Revamped Istana Park to be 3 times larger & connected to Istana grounds, full vision to be shared in 2027

The rejuvenated Istana Park will be more than three times its current size, and potentially connected to the Istana grounds, said the National Parks Board (NParks)  on Aug. 12.

The expansion is part of plans to transform Orchard Road into a family-friendly "green oasis" in the heart of the city.

Speaking at the Temasek Shophouse, Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan shared updates about the project, which was originally announced in 2020.

He added that the "full vision" for the park will be shared next year.

The revamped park is part of the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan, led by the Singapore Tourism Board (STB), the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and NParks.

Park features

The project will see the current Istana Park merged with the existing Dhoby Ghaut Green and Penang Road Open Space, along with a 500m section of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road, that will be pedestrianised.

The expanded Istana Park will be organised into three distinct zones: Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza, Istana Park, and Dhoby Ghaut Green.

Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza

Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza are envisioned to showcase the diversity and versatility of native orchids across a range of habitats, from trees to wetlands.

NParks is studying the incorporation of nature-based solutions into the park, which can help to address resilience and biodiversity concerns.

This includes multi-functional water gardens to manage stormwater runoff, and eco-active “totems” to support the biodiversity population in the park.

Istana Park

The Istana Park, originally located across the road from the Istana gates, could potentially be redeveloped into a formal foregarden connected to the Istana grounds.

This would feature a potential new Ceremonial Driveway leading up to the Istana, replacing the existing Festive Arch as the formal entrance to Istana Park.

Mature trees could be planted along the driveway, providing shade and framing the approach to the Istana grounds.

NParks is also exploring the possibility of introducing new indoor attractions including galleries to showcase heritage and natural flora.

Dhoby Ghaut Green

Through the pedestrianisation of Orchard Road, Dhoby Ghaut Green will be transformed into a refreshed green space contiguous with the Istana Park, Plaza Singapura, MacDonald House and Temasek Shophouse.

Activity Promenade

The existing stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road is expected to be transformed into a pedestrianised Activity Promenade.

It is envisioned to be a flexible, multi-functional space possibly adapted for rest and recreational activities.

These include outdoor art sessions, public performances, street markets, and civic festivals.

Nature Playgarden

The park will also feature open recreational spaces integrated with nature.

One possible addition would be a nature play garden with natural play structures and lush landscaping, targeted at children and families.

Garden dedicated to honouring Singapore women

There will also be a garden dedicated to honouring Singapore women within Dhoby Ghaut Green.

It will celebrate the pioneering spirit and contributions of Singapore women.

The garden was first announced by then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2021, and proposed in the White Paper on Singapore Women's Development in 2022.

Full vision to be shared in 2027

The "full vision" for the park will be shared in 2027, said Tan.

Members of the public can share their suggestions at the exhibition located at Temasek Shophouse until Aug. 26, especially on programmes and activities that could be organised in the redeveloped Dhoby Ghaut area.