LIMITATIONS
From the site analysis, we discover...
For the
overall
region.
01 Isolation
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The Chinatown Historic District and the CBD are considered two separate areas in the master plan, although the two areas are in close proximity and already have cross-regional foot traffic. In addition, many CBD functions have spilled over into the Chinatown Historic District, such as secondary offices and branches.
02 Ignoring Multicultural Elements
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The Chinatown Historic District has been developed as a distinctly Chinese district, ignoring the multicultural elements of the area. In addition, the historic settlement has been divided into different areas (Dockyard, Sheung Wan, China Square) and has not been developed with a common theme.
03 Uneven Trade-mix
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The overall distribution of trade-mix is uneven. The retail and F&B sectors dominate the conservation area, which comprises mainly of low-rise shophouses. Offices are concentrated in the tall buildings located on the eastern side of the area. On the other hand, the flexibility of the available shop spaces is limited, which makes it challenging for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to operate. This has led to a situation where only a small number of SMEs have established themselves in the area.
04 Outdated Complexes
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The larger complexes in the Chinatown area have an emphasis on retail, and these are generally older buildings compared to the newer, smaller complexes which serve as complementary facilities for the nearby office buildings. These newer buildings likely house amenities such as convenience stores, cafes, and other small-scale retail outlets, catering to the needs of the working population in the surrounding office buildings.
01 Kreta Ayer
Loss of traditional culture.
As urbanization and economic development continue, Kreta Ayer is undergoing constant changes. Some traditional buildings have been demolished and replaced with modern "pseudo-ancient" structures, while some traditional customs and cultural activities may gradually disappear. Additionally, with the diversification of population and culture, Kreta Ayer is also gradually incorporating other cultural elements, which may lead to a weakening of traditional cultural characteristics.
Low-end retail cluster.
This area is mainly clustered with low-end retail stores, lacks distinctive features, and street vendors extending from the stores to the streets cause traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
02 Telok Ayer
Heritage conservation requirements.
Telok Ayer is a historic area with many well-preserved buildings and landmarks. While this helps to preserve the cultural heritage of the area, it can also limit the type of development that can take place in the area. This can make it challenging to modernise or update buildings and infrastructure to meet the needs of modern businesses and residents.
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03 China Square
High land prices.
China Square is located in the central part of Singapore and has comparatively high land prices. As a result, the type of businesses in the area are mainly small and medium-sized businesses such as finance, insurance, and wealth management that serve the CBD population, and it is difficult to attract other types of businesses to the area.
Low land utilisation.
The main building type in the area is the shophouse building, and it was found that many shophouses have been adapted for office space, but the first floor is under-utilised, which is to some extent a waste of valuable resources.
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04 Boat Quay
Low accessibility to the Singapore River.
The street businesses deny the direct population access to the water, reducing the area's activity during the daytime.
Only active at night.
The commercial structure of the area is homogeneous, consisting mainly of bars and restaurants, and most of them are only open after 18:00, resulting in a large influx of people in the area only in the evening.
Distinctly differentiated.
The area was a main location for early Singapore pioneers for seafaring trade and other activities, but due to different development plans, the high-rise CBD area has isolated it from the central Chinatown area and interaction has reduced.
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05 Tanjong Pagar
High competition.
As the area is situated in the central business district, there is high competition for commercial and office spaces, leading to higher rental rates and limited availability.
Limited parking spaces and traffic congestion.
Tanjong Pagar is a busy area with limited parking spaces, which may lead to traffic congestion and make it difficult for people to enter and exit the area. This may affect the ability of businesses to attract customers or employees.
Limited green space.
While there are some parks and open spaces in the area, there is limited green space compared to other areas in Singapore. This can affect the quality of life of residents and limit opportunities for outdoor activities.
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06 Bukit Pasoh
Limited green space.
While there are some small parks and green spaces in Bukit Pasoh, the area is mostly developed with buildings and roads. This can make it less appealing for residents who are looking for access to outdoor spaces.
Lack of diversity.
While Bukit Pasoh has a rich history and cultural heritage, it is still a relatively homogeneous area in terms of its population. This may limit its appeal to people who are looking for a more diverse and multicultural community.
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07 Upper Circular
Lack of historical significance.
Unlike other areas in Singapore, Upper Circular Road does not have significant historical or cultural landmarks, which may limit its appeal to tourists and investors interested in Singapore's rich heritage.
Noise pollution.
Due to the proximity of the area to the boat quay area, it can be noisy at night, which can be a hindrance to residents who need a quiet environment or are looking for a peaceful place to live.
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