Show Time At Dhoby Ghaut

Source : TODAY, Thursday, March 27, 2008

Land above station will feature an amphitheatre and a F&B pavilion

THE vacant state land above Dhoby Ghaut MRT station will soon offer more than just a convenient access point for pedestrians making their way from the station to the surrounding malls.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has unveiled plans for the site to be home to a new open space that will play host to community events and performances.

It will feature an outdoor amphitheatre and a food and beverage (F&B) pavilion.

The development of this open space, which is in line with the URA’s Public Spaces and Urban Waterfront Master Plan, is slated for completion by the first quarter of next year.

The design for the space was conceptualised by SCDA Architects’ Chan Soo Khian, who clinched the “Designer of the Year in Architecture and Urban Design” title in 2006.

Mr Chan said the 300-seat amphitheatre will have several unique features.

“We’ve sunken the amphitheatre down and the user actually walks down gentle descending ramps, and in the evening, this will be dramatically lit.

“And from an exterior point of view, I think the flaring, spiralling screens reach out towards the landscape and provide a visual barrier to the heavy traffic along Penang Road,” he added.

The URA will implement the construction plans for the open space and the National Parks Board will oversee its maintenance and programming.