The Singapore Tourism Board (STB) had recently just completed its $40 - million makeover of Orchard Road. The makeover was done in hope to improve aesthetic look and feel of Orchard Road. Though this was done with good intentions, it allowed many to criticise on the government's part on their decision for such a makeover. Personally, I feel that decision made by the government was not the right one.
Now firstly, like I've mentioned before, the makeover was done in hope to improve the aesthetic features of Orchard Road. The government had done so in hope to attract more visitors to Orchard Road. By attracting more visitors and possible customers, it is hoped that the businesses in Orchard Road would improve. However, in the light of its upgrading activities, it had affected a nmber of businesses in Orchard Road district instead. Many pedestrians and visitors in Orchard Road had already found the pathways to be crowded and congested. The problem was further amplified with the widening works that was being done. There was also the problem of the disruptive and annoying noises made by the construction works. Such things not only destroyed tourists and shopping regulars "shopping mood", but it also annoys them. It also gave a bad impression of Orchard Road. A couