, involving infrastructure enhancements and enhancing buzz through the staging of signature events and regular activities. Details of the plan will be shared once they are finalised.

We believe that the Singapore River has the potential to thrive as a 24-hour lifestyle and entertainment belt for visitors and local residents, adding to Singapore's unique personality.

Lynette Pang (Ms)
Director for Cluster Development (Events & Entertainment)
Singapore Tourism Board

Fun Siew Leng (Ms)
Director (Urban Planning & Design)
Urban Redevelopment Authority

Art work displayed along the river bank

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my trip to Clarke Quay :D

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This has got to be one of the most outlandishly themed cafes at Clarke Quay! :D

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^^ The Clinic :D

Anderson Bridge / The Fullerton / Cavenagh Bridge

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Boat Quay shophouses

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View from Elgin Bridge

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Boats clustered around Raffles landing point

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This has got to be one of the most outlandishly themed cafes at Clarke Quay! :D

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Wheel chairs and hospital beds for patrons? They are crazy!!

LOL

yah...if i'm not wrong it is the place where they serve molecular cuisine.
Food is served as if you were in a laboratory, in test tubes, conical flasks and syringes.

The last time I was there I couldnt resist taking pics of it and even got some of my friend's to sit in it just so they could be photographed in a wheelchair. Personally I don't find it very auspicious though :lol:

But it can't beat what I hear they have in Taiwan - eating from a toilet bowl

Wheel chairs and hospital beds for patrons? They are crazy!!

Should use coffin us sofa bed so that patrons can sit down more comfortably to enjoy their meal. :lol::lol:

fullerton's swimmin pool!!!

LOL

yah...if i'm not wrong it is the place where they serve molecular cuisine.
Food is served as if you were in a laboratory, in test tubes, conical flasks and syringes.

The last time I was there I couldnt resist taking pics of it and even got some of my friend's to sit in it just so they could be photographed in a wheelchair. Personally I don't find it very auspicious though :lol:

But it can't beat what I hear they have in Taiwan - eating from a toilet bowl

will b trying that cafe when i come to Clarke Quay again :D
is it somehow related with auspicious thing?

^^ LOVELY photos of Singapore's newly enjoyable riverfront, Raffi! :)

Is that the Fullerton in the first pic? It's a very unusual angle, that's why I'm having problems recognizing it I guess.


Edit: You don't have to answer ... I just looked at a certain other thread, and now I just know it's the Fullerton! :okay:

;

^^

Thanks SEAFan...yes its yet another angle of the Fullerton :yes:

Some glimpses of the river from South Bridge Rd. Great place to head to in the evening:cheers:

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is it somehow related with auspicious thing?

no...just a slightly uncomfortable feeling to sit in a wheelchair as if it was a thrill, cos nobody wants to be unlucky...On second thoughts, I wonder how a wheelchair-bound person would feel going to this place....:cheers:

^^ :eek: ooh icic thanks for the info though :D

Ahoy! New water taxis to cruise S'pore River soon

26 May 08

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THE first batch of new water taxis run by Singapore Ducktours will take to the Singapore River in a matter of days.
Currently undergoing water trials, at least three of these 14m-long, 56-seater aluminium vessels, known as HiPPOboats, should be licensed for river cruises by the end of this month.

'By mid-June, we will have at least eight HiPPOboats in the river,' said Ms Agnes Shew, assistant director of Singapore Ducktours. The company also operates the DHL Balloon and city sightseeing tours on open-top buses and amphibious vehicles.

Over the next three years, this home-grown tour operator will launch 20 boats, costing about $7 million, on the river.

Some of these vessels will be outfitted with banquet tables for dinner cruises, and others with sofa seats for parties.

This new service is part of a large-scale rejuvenation plan by the authorities that aims to make the Singapore River a tourist magnet.

The new Ducktours boats replace bumboats formerly operated by tourism and leisure company Singapore Explorer, which ended at the end of last year. Another company, Singapore River Cruises & Leisure, continues its bumboat service on the waterway.

In accordance with national water agency PUB's regulations, all the new boats will operate with a hybrid system of batteries and solar panels.

Trained guides will provide live commentaries on historically significant spots as passengers glide past a route that includes the Esplanade and Clarke Quay.


HONG XINYI

i hope not all of the bumboats are changed to this new hippo ones..prfer the look of the traditional kinds..

anyway, from news last time they are changing to CNG or something for the bumboats..when will tt actually take place?:)

I still see the old bumboats around even now.
I would hope they find a way to retain the design of the old bumboats. They would really contrast interestingly with the futuristic glass skyline backdrop of Marina Bay.

http://www.msafdie.com/images/1181

PUB clears river sludge along Robertson Quay

27 May 08

SINGAPORE: The air along Robertson Quay has finally been cleared. And the source of the offending stench a 1m-thick layer of sludge lining the bed of the Singapore River has been removed, giving the area a breath of fresh air.

The years of muck that lined a 50m stretch of riverbed could have been due to dead leaves, litter and silt discharged from nearby worksites, especially after rain, said a PUB officer during a media briefing at the quayside on Monday.

The sludge fronting the Red House at The Quayside had been assailing the nostrils of visitors, patrons and tenants for the last three months. And while the PUB assured that the air is clean again, the agency would “continue to monitor the situation”.

TODAY had reported last week that visitors to the pubs and restaurants located along the bend at Robertson Quay had complained of a pungent smell.

Mr William Yeo, PUB’s assistant director of catchment and waterways, said the agency conducts a major dredging exercise along the river once every few years.

Whenever they are notified about a stench, they will carry out localised dredging the last one at Robertson Quay was done in 2001.The latest dredging exercise was completed on Monday, the third such this year. Patrol boats also make daily rounds, scooping up dead leaves, plastics and cans.

“The river is very large so we need help from the public and businesses to give feedback to us,” said Mr Yeo. He added that they will continue make their rounds but if there is no smell, they will not disturb the riverbed.

Restaurant staff along the river told TODAY that they are finally getting a breath of fresh air. The managing partner of the Brussels Sprouts, Ms Monique Kwok, 40, said that she is looking forward to more business. She said that customers had previously associated the foul smell with the restaurant lining the river.

“Business is definitely going to improve because more people will probably visit the area and hang out by the river now that the smell is gone,” she said. - TODAY/ar

By Jinny Koh, TODAY

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i love sludge!

they r awesome to muddle in

Evening just before sunset

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Singapore River's diesel bumboats go green

16 June 08

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SINGAPORE: An icon at the historically-important Singapore River has undergone a transformation.

The bumboats there have gone green! The last of the 10 diesel-powered bumboats were replaced with electric-powered vessels last weekend.

This is to ensure that the water quality will remain good, as the Marina Basin will be turned into a freshwater reservoir when the Marina Barrage is completed.

Bumboats have been plying the Singapore River for decades.

At first, they were used to ferry goods to warehouses and then over the past 20 years, they have been carrying people.

The smell and noise of the diesel engines have been part of the experience for the people taking the bumboats.

Ryden Fang, Singapore River Cruises & Leisure's director, said: "What people usually comment is: it's very noisy, the diesel's smelly. But now, I really miss the smell a lot... because we try to maintain as much flavour of the old boat as possible, we actually designed and built the new bumboats according to the old bumboats but in a bigger version."

At the succession ceremony, Ah Gu - a boatman for 30 years - handed over the kerosene navigation light from the old diesel bumboats to the new electric bumboats.

Then it was time for the diesel boats to make their final journey along the Singapore River. On board were 80 senior citizens from Chinatown Kreta Ayer Senior Activity Club.

The Singapore River Cruises & Leisure is willing to donate the old boats to corporations and institutions which are interested in showcasing the bumboats for heritage preservation and educational purposes. - CNA/ir


By Margaret Perry, Channel NewsAsia

Why don't they just take out the old engine and replace with a new one?

It's going to be another Chinatown. Looks old on the outside, but it's practically a fake replica.

anybody got photos to share on the MRT tunneling at the Singapore River that took place in the mid-1980s?

There is a small book in the National Library on the MRT that shows the tunneling works beneath the river, and other parts of the MRT under construction.

In some old pics there used to be a shed-like building near the Cavenagh Bridge.

Boat Quay during sunset..

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cont..

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Asian Civilisations Museum along the river...
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and one of my favorite hotel...
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Gorgeous pics there, I love how the night lightings adds to the grandeur of the colonial buildings :cool:

Some more riverside scenes:

Boats ferrying tourists up and down the river:

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High energy fun in the water

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This feature from the ST looks at the 13 bridges of the Singapore River, going back over 138 years:

http://www.straitstimes.com.sg/STI/STIMEDIA/pdf/20080820/Bridges_art_Latest.pdf

Six historic bridges in Singapore gazetted for conservation

3 Oct 08

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SINGAPORE: The Urban Renewal Authority (URA) is expanding its conservation programme beyond buildings.

For the first time, structures such as bridges, towers and pavilions will be conserved as part of Singapore's architectural heritage, and Anderson Bridge is one of six bridges named for conservation in 2008.

The others are the Elgin Bridge at Boat Quay, the Cavenagh Bridge just outside Fullerton Hotel, the Ord, Read and Crawford Bridges.

Also gazetted for conservation are the iconic observatory tower at Seletar Reservoir Park and the floating pavilion at the MacRitchie Reservoir.

The grand Band Stand and Swan Lake gazebo at Botanic Gardens will also be conserved.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said, "Our city is not just a collection of buildings. Iconic new buildings alone do not give a city its unique character. The soul of a city requires more careful nurturing. By preserving the collective memories of our past, we make our physical environment more meaningful."

One major challenge in conservation projects is the loss in redevelopment potential, but seven conservation projects managed to overcome this.

They won the 2008 URA Architectural Heritage Award for restoring heritage buildings to their former glory and giving them a new lease of life.

One of the winning projects is a century-old seaside bungalow, which is currently the clubhouse for the Sea View condominium.

Another winner is the Screening Room, previously the historical two-star Damenlou Hotel within the Chinatown District. It has been transformed into an eclectic film and food haven complete with a screening theatre and a rekindled rooftop under the stars.

The other winning projects are Sri Temasek at the Istana, a row of high-end townhouses transformed from pre-war shophouses at Jellicoe Road, Tan Chin Tuan Mansion, No 14 Cable Road and a shophouse at Cairnhill Road.

Nearly 7,000 buildings and structures have been conserved so far.