The Singapore Tourism Board has announced that major landscape and infrastructure enhancements to the iconic Orchard Road shopping boulevard have recently begun, with work on the iconic shopping district expected to be completed by February 2009.The AED 100 million project will enhance the pedestrian experience along Singapore’s premier shopping street by introducing state-of-the art lighting, creating new spaces to stage events, introducing more integrated walkways, and developing a livelier pedestrian mall.

The bustling retail gateway will be divided into three themed zones: the Orchard Zone, a forest-themed stretch with urban ‘green rooms’ serving as rest spots, the floral-themed Tangin Zone colored with crimson flowers, the Somerset Zone exuding spicy scents of cinnamon and nutmeg in tribute to the area’s early years as a spice and fruit plantation.

Some of Singapore’s signature events and celebrations take place on Orchard Road, including the Great Singapore Shopping (GSS) Challenge, Singapore Fashion Festival (SFF) and the annual Christmas in the Tropics Light up - creating a buzz of excitement on the street throughout the year.

Apart from the upgrading, three brand new state-of-the-art shopping and entertainment centres are being built along Orchard Road, including ION Orchard opening in late 2008, and Somerset Central and Orchard Central, both opening in 2009.
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