ORCHARD ROAD new pics! [Archive]

babystan03

October 26th, 2005, 04:15 PM

26 October 2005

Orchard Road has world's 14th most expensive retail space
By Thomas Cho, Channel NewsAsia

Orchard Road has world's 14th most expensive retail space, rentals up 6.3% from year ago: Cushman and Wakefield report

SINGAPORE : Orchard Road is inching up the rankings among the world's most expensive shopping destinations.

With average retail rental of more than US$2,600 per square metre per year, Orchard Road has the world's 14th most expensive retail space, up from number 15 last year.

That is according to annual report by Cushman and Wakefield.

Topping the list is New York City's 5th Avenue, followed by Causeway Bay in Hong Kong. Champs Elysees in Paris is third, followed by London's New Bond Street. Tokyo's Ginza ranks fifth.

The report tracks retail rents in the world's top 237 shopping locations across 47 countries.

Among the findings for Singapore's famous shopping street, Orchard Road witnessed an increase of 6.3% in rent from a year ago.

On average, rental there cost an average of S$34 per square foot a month.

Cushman says shops in Paragon, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City which have a street view can fetch rental of as much as $50 per square foot.

It says the high rental rates are due to strong demand from local and international retailers for prime retail space.

Said Donald Han, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield: "This is due to Orchard Road's solid reputation as one of the premier shopping belts in the world.

"Foreign retailers all know Orchard Road. Everybody wants to have a piece of Orchard Road and to set up shop here."

Cushman noted that prime retail rents in Singapore have been on the uptrend over the past five years and are expected to continue its northward ascent for the next 12 months.

Recently, the Urban Redevelopment Authority released two sites along Orchard Road to be developed into retail space.

Cushman says this will be a welcome relief particularly for retailers in search for prime space. - CNA /ls

Copyright © 2005 MCN International Pte Ltd

ncon

October 27th, 2005, 04:41 PM

I just wondering those pics like Raff & Babystan take

did u take the pics candidly? cos seems that in the pics no one knows they're being capture.........

babystan03

October 27th, 2005, 04:50 PM

I just wondering those pics like Raff & Babystan take

did u take the pics candidly? cos seems that in the pics no one knows they're being capture.........

No one knows?? Hmmm........:lol:

http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/8467/pic0420819lu.jpg

ncon

October 27th, 2005, 04:54 PM

:lol: oh yah he noticed it :D but about the others ??

babystan03

October 27th, 2005, 05:02 PM

:lol: oh yah he noticed it :D but about the others ??

The others just want to look natural and cool in my pictures....:lol:

nazrey

October 27th, 2005, 09:30 PM

Orchard Rd retail space 14th most costly in world
Business Times Singapore, 27 October 2005

http://www.ytlcommunity.com/common/showimage.asp?imgid=46826

It moves up a spot from last year as average monthly rents rose 6.3%

By KALPANA RASHIWALA

SINGAPORE'S Orchard Road is now the world's 14th most expensive location in which to rent retail space, up a notch from its 15th position a year ago, according to an annual report by Cushman & Wakefield's European division.

Average retail rents on Orchard Road rose 6.3 per cent year-on-year to $34 psf a month. New York's Fifth Avenue maintained its top ranking in the report by Cushman & Wakefield Healey & Baker. In second position was Hong Kong's Causeway Bay, overtaking the Avenue des Champs Elysees in Paris. Rents on Causeway Bay jumped 90 per cent year on year.

Shanghai's Nanjing Road (East) was ranked 20th and Suria KLCC in the Malaysian capital, 26th.

The report, Main Streets Across the World 2005, tracks retail rents in the world's top 237 shopping locations across 47 countries. The report's global league table is drawn up by taking the most expensive location in each of the countries monitored.

Commenting on Singapore moving up a notch in this year's survey, Donald Han, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield's Singapore office, said: 'Demand from local and international retailers for prime shopping centres remains strong. This has pushed occupancy levels to the brink of full capacity for these malls. Prime retail rents have been on the uptrend over the past five years and are expected to continue their northward ascent for the next 12 months.'

He noted that the government's recent tender launches for two sites along Orchard Road is 'a welcome relief, particularly for retailers in search for prime space'.

Projects on the new sites at Orchard and Somerset MRT stations are expected to generate about 780,000 sq ft of retail space from 2009 onwards. However, Mr Han does not expect the new supply to soften prime retail rents on Orchard Road over the medium term.

'This is due to Orchard Road's solid reputation as one of the premier shopping belts in the world. Everybody wants to have a piece of Orchard Road and to set up shop here.'

Copyright 2005 Singapore Press Holdings Ltd. All rights reserved.

ncon

October 28th, 2005, 10:15 AM

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/1633/dsc027001ad.jpg

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/727/dsc026996fm.jpg

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/1719/dsc027023br.jpg

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/4839/dsc027042js.jpg

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/9311/dsc027053si.jpg

ncon

October 28th, 2005, 10:16 AM

http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/3370/dsc027018bs.jpg

hot day :D
http://img474.imageshack.us/img474/8898/dsc027032oq.jpg

aloyteo

October 28th, 2005, 02:35 PM

wah that guy in the first pic must have thought singapore is a temperate country...

babystan03

October 30th, 2005, 04:51 AM

Shaw House (Lido Cineplex)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/ylstan03/City%20Landscapes/PIC041331.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v222/ylstan03/City%20Landscapes/PIC041351.jpg

ncon

October 30th, 2005, 04:52 AM

^^stan how bout u try to take Entertainment place at Cineleisure

I think new one open at Nov

babystan03

October 30th, 2005, 06:22 AM

^^stan how bout u try to take Entertainment place at Cineleisure

I think new one open at Nov

Entertainment place?? Whats that?? :?

ncon

October 30th, 2005, 08:48 AM

like arcade

on-line gaming all in one place :D

i think will be the biggest entertainment place in Singapore

RafflesCity

October 31st, 2005, 01:53 PM

I think theyre starting to do the Christmas decorations

rark

October 31st, 2005, 02:52 PM

yea.. there's the big christmas tree outside paragon.... etc

hyacinthus

October 31st, 2005, 03:26 PM

This year's xmas deco theme is? saw lots of "musical notes" along Orchard Rd.

ncon

October 31st, 2005, 04:08 PM

i think they have put some decoration on Tanglin road

RafflesCity

October 31st, 2005, 04:11 PM

More of that Orchard Road feelin :happy:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/ord2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/ord3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/ord.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/ord4.jpg

babystan03

November 4th, 2005, 12:26 AM

Nov 4, 2005
More changes in store for S'pore malls
Landlords are redesigning them to maximise rentals; flashier facades, themed shopping zones are likely

By Fiona Chan

SINGAPORE shopping malls have already undergone a massive facelift over the last two decades, but industry players say more changes are in store for the spoilt-for-choice consumer.

The emergence of real estate investment trusts (Reits) is leading landlords to redesign their malls to maximise rentals - the main source of income for such property trusts - while the planned revival of Orchard Road will breathe new life into tired buildings.

Consumers can expect flashier facades such as the glass frontages already seen at Paragon and Wisma Atria, as well as clustering of shops to form themed zones.

More alfresco dining spaces, such as the open air dining stretch outside Wisma Atria, are also on the menu. Such changes allow for an increase in lettable space and improve the attractiveness of the mall, translating to higher rentals for landlords.

Glass-panelled facades, for example, give better visibility for shop tenants and allow landlords to charge a premium.

Clustering similar shops in one area of the mall improves the shopping experience for consumers, helping to retain them in the mall for a longer time, said Mr Danny Yeo, executive director of property consultancy Knight Frank.

'In the last few years we're seeing a lot of shops being clustered according to product or target age group, like in The Heeren or Far East Plaza,' he said.

Developers are also paying more attention to details like rest spaces and 'eye-stops', design features like the basement aquarium at Wisma Atria, that help break the monotony of the surroundings and keep consumers engaged.

While more competition for fickle consumers is a major reason landlords are willing to pump in cash, a recent push factor is the proliferation of Reits such as Prime Reit and CapitaMall Trust (CMT).

Since buying Junction 8 at Bishan, for example, CMT has widened the mall's net lettable area by maximising the use of space in the basement and corridors, said Jones Lang LaSalle's associate director of retail, Ms Pauline Tan.

Older malls which are less attractive to Reits have also been thrown into the spotlight by the planned rejuvenation of Orchard Road. Some, like Lucky Plaza, are scrambling to refurbish to keep up with their glitzier, more popular neighbours that command higher rents.

All these changes mean landlords can afford to charge more. Average rentals, even in suburban malls, have increased by 20 per cent to 30 per cent from a decade ago and are expected to climb further, property consultants said.

As landlords look to further maximise rental yields, department stores, once indispensable anchor tenants, may also play a much smaller role in tomorrow's malls.

Not only do consumers prefer to shop at boutique stores where there is a wider variety of specific goods, department stores are less lucrative for landlords who usually charge less per sq ft for tenants occupying larger spaces.

With new buildings coming up on the Orchard Turn and Somerset sites, property consultants expect mall designs to evolve further. 'Moving forward, we foresee that particularly in downtown locations, shopping centres will in future go beyond the three- and four-storey model and may move up vertically up to 10 storeys to maximise their gross floor area,' said Mr Yeo.

fiochan@sph.com.sg

Shoppers' paradise

More shopping malls may have glass frontages such as those already seen at Wisma Atria (left) and Paragon (right).

These give better visibility for shop tenants and allow landlords to charge a premium for space with visual frontage facing the road.

Consumers can also expect more alfresco dining spaces, such as the open air dining stretch outside Wisma Atria, which allow for an increase in lettable space and improve the attractiveness of the mall, translating to higher rentals for landlords.

There could also be more clustering of shops according to product or target age group, like in The Heeren or Far East Plaza, which improves the shopping experience and helps retain shoppers in the mall for a longer time.

Shoppers can also look forward to more rest spaces and 'eye-stops' - design features such as the basement aquarium at Wisma Atria.

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

drwho

November 4th, 2005, 01:43 AM

raffie: thats lively pics of Orchard Road :)

rark

November 4th, 2005, 03:19 AM

How about photos of those who make the "Orchard-road" shopping experience great and unique. Street buskers, the "gold-man" at Orchard MRT. Etc. But a word of caution, dont try taking photos of the busker in the underpass from Tangs to shaw centre. :D

redstone

November 9th, 2005, 06:18 PM

http://img496.imageshack.us/img496/9678/amk6fu.jpg
The most hideous buildings in Orchard, and they happen to be beside each other! :puke:

Midpoint Orchard and Urban Warehouse.
Demolish!!!

RafflesCity

November 10th, 2005, 04:18 AM

^^

They arent that ugly because theyre quite colourful, and the focus is on the ads, so your attention is not drawn to their architecture IMO

@drwho, thanks :)

redstone

November 10th, 2005, 11:41 AM

The architecture is revolting.

If not for the giant ad, it'll look even worse.

Urban Warehouse is tacky.

babystan03

November 10th, 2005, 11:31 PM

Nov 11, 2005
Recycled Santas? Not this Xmas
Malls spending more on fancier festive decor as economy improves

By Krist Boo and Marcel Lee Pereira

IF SINGAPORE'S malls look a little fancier this Christmas, it is probably because the robust economy has allowed them to ditch those recycled Santas and invest in some new decorations.

Malls have bumped up their yearly festive wardrobe purses by 10 to 15 per cent, according to contractors. Contractor Q's Advertising, whose clients include Paragon, Tanglin Mall and Raffles City, said suburban malls are spending up to $100,000 each and downtown malls up to twice as much.

Q's director, Ms Valerie Chan, said: 'People are beginning to spend, especially if you look at those along Orchard Road, probably because the Government is hyping up the place.

'And generally, the economy is improving.'

It is also a boon for schools and churches, which often inherit the decorations malls no longer want.

Mr David Tang, marketing director of Rich Art Enterprises, another player, said: 'It may be because the economy is better. And malls have been recycling and people have been complaining it's the same look every year.'

Mr Tang said his company's line-up of 15 malls, which include Compass Point and Centrepoint, are going big on cartoons and spending more on shows to draw in the school holiday crowd.

While new fairy lights may not lead to blind spending, retailers hope they will help loosen shoppers' purse strings.

Singapore Retailers Association executive director, Ms Lau Chuen Wei, said: 'All that razzle-dazzle may not contribute to buying, but it certainly adds to the feeling of Christmas. When people feel good, they are more inclined to buy.'

So, even though the plug was pulled on the Best Decorated Building contest in 2002, shopping centres still make an effort to put on their best dress.

Centrepoint senior manager for marketing communications, Ms Felicia Ho, said tinsel and garlands do pull in the crowd. Indeed, most shoppers along Orchard Road who spoke to The Straits Times said the decorations are an added incentive for them to spend money there.

Ms Elly Khairiana, an accountant in her early 20s, described the decorations there as 'grand, very merry and better than last year'.

'I usually save up for Christmas and shop here every year,' she added.

krist@sph.com.sg

marcelp@sph.com.sg

Copyright © 2005 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

hyacinthus

November 11th, 2005, 02:25 AM

yesterday was the Christmas lightup at Orchard Road... Beautiful! We drove in Orchard, City Hall and Suntec areas to watch the lightup. No camera with me cos I want to enjoy the lights. Suntec has 3 "crystal balls" on top of its overhead bridge with Santa, reindeer etc in them. Time to take pics this weekend! ;)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

babystan03

November 11th, 2005, 03:48 PM

shao_ye

November 11th, 2005, 06:18 PM

^ that bridge is always crowded... somemore its an temprory bridge... extra 3 balls sure looks great but no harm to the bridge? haha...

babystan03

November 13th, 2005, 04:08 PM

Some Orchard Road picture from Clubsnap by Isaiahfortythirtyone

http://gallery.clubsnap.com/data/500/medium/centerpoint.jpg

http://gallery.clubsnap.com/data/500/medium/post-office.jpg

http://gallery.clubsnap.com/data/500/medium/seasons-greetings.jpg

babystan03

December 7th, 2005, 03:10 PM

Standing in straight rows with different expressions

http://img372.imageshack.us/img372/9494/dsc0082313zy.jpg

babystan03

December 7th, 2005, 04:23 PM

Walking in 2 different directions but never meet

http://img502.imageshack.us/img502/580/dsc0080012to.jpg

Fixing a shoe

http://img527.imageshack.us/img527/7716/dsc0081116ta.jpg

hyacinthus

February 3rd, 2006, 05:00 PM

3 Feb 2006
Chingay Floats getting to the destination along Somerset Road

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4950/dsc01859gt.jpg
^ Today's Seventh Day of CNY - It's everyone's birthday! ;)

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/4577/dsc01883jq.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2760/dsc01897fn.jpg

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/892/dsc01900iv.jpg

RafflesCity

February 3rd, 2006, 05:03 PM

This float looks nice!

http://img100.imageshack.us/img100/2760/dsc01897fn.jpg

:cool:

shao_ye

February 3rd, 2006, 05:16 PM

the floats looks exciting-ly interesting...

