Orchard Rd night trial extended

The trial of banning cars from a key section of Singapore’s Orchard Rd shopping strip is finding favour with shoppers and tourists alike.

Orchard Rd is closed at night from the Scotts Paterson Junction to Bideford Junction on the first Saturday night of each month between 6pm and 11pm.

The Orchard Rd night pedestrian trial will be extended for at least another six months.

The Orchard Road Business Association reports that a majority of shoppers surveyed approved of the open street initiative and support its continuation.

The pilot running between October 2014 and March attracted 50,000 visitors each time closure. Although some retailers report they did not see the increased pedestrian count translate into additional sales, they too appear supportive of the project.

The ORBA and the Singapore Tourism Board are funding the majority of street closures and say they plan to work with malls to extend trading hours.

They are also looking for events to sponsor to further boost crowds during the closures.