Orchard Road is getting a $40m facelift next year to add more vibrancy to Singapore's main shopping area.
Channel NewsAsia's Margaret Perry explores what more can be done to make the area easier to get around. Shopping along Orchard Road was always a breeze for her until she became a mother.
Then she discovered how challenging it can be to get around in some parts of the area, especially with a stroller in tow.
One of the particular "trouble spots" is at the junction of Orchard Road and Scotts Road.
Isetan Scotts is just opposite Tangs, but getting there isn't easy for someone pushing a pram.
The shortest way is to use the underpass.
But once off the escalator, the goodwill of others makes a big difference.
There is also the overhead bridge between Royal Plaza on Scotts and Far East Plaza, and using it takes quite an effort for those with a trolley.
In fact, the only way to cross Scotts Road without encountering any steps is to walk past the American Club, up to Draycott Drive.
Three pedestrian crossings later and one will arrive at the Goodwood Park Hotel, and then it is a straight run to Tangs. The detour takes more than five minutes.
For other parts of Orchard Road, getting into Wisma Atria, for example, is also an uphill task.
"I don't feel easy, because (of) this one, I need to carry up," said a woman carrying a pram.
"It's not very convenient....but they are improving.....because MRT now has a lift," said an old woman.
Some stretches of Orchard Road are much easier to get around.
For example, between Orchard Parade Hotel and the Shaw House, there are four pedestrian crossings.
Between The Paragon and Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, there are seven such crossings.
Shoppers say that having more crossings is not the only solution.
"I guess they could build more lifts, but then again you always have the hazard of them always breaking down. The escalators already have that problem," said an Indian woman.
"Pedestrian crossings would be good but underpasses are great too, just as long as there're not too many stairs because it's so hard to get a child around," said another woman.
With Singapore's ageing population, such a wish-list becomes quite a necessity.
Orchard Road can then be truly accessible to all. - CNA/ir
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