RafflesCity

June 4th, 2006, 03:13 PM

Singapore's premier street by night :cool:

'The' main junction:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/onite1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/onite2.jpg

Wheelock Place

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/onite3.jpg

RafflesCity

June 4th, 2006, 03:15 PM

Strolling outside Wisma Atria

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/8961/onite65we.jpg

The Heeren

http://img105.imageshack.us/img105/1199/onite104sy.jpg

This building says Orchard Road like no other - a true landmark:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/onite5.jpg

babystan03

June 4th, 2006, 03:22 PM

Wow....fabulous pictures.....:okay:

RafflesCity

June 4th, 2006, 03:26 PM

Thanks!

Orchard Rd has its own bustle :yes:

babystan03

June 5th, 2006, 01:36 PM

So beautiful......anymore?? :D

Cliff

June 5th, 2006, 02:11 PM

Great shots raffie!!!

RafflesCity

June 10th, 2006, 04:33 PM

Thanks. Just a few more:

http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/4027/onite77ty.jpg

http://img60.imageshack.us/img60/6560/onite84rg.jpg

http://img86.imageshack.us/img86/9345/onite91dr.jpg

babystan03

June 10th, 2006, 04:42 PM

Gorgeous.....:cool:

Actually orchard road is difficult to photograph at night....so crowded....:yes:

RafflesCity

June 10th, 2006, 04:45 PM

I think Orchard Rd offers many opportunities and many possible angles....but yeah its a bit strange to plonk the tripod down in the middle of the street...but kinda fun :D

babystan03

June 10th, 2006, 04:47 PM

I think Orchard Rd offers many opportunities and many possible angles....but yeah its a bit strange to plonk the tripod down in the middle of the street...but kinda fun :D

Haha.....I think I kinda gotta used to the stares (from using a tripod) now.....:lol:

RafflesCity

June 11th, 2006, 11:48 AM

Shop stops

11 Jun 06

Tents set up on pedestrian malls in parts of Orchard Road offer shoppers another venue to browse

http://straitstimes.asia1.com.sg/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20060610/ST_IMAGES_LIFMYTENT1t.jpg

SMALL tents, disparate vendors, outdoor shopping - sounds like your neighbourhood pasar malam? Hardly.
Arabian Nights-like tents have been springing up outside malls along the Orchard Road shopping belt in the last few years.

These days, you can pick up a McDonald's Happy Meal followed by a tummy-trimming machine along the pedestrian mall that stretches from Ngee Ann City to the Meritus Mandarin hotel. Across the road, about 10 alfresco stalls line the walkways outside Crown Prince Hotel.

But unlike run-of-the-mill snacks and designer knock-offs peddled at heartland bazaars, vendors in Orchard Road stock the likes of mobile phones and massage chairs. Some are established retailers which already have permanent shop space but want more visibility.

Take the Taka Jewellery chain, which has 23 outlets mainly in HDB estates.

'These are strategic locations where we do not have an outlet. We hope to reach out to passers-by and tap on the traffic in these areas,' says its spokesman Felicia Wee.

Such stalls began popping up during festive occasions such as Christmas. But they seem to be staying put for longer periods, although the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) says they are not meant to be permanent fixtures.

Under STB's regulations, the stalls must be set up in conjunction with key events such as the Great Singapore Sale, and pack up after three months.

The STB processes applications for tent stalls on state land, such as the stretch in front of Ngee Ann City and the Meritus Mandarin hotel.

Other tents, such as those outside Crown Prince Hotel and Shaw Centre, are managed by private land owners.

The current stalls at Ngee Ann City are organised by event and promotions company Punch! as part of an event called Shop 'N Indulge.

To be held till June 25, the month-long event costs $250,000 to stage, which includes the construction costs, power supply and production costs for weekend shows.

Vendors, which include Samsung, Davidoff Fragrances, Osim and McDonald's, pay $8,000 to $15,000 each to rent the 9 sq m tents.

'The tents allow shoppers and tourists to grab something quickly when they don't have time to browse in the malls,' says Mr Dinesh Sujani, 35, who owns Punch!.

'Also, the tents add vibrancy to the shopping scene here.'

The STB will launch a $40 million project to spruce up pedestrian walkways, among other things, as part of a plan to rejuvenate Orchard Road. But its spokesman says that these plans, including schemes for tent stalls, will be reviewed only later this year.

Meanwhile, the visibility of these stalls has translated into brisk sales for the vendors.

Osim, for instance, says it can sell five uZaps, a massage belt and a massage chair a day. The sales are comparable to that of its stores, says Mr Varian Tang, 28, an Osim sales representative.

But the stalls' prominent location also means that the stylish window displays of boutiques such as Louis Vuitton and Chanel are not very visible from across the road.

A check with retailers such as Takashimaya, Chanel and The Link boutique at the Meritus Mandarin Hotel Shopping Gallery, however, turned up no grouses.

None has received any negative feedback from their staff or customers.

A spokesman for Chanel says: 'For us, the main concern is the front window and because our display is very big, the stalls aren't a problem at all.'

And shoppers certainly aren't complaining.

'The stalls give us shopping options apart from the usual malls,' says Mr Reduan Mohammud, 42, who works in the food and beverage industry. He was taking pictures of his family posing with a floral arrangement set up between two stalls.

Lecturer Eunice Wee, 30, who was browsing at the stalls outside Ngee Ann City, adds: 'It's convenient. And as you walk down the road, it gives you something to look at.'

By May Yip

June 11th, 2006, 12:22 PM

I want to go shopping there!!!
...are the stuff more expensive in compare with other world-cities?
...nice road...a shopping street have to got trees otherwise you can't relax during shopping ^_^

ncon

June 11th, 2006, 12:56 PM

^^ some of the things is cheaper compare to other cities espcially during SINGAPORE SALE (now!) :D

builder1010

June 18th, 2006, 07:09 AM

do you think there should be pasar malam on Orchard road? or only high class events are allowed?

hyacinthus

June 18th, 2006, 08:02 AM

Looking at the products, I feel pasar malams are more suitable in HDB towns.

Food, maybe.

babystan03

June 30th, 2006, 04:14 PM

Some Hand-Held night pictures.....:D

1.
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/8833/dsc01239kq.jpg
2.
http://img525.imageshack.us/img525/1057/dsc01253sd.jpg
3.
http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/8729/dsc01248fq.jpg
4.
http://img228.imageshack.us/img228/7097/dsc01263vw.jpg

RafflesCity

June 30th, 2006, 04:42 PM

Those are funky...like a strip-tease of Orchard at nite :cool:

babystan03

June 30th, 2006, 04:46 PM

Those are funky...like a strip-tease of Orchard at nite :cool:

Thanks......:D

Sigh...I should have brought the lens earlier for the HK trip.....:yes:

Pengui

June 30th, 2006, 05:19 PM

Gah... Your camera can take this kind of night pics being handheld... I'm so jealous ^ ^;

hyacinthus

June 30th, 2006, 05:22 PM

that's because he's using 50mm f1.8 lens. :yes:

Its pics are very tightly-framed though...

babystan03

July 1st, 2006, 02:31 AM

that's because he's using 50mm f1.8 lens. :yes:

Its pics are very tightly-framed though...

Haha....sometimes have to move back when I want to take a picture of something I like.....:yes:

babystan03

July 1st, 2006, 07:18 AM

More hand-held night pictures....:D

1.
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/4491/dsc01301se.jpg
2.
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/9084/dsc01286gk.jpg
3.
http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/7862/dsc01357bu.jpg
4.
http://img330.imageshack.us/img330/7721/dsc01393iv.jpg

RafflesCity

July 1st, 2006, 05:48 PM

really not bad, even without a tripod!

quite convenient :cool:

babystan03

July 1st, 2006, 05:51 PM

really not bad, even without a tripod!

quite convenient :cool:

Yeah.....very light....suitable for travelling also...and the best thing is it's value for money (cost S$180)......:yes:

JoSin

July 3rd, 2006, 04:59 PM

Some pics of orchard taken by me while passing by.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/P1060126.jpg

Taken from foodrepublic at wisma atria
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/P1060129.jpg

Lonely walker ...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v730/jonathantay/P1060139.jpg

RafflesCity

July 4th, 2006, 04:46 PM

I like the angle of the first pic

RafflesCity

July 25th, 2006, 01:49 PM

More scenes outside Wisma Atria

1.
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/orch2207b.jpg

2. Outdoor refreshment areas spill onto the sidewalk
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/orch2207c.jpg

3. Facade displays
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/orch2207e.jpg

RafflesCity

July 25th, 2006, 01:50 PM

4. The Orchard MRT station entrance
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/orch2207.jpg

5. Centrepoint undergoing renovation
http://i77.photobucket.com/albums/j67/RCSSC/orch2207d.jpg

pakboy

July 30th, 2006, 08:22 PM

best street in the world

european

July 30th, 2006, 09:57 PM

Wow it loos so much better the sloane street the one we have in london.

Lastresorter

July 31st, 2006, 12:23 PM

Whew! I enjoyed the pics here... Orchard Road is very cosmopolitan! :okay:

6fran

July 31st, 2006, 12:47 PM

Great Pics! Never knew that borders was also operating in Singapore!

RafflesCity

September 10th, 2006, 02:07 PM

Back at Orchard for latest updates:

Site preparation at Orchard Turn has started, there is a photography display outside Wheelock Place & more flora along the streets for the IMF. Also, some trees feature the polka-dotted artwork by some Japanese artist.

1.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/och1.jpg

2.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/och2.jpg

RafflesCity

September 10th, 2006, 02:08 PM

3.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/och3.jpg

4. Admiring the flowers
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/och4.jpg

5. The construction mess outside Dhoby Ghaut MRT has been tidied
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/ochdby.jpg

babystan03

September 10th, 2006, 02:13 PM

^ Wow....Orchard Road looks so beautiful.....:eek:

RafflesCity

September 10th, 2006, 02:19 PM

yeah...the flowering of the whole stretch is not stingy at all....effort has been taken to line all the way to Suntec :okay:

babystan03

September 10th, 2006, 02:28 PM

yeah...the flowering of the whole stretch is not stingy at all....effort has been taken to line all the way to Suntec :okay:

I wonder if it's expensive....if not I think it would be really nice if they make it permanent....:yes:

RafflesCity

September 10th, 2006, 02:35 PM

I wonder if it's expensive....if not I think it would be really nice if they make it permanent....:yes:

Think your wish echoes the desire of many :yes:

Why can't Orchard Road look like this all the time?

10 Sep 06

Both tourists and locals would like to see the floral displays all year round instead of just during current period

http://straitstimes.asiaone.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20060909/ST_IMAGES_SNDSNFLOWER-D14t.jpg

NOBODY who takes a walk or drive down Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road or around Suntec City can help but notice the brilliant blooms lining the roads.

Painting the streets with vivid bursts of colours are chrysanthemums, cosmos, impatiens and marigolds in various shades of red, pink, purple, orange and yellow, set off by the lush foliage of ferns and palms.

The National Parks Board (NParks) has spent considerable funds and effort sprucing up the streets to welcome the delegates of the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, who will be having meetings at Suntec City, starting this week.

The display covers about 22km of roads along Orchard Road, Bras Basah Road, Stamford Road, Nicoll Highway, East Coast Parkway, Raffles Boulevard, Temasek Boulevard and Temasek Avenue.

Mr Simon Longman, NParks' director of streetscape, said: 'This is the first time the streets are decorated with flowers on such a scale. We want to give Singaporeans and delegates a 'wow' when they walk or drive along these roads.'

Pedestrians and mall operators are certainly going 'wow' over the floral display, judging from street interviews conducted by The Sunday Times last week.

In fact, they liked the flowers so much that they were asking the NParks to make the flowers a permanent feature.

Said secretary Mary Chew, 42: 'They add a feel of festivity and vibrancy to our already famous Orchard Road.'

Shopping malls such as Centrepoint and hotels like Marina Mandarin could not agree more, saying that the flowers enhance the quality of urban life and befit Singapore's reputation as a garden city

As visual connections between buildings, the flowers could also act like nature trails for exploring the city centre, said Ms Suenne Megan Tan, assistant director of the Singapore Art Museum in Bras Basah Road.

However, Ms Tan and the others won't be getting their wish granted. NParks' Mr Longman said maintenance would be a major job if the flowers became a permanent fixture.

The blooms come from local nurseries, as well as from Cameron Highlands and Johor. About 250 gardeners from five nurseries worked over the past fortnight to plant the flowers.

As it is, during this period, seven water tankers will be deployed to water the flowers at least once a day, and twice on dry days. The flowers will last two to four weeks before they wither.

Other perennial flowering plants such as cassia could be considered but they thrive only in sunny spots.

But Mr Longman has this consolation for the flower lovers.

The blooms will be a permanent feature at the Istana Park opposite Plaza Singapura.

He appealed to the public to help preserve the displays: 'We hope that people will appreciate the landscaping and not pluck the flowers or trample on them.'

By Sarah Ng

babystan03

September 10th, 2006, 02:38 PM

^ They can consider fake flowers.....:lol:

glitz_boy

September 10th, 2006, 02:47 PM

wah but it is really nice and pleasant to everyone eyes :)

hyacinthus

September 10th, 2006, 03:13 PM

^ They can consider fake flowers.....:lol:

It'll discolour over time.

ncon

September 10th, 2006, 03:15 PM

the flower really make impact on the road :cool: :okay: !

hyacinthus

September 12th, 2006, 03:10 PM

Twilight Traffic at Wheelock Place

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSC_0546.jpg

hyacinthus

September 12th, 2006, 03:16 PM

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSC_0545.jpg

shao_ye

September 12th, 2006, 05:16 PM

Twilight Traffic at Wheelock Place

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h204/hyapic01/DSC_0546.jpg

looks christmas too me...

RafflesCity

September 13th, 2006, 11:52 AM

nice shots...I like the imposing look of the Marriot Hotel...and yes the colours do make it look like Christmas! :D

Mosaic

September 13th, 2006, 01:25 PM

Orchard Road is so vibrant and dynamic.

hyacinthus

September 13th, 2006, 05:49 PM

lol... think it's the "stars" of Wheelock Place resulting in the delusion.

ZXAVIER

September 15th, 2006, 06:23 AM

it is simply awesome! wish that u can teach me how to take photograph..sigh!!!

lol... think it's the "stars" of Wheelock Place resulting in the delusion.

darielqrenz

September 15th, 2006, 10:01 AM

i love singapore,,,

darielqrenz

September 15th, 2006, 10:01 AM

i love singapore,,,

hyacinthus

September 15th, 2006, 11:26 AM

I love Singapore too! :)

it is simply awesome! wish that u can teach me how to take photograph..sigh!!!

I can't teach.

But, get a Nikon D80 kit and Photoshop will help for a starter and attend a course at The Photographic Society of Singapore. :)

RafflesCity

September 15th, 2006, 05:18 PM

Some more pics

1.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/ocha.jpg

2.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/ochb.jpg

3.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/ochc.jpg

redstone

September 15th, 2006, 06:07 PM

That statue.... should remove it

RafflesCity

September 22nd, 2006, 08:20 AM

why?

Its almost like a landmark for Hilton :D

redstone

September 22nd, 2006, 09:00 AM

It looks odd and hilarious. :lol: Feel it doesn't match the theme and image of Hilton?

JoSin

September 22nd, 2006, 11:04 AM

I think its interesting~.

RafflesCity

October 26th, 2006, 02:54 AM

Orchard Road is world's 13th most expensive shopping street

26 Sep 06

It's up a notch from last year after rentals rise 13%

By JEAN CHUA

ORCHARD Road has become the world's 13th most expensive shopping street - up a notch from last year - after rental rates in the area rose more than 13 per cent. Average rental rates in Orchard Road have risen to $39 per square foot per month, said Cushman & Wakefield in its annual Main Streets Across the World report. This is up 13.2 per cent from last year, making Orchard Road the 9th most expensive retail street in Asia.

http://business-times.asiaone.com/mnt/media/image/launched/2006-10-26/BT_5011439_26_10_2006.jpg

'The strong performance of the economy, increase in tourism and overall optimism in Singapore have led to increased consumer spending and contributed to the vibrant retail scene we have seen since the economy recovered in 2004,' said Donald Han, managing director of Cushman & Wakefield in Singapore. Global brands and local retailers are jostling for a prime presence in Singapore's key retail hub, he added. 'With the limited supply in Orchard Road, there is only one direction rentals can go - up.'

Main Streets Across the World tracks the rental rates of 233 of the world's top shopping locations in 47 countries. Its global league table is drawn up by taking the most expensive location in each country. The report showed that rental rates in 97 per cent of the locations have stayed stable or risen in the past year. The data is based on rent on a standard unit with a frontage of six metres and depth of 25 metres.

The region showing the highest rental increases is Asia, where rents are up 20 per cent in June 2006 from a year ago. The most expensive retail area in Asia is Causeway Bay in Hong Kong, where rents are at an average US$1,134 per square foot per year. Causeway Bay is also the second most expensive area in the world, retaining its 2005 spot.

Tokyo's Ginza district stayed as the world's 5th most expensive area, with average rentals of US$652 per sq ft per year.

Seoul's Myeongdong district fell from 8th place to the 9th, as rentals stood at US$376 per sq ft per year.

The area which saw the largest increase was Khan Market, in New Delhi. It rose 17 places to become the 24th most expensive street in the world.

Sebastian Skiff, Cushman & Wakefield's head of retail in Asia, said: 'With many of the markets still considered to be emerging economies for international retail, we foresee this upward trend in rents continuing this year, matched with an improvement in the quality of product.'

The world's most expensive street was New York's 5th Avenue, which averages rentals of US$1,350 per sq ft per year.

redstone

October 26th, 2006, 06:38 AM

Maybe it'll move up the ranks with the new malls (over Ascott, Orchard Turn, 2 Somerset sites)... And IR

heirloom

October 26th, 2006, 08:46 AM

has anyone seen the christmas decorations for this year? they look like they're going to be really pathetic. why are the decorations getting more and more tasteless every year?

shao_ye

October 26th, 2006, 04:44 PM

^^ ideas drains up year after year... creativity dies with time...

babystan03

October 26th, 2006, 04:51 PM

Of course it's pathetic.....no competition already.....no incentive....:yes:

eyetoeye

October 26th, 2006, 06:57 PM

OMG.. OMGOMGOMG!!! Heirloom! I read your reply and i was like, "christmas? why is this guy talking about christmas when it's so early in the... hold on..."

I think maybe the A'Levels are getting to me. I was at Orchard on Tuesday and when i saw the decorations going up i thought they were for Chinese New Year, and i was wondering why they looked so Christmassy...

heirloom

October 26th, 2006, 08:09 PM

oh... yeah... it feels like the year just started eh? i've forced myself to believe the year is 1995, and i'm only 8 years old.

babystan03

October 28th, 2006, 03:29 PM

The new Centrepoint Facade
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/Vivocity%20Night/DSC_0002.jpg

eyetoeye

October 29th, 2006, 08:17 AM

eh... so ugly...

RafflesCity

October 29th, 2006, 11:22 AM

new centrepoint looks great! :eek:

much better than the old design

babystan03

October 29th, 2006, 12:06 PM

new centrepoint looks great! :eek:

much better than the old design

It would look better at night with all the lights from the shops....:happy:

ncon

October 29th, 2006, 12:49 PM

cant wait for it to be open :D

shao_ye

October 29th, 2006, 01:35 PM

^^ no more yearly christmas display? looks abit impossible and would be some what spoiling the new facade...

RafflesCity

October 29th, 2006, 02:33 PM

It would look better at night with all the lights from the shops....:happy:

yes this kind of facade would certainly brighten up the street, and with the Far East project completed next door...I think the streets will be really bright :-D

babystan03

October 29th, 2006, 02:35 PM

yes this kind of facade would certainly brighten up the street, and with the Far East project completed next door...I think the streets will be really bright :-D

Yeah.....we haven't even taken into account Lend Lease's development.....:eek:

RafflesCity

October 29th, 2006, 02:38 PM

yup....but dunno if the new facade can support those elaborate Christmas displays anymore...I liked last year's m&m design

babystan03

October 29th, 2006, 02:38 PM

yup....but dunno if the new facade can support those elaborate Christmas displays anymore...I liked last year's m&m design

I suspect the new Centrepoint christmas deco will be similar to Paragon......:yes:

RafflesCity

October 29th, 2006, 02:43 PM

babystan03

October 29th, 2006, 02:52 PM

oh...I like Paragon's wide pedestrian space with the giant Christmas tree...anyway looks like Centrepoint can make it for Christmas.....actually Vivocity should also be a great place for Christmas trees and deco :happy:

Yes....:happy:

But I doubt Vivocity would want to invest in too much decorations.....cos there is no compeititor in the area.....:lol:

RafflesCity

October 29th, 2006, 03:00 PM

yah lah...but since this is its first Christmas...it would be nice to make a splash...whatmore with the giant snowman :-)

babystan03

October 29th, 2006, 03:05 PM

yah lah...but since this is its first Christmas...it would be nice to make a splash...whatmore with the giant snowman :-)

Maybe they can cover Vivocity with "snow"....hmmm.....:yes:

JoSin

October 30th, 2006, 09:46 AM

Centrepoint should install lights that changes colour...add to the vibrancy...

kingmfai

November 1st, 2006, 04:30 AM

Look out for Orchard Central (rite opposite Centrepoint). Its colour changing facade will steal all the limelight in Orchard Road....

babystan03

November 11th, 2006, 01:08 AM

Nov 11, 2006
Christmas light-up on grander scale

THE annual Christmas light-up keeps getting bigger and brighter - and this, in turn, is drawing more people to Singapore than ever.

http://straitstimes.asiaone.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20061111/orchardt.jpg

The lights will be switched on in Orchard Road from tonight until Jan 2, and will be the longest stretch ever - from Tanglin Road to Stamford Road, and into the Marina Bay zone.

The 6.4km stretch of glitter is expected to attract more tourists, with visitor numbers in December expected to be equal to, if not more than, the figure for the same month last year.

The number of tourist arrivals last December was 829,000, up 28,000 on the previous year.

An STB survey last December showed that more than 20per cent of tourists during the Christmas season came specifically for Singapore's Christmas festivities.

The light-up this year will feature two themes: the Enchanted Christmas Garden in Orchard, and Christmas Bells down Bras Basah Road to the Marina Bay district.

For more information about the events, the public can contact the tourist hotline on 1800 736 2000.

Copyright © 2006 Singapore Press Holdings. All rights reserved.

shao_ye

November 11th, 2006, 05:32 AM

^^ Orchard area reminds me of Hari Raya lighting... Stamford area seems to be better...

Pengui

November 13th, 2006, 03:40 PM

Some season pics ;-)

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061112_orchard_road01.jpg

Penguins are invading !!!! >:-)
http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061112_orchard_road02.jpg

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061112_orchard_road03.jpg

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061112_tanglin_mall01.jpg
Tanglin Mall deco and the now traditional christmas tree building (Tourism Court) ;-)

Pics taken from bus 111:
http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061113_orchard_road01.jpg

http://ssc.singapenguin.net/06/061113_orchard_road02.jpg

babystan03

November 13th, 2006, 03:45 PM

Nice pictures......:happy:

RafflesCity

November 14th, 2006, 02:09 AM

ooh I like the trimmings of gold! :happy:

redstone

November 14th, 2006, 08:58 AM

Very nice!

babystan03

November 15th, 2006, 09:00 AM

Orchard Atrium

1.
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2535/dscf0236mj7.jpg

2.
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e126/ylstan02/Christmas%202006/DSCF0231.jpg

RafflesCity

November 16th, 2006, 01:42 AM

The Atrium is quite a nice-looking building...goes well with Plaza Singapura's revamped look...and I like the large open spaces at ground level....to think it used to be just a carpark...

babystan03

November 16th, 2006, 04:06 AM

The Atrium is quite a nice-looking building...goes well with Plaza Singapura's revamped look...and I like the large open spaces at ground level....to think it used to be just a carpark...

A carpark?? Hmm.....sounds like they really make good use of the land...:yes:

RafflesCity

November 17th, 2006, 02:20 AM

yup...I remember a large carpark that was next to the old Plaza Singapura :yes:

babystan03

November 18th, 2006, 04:51 AM

Outside Paragon
http://img95.imageshack.us/img95/9168/dscf0209yr3.jpg

ncon

November 22nd, 2006, 04:39 PM

http://img76.imageshack.us/img76/2066/dsc0610sma3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

babystan03

November 24th, 2006, 01:48 PM

Ngee Ann City
http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/6397/dscf0200yd3.jpg

Giraffle
http://img135.imageshack.us/img135/2760/dscf0226fv0.jpg

RafflesCity

November 24th, 2006, 04:03 PM

^^

beautiful :okay:

Where is giraffe?

babystan03

November 24th, 2006, 04:17 PM

^^

beautiful :okay:

Where is giraffe?

Thanks.....:D Forgot to add that pictures are by Fujiflim F30...:D

Giraffle is opposite Plaza Singapura.....:yes:

RafflesCity

November 24th, 2006, 04:44 PM

oh ok...there used to be a cafe there previously...it is a nice place set in a park at the fountain....but I suppose business there can be better at night :yes:

babystan03

November 24th, 2006, 04:47 PM

oh ok...there used to be a cafe there previously...it is a nice place set in a park at the fountain....but I suppose business there can be better at night :yes:

Yeah....very nice atmosphere.....great for a chill out session.....:yes:

Cliff

November 25th, 2006, 01:21 AM

wow, very nice pics! really captures the chirstmassy feel:D

kiku99

November 27th, 2006, 12:46 AM

very nice:okay:

RafflesCity

December 20th, 2006, 01:48 PM

New lighting experience to dazzle shoppers at the heart of Orchard Rd

20 Dec 06

SINGAPORE: Watch the lights the next time you cross the road at the Bideford Road junction along Orchard Road.

From Wednesday evening, shoppers and pedestrains will be treated to a new visual experience.

Special lighting features have been installed at the junction to project changing images and lighting effects as part of the government's plan to add vibrancy to Orchard Road.

It will showcase four enthralling themes - A Garden City, Aurora, Walking on Water and Starry Night Sky.

All vehicular traffic at this junction will stop when the lights come on for one minute every half an hour.

It will start between 7.30pm and 11pm till midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and eve of public holidays.

By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia

babystan03

December 20th, 2006, 02:03 PM

Singapor3

December 20th, 2006, 03:09 PM

uhh, only every one minute per half an hour?

nicholasliha

December 20th, 2006, 06:01 PM

is it kinda weird though, people will swarm onto the streets for one minute, then be ushered out in time for traffic? will this become more nuisance than novelty in time? maybe it needs to be less frequent. once every wednesdays or sth.

redstone

December 20th, 2006, 06:15 PM

One minute only?

RafflesCity

December 24th, 2006, 04:23 AM

Some of the crowd on a bustling Saturday afternoon inspite of the slight downpour

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/xmasoc3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/xmasoc5.jpg

RafflesCity

December 24th, 2006, 04:23 AM

free hug
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/xmasoc.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/xmasoc4.jpg

babystan03

December 24th, 2006, 04:24 AM

^ Wow...so crowded....:eek:

What's the free hugs about?? :lol:

RafflesCity

December 24th, 2006, 04:26 AM

yah feels so vibrant!

I remember the 'free hug' was featured on the news briefly...i think u simply get a hug from one of them...but I cant remember if its for any particular cause....lol

babystan03

December 24th, 2006, 04:28 AM

yah feels so vibrant!

I remember the 'free hug' was featured on the news briefly...i think u simply get a hug from one of them...but I cant remember if its for any particular cause....lol

Haha....so weird.....:lol:

Was in Suntec yesterday, also quite a lot of people......:yes:

I guess Vivocity also quite crowded......:yes:

JoSin

December 24th, 2006, 05:31 AM

DUH vivo is packed. No space to move. Orchard is as usual...during weekdays there are more teenagers...

RafflesCity

December 25th, 2006, 10:30 AM

It was even more crowded today, as the street was closed for the procession of floats :yes:

http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/xmasoc2.jpg

http://files.photojerk.com/RafflesCity/xmasoc6.jpg

purple_orchid

February 10th, 2007, 01:26 AM

Does anyone know what the construction work between shaw centre and dfs is?

sandstorm6299

February 10th, 2007, 06:15 AM

What's the free hugs about?? :lol:

A man (in Sydney, I think), started a campaign to give free hugs. Because, all you really need is a hug to feel good. Then one day he was told by authorities to stop. He then went around petitioning to allow free hugs again, and he was successful. Apparently, it is quite a bit of a worldwide phenomenon.

Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free_hugs)
YouTube video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr3x_RRJdd4)

Pengui

February 10th, 2007, 05:58 PM

Does anyone know what the construction work between shaw centre and dfs is?

That's a hotel under renovation.
Royal Plaza's the name, I think.

glitz_boy

February 10th, 2007, 06:20 PM

ya ... free hugs is quite world wide now ....

babystan03

March 3rd, 2007, 12:12 AM

Some wide lens treatment on Orchard Skyline

Ngee Ann City
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0001.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0003.jpg

Heeren
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0014.jpg

The Atrium
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0024.jpg

babystan03

March 3rd, 2007, 12:15 AM

Interior pictures

Heeren
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0016.jpg

Paragon
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0010.jpg

http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0012.jpg

ncon

March 3rd, 2007, 04:42 AM

^^ amazing :eek2:

redstone

March 3rd, 2007, 04:47 AM

Wow! How wide? :eek: Very dramatic!!! :cool:

babystan03

March 3rd, 2007, 08:00 AM

That would be 15mm.....:colgate:

RafflesCity

March 3rd, 2007, 09:52 AM

The Atrium
http://i124.photobucket.com/albums/p12/ylstan04/24%20Feb%202007%20Fireworks/DSC_0024.jpg

Great shot! :okay:

The indoor shots look very sassy as well:cheers:

ncon

March 3rd, 2007, 09:53 AM

^^ agree :yes:

babystan03

March 3rd, 2007, 09:53 AM

Great shot! :okay:

The indoor shots look very sassy as well:cheers:

Oh thanks.....;)

RafflesCity

September 11th, 2007, 03:32 PM

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/orch3108d.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/orch3108c.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/orch3108b.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/rotpics03/orch3108.jpg

hyacinthus

September 11th, 2007, 04:32 PM

I keep seeing the "iwannagohome!" banner...

ncon

November 14th, 2007, 06:25 AM

X'mas Time

pardon for the quality taken from moving car =p

seems the theme for this yr is White X'mas :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/Untitled-TrueColor-04s-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/DSC_0328s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/DSC_0329s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/DSC_0330s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/DSC_0331s.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v702/encon/DSC_0327s.jpg

sandstorm6299

November 14th, 2007, 11:23 AM

This year's decorations look great as usual. I see they've taken a more "traditional" approach rather than the abstract ones of the past years.

ZZOOzzoo

November 14th, 2007, 12:28 PM

This year's decorations are much better than last year's. Some of the elements from last year's decorations were truly atrocious, especially the huge ribbon (which was kinda messed up so it looked like a Mobius' strip) in front of the Marriott and weird cake-like fountains in front of The Heeren. What an improvement!

ignoramus

November 14th, 2007, 01:30 PM

RafflesCity

June 2nd, 2008, 02:39 AM

It's cool to sip outside

1 June 08

Singapore's weather is hot, but alfresco cafes are hotter, with at least 20 of them in Orchard Road

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080531/ST_IMAGES_FCSIDE.jpg

It's getting pretty crowded on the sidewalks of Orchard Road, and it has nothing to do with Great Singapore Sale shoppers or pamphlet-distributing touts but chairs and coffee.
Yet another outdoor cafe, The Coffee Connoisseur (TCC), is set to open - bringing the number of such outlets between Forum The Shopping Mall and Plaza Singapura to 23.

TCC's cafe is opening this month at International Building.

Already, from classy IndoChine to popular coffee chains and even the budget McCafe, there's no lack of places to sit and watch the world go by with a flat white - or long black for that matter - in hand.

While pavement cafes are common in Europe, it might seem strange that hot and steamy Singapore has its (coffee) cup running over with them. You'd think it would be more pleasant to people-watch from the coolness of an air-conditioned outlet.

But many in Singapore's cafe society would agree with the likes of bank executive Akshay Prasad, 36, who was spotted at the Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf outlet at Paragon Shopping Centre. He said: 'I prefer the outdoors as I enjoy the scenery. I'm sick and tired of air-conditioning.'

http://www.straitstimes.com/STI/STIMEDIA/image/20080531/ST_IMAGES_FCSIDE-504m.jpg

Alfresco outlets are bustling with tourists and locals ranging from students to middle-age office professionals.

Most joints are WiFi-enabled so you see people working or surfing on their laptops, while others sit around chatting, reading or just people-watching.

Naturally, coffee shop players are lapping up the fact that as Singaporean cafe patrons become increasingly sophisticated, they are showing a taste for the great outdoors.

Mr James Donald, managing director of KJ Coffees, which owns the local franchise for Gloria Jean's, says: 'Sidewalk cafes do work well in Singapore even though the weather is quite hot and at times very wet.

'About 30 to 40 per cent of our guests sit outside and soak up the atmosphere, versus those who sit inside.'

Gloria Jean's has a sidewalk cafe at Orchard Cineleisure.

Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf general manager Michael de Jong adds: 'Alfresco areas allow our customers to enjoy the sights and sounds of Orchard Road, sitting under a fan-cooled canopy and sipping their favourite beverage.'

He adds: 'To see and be seen is a lifestyle experience that our customers enjoy.'

But being able to gulp and gawk is a relatively new pleasure. It was only in 1996 that the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) gave the green light for Outdoor Refreshment Area licences, which enabled operators to use outside spaces for seating.

To provide such seating, operators have to pay higher rent for the space, as well as apply for a licence from the URA or the Singapore Land Authority. This rent usually goes to the landlord owning the outdoor space. If it's a public area, that would be the relevant public authority.

With so many cafes on the scene, why aren't shoppers tripping over seats then? Well, the URA has guidelines on what's allowed, such as the size of the area, the layout and how far it can extend onto the pavement.

Not that such considerations enter the heads of cafe lovers spoilt for choice when it comes to sitting down for a spot of sunny Singapore coffee culture.

By Frankie Chee

kurakura

June 3rd, 2008, 06:17 AM

i prefer air con coz i dun have it at home :)

RafflesCity

June 3rd, 2008, 02:00 PM

Even if its outdoors, the cafes are usually well sheltered and have these mist-fans to keep cool...I personally prefer the outdoor environment.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2387/2548191358_19435323e1_o.jpg

RafflesCity

July 21st, 2008, 02:48 PM

19 July - So far, have yet to see any tangible differences from the streetscape improvement works. However, the landscaping works appear to still be in progress.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3020/2689092592_ddba70d3df_o.jpg

This corner seems perpetually occupied by some on-going performance.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3296/2689092842_61d57dee66_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3214/2689093092_bffbef1168_o.jpg

RafflesCity

August 2nd, 2008, 06:11 AM

Late night alfresco dining on Orchard Road

2 Aug 08

http://www.businesstimes.com.sg/mnt/media/image/launched/2008-08-02/BT_IMAGES_UHCUPPAGE.jpg

ORCHARD Road is about to get some serious late-night buzz when a new alfresco dining concept - to be open until 3am daily - rolls out at Cuppage Terrace in a couple of weeks' time.

In the courtyard that has seen several F&B concepts - from jazz bars to hawker foodstalls - come and go in the past few decades, its latest incarnation involves a cluster of 15 trendy restaurants including a couple of new concepts.

'It's a great opportunity for this quiet stretch on Orchard Road to be transformed into a vibrant dining destination,' says Kishin RK of the property investment group Royal Brothers Group, Cuppage Terrace's landlord.

The group - which has investments in hotels, shopping malls and office towers in the Asia-Pacific - ploughed in some $15 million for the overhaul of Cuppage Terrace which they acquired in 2006.

In the new concept, the heritage facade of the 17 classic Peranakan shophouses will still be retained. The shophouses were among the first buildings to be gazetted by the Urban Redevelopment Authority for conservation in the 1970s.

'We're confident that the location, alfresco late-night dining and diverse mix of tenants will draw in the crowd,' says Mr Kishin, about the area situated between Centrepoint and Orchard Point.

Most of the tenants will open for business in a couple of weeks' time, with all being operational by September.

The 15 outlets will see an international buffet of cuisines - from Middle Eastern to Mexican. Viva Mexico promises to offer an authentic Mexican dining experience, complete with 12 to 15 types of 100 per cent Agave tequilas. It is opened by the Palate Vine group which has two Indian restaurants in its stable.

Japanese restaurant Tamaya will be fashioned after the izakaya concept, with private rooms fitted out with karaoke machines; while Hibiki will be another Japanese outlet serving sushi and sumiyaki. KohiTen is a cafe concept that aims to bring the Tokyo cafe culture into Orchard Road.

Kazbar will be a Middle Eastern restaurant serving authentic Lebanese and Moroccan cuisine, with a chef from Dubai; Bobby's will serve American and Continental cuisine; and there's Northern Indian fare at Maharajah and Italian at Pasta Fresca. Cross Straits fans will be glad to know that the bar which first opened at Cuppage Terrace in 1983 will return; while new bars to join the fray include Harry's and San Francisco-themed Cable Car Bar, which will offer more than 350 varieties of drinks housed in a long bar counter. For wine aficionados, there's Wine Connection, which will offer wines to be paired with artisan cheeses, cured meats, and freshly baked breads.

Felomina Krishnan, Bobby's managing director, notes that of all the factors that attracted them there is the novel alfresco dining experience on the iconic shopping boulevard.

Adds Venkat Reddy, general manager of the Palate Vine group: 'With its strategic location in the centre of Orchard Road and the festive atmosphere, the growth potential of Cuppage Terrace is tremendous.'

By CHEAH UI-HOON
Business Times

acc521

August 2nd, 2008, 07:08 PM

^^A big change from what Cuppage Terrace used to be like a few years ago. I remember running the guantlet with hawkers trying to entice you into their dodgy looking shops. Now they are all gone and the area is unrecognisable.

tonyboy

February 11th, 2009, 07:45 PM

keil

February 20th, 2009, 02:29 PM

guys, any photos updates?:)

RafflesCity

February 21st, 2009, 05:23 AM

guys, any photos updates?:)

I wanted to take pics of the new streetscape works but the past few times it was still ongoing. Is the finished work very noticeable?

I think major changes to the Orchard experience will start when the hoarding around ION comes off and the Somerset developments open.

keil

February 21st, 2009, 12:21 PM

I wanted to take pics of the new streetscape works but the past few times it was still ongoing. Is the finished work very noticeable?

I think major changes to the Orchard experience will start when the hoarding around ION comes off and the Somerset developments open.

When I was there last Sunday, they are putting up the floral glass to create those urban rooms in front of ION..

I guess what's done/noticable are:

1. Palais (Completed with whimsical dancing lights at night)
2. Paragon (left side is near completion with Tod's currently renovating their duplex store)
3. Ion Orchard (Fitting of the triangular cladding at the frontier, urban rppms and planters)
4. Orchard Central (The louvres should be completed by now)
5. 313@Somerset (Most floors should be up by now)

If I get to pass by and armed with my trusty digicam, I'll do an update too.:)

RafflesCity

February 22nd, 2009, 08:38 AM

What exactly do you mean by urban rooms? Also noted that the building next Orchard Emerald has already been demolished but so far no news of whats coming up in its place?

Anyway here are more shots of Orchard taken during the upgrading works. Mainly snapshots of the pedestrian traffic.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/oc2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/oc7.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/oc6.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/oc4.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/RafflesCity/oc1.jpg

keil

February 22nd, 2009, 08:47 AM

The green urban rooms are just a section for people to rest, with planter boxes surrounding and the floral glass by the sides..

https://www.stbpassport.com/images/img_boardroom_nov07_s3_1.jpg

Gid

February 22nd, 2009, 12:49 PM

the most visible change would be the new lamp posts, with 4 times as many lights. (2x street lights plus 2x upward-facing spot lights per lamp post). They are now in use, and orchard road looks much much brighter.

Furthermore, each tree has been fitted with 2x spotlights near the base of the trunk. These lights have yet to be turned on though.

JoSin

February 22nd, 2009, 03:19 PM

The new lamp posts are lighted up alr? Thats really great! I think the change will become even more visible with the lights directed to the trees.

RafflesCity

February 25th, 2009, 03:25 PM

Orchard Rd to unveil facelift

25 Feb 09

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Singapore/Story/STIStory_342943.html

FINAL touches to the $40 million Orchard Road makeover are expected to be completed this weekend, after a 10-month-long project to rejuvenate Singapore's main shopping strip.
Workers were seen on Wednesday scurrying around, erecting flower totems - large pillars decorated with fresh flowers - on the pavement from Forum The Shopping Mall to Liat Towers.

By this weekend, old lamp posts and electrical boxes will be stripped out.

New benches, lamp posts, recycling bins, planter boxes and other improvements are already in place along nearly 2km of Orchard Road, between Tanglin Mall and Concorde Hotel Singapore.

The walkways have been repaved, and one road lane has been sacrificed to create a wider pavement in front of Ion Orchard, Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City.

The extra space has been given to 25 'urban green rooms', containing benches, planter boxes and large glass decorative screens that light up at night.

This is the first time Orchard Road has been extensively improved, with the aim of elevating it to the level of famous shopping streets like Paris' Champs-Elysees.

But the project had a rocky start. An initial ambitious idea by the Singapore Tourism Board, which paid for the works, to construct a glass canopy running down the stretch was promptly shot down by mall owners, who said it would require too much maintenance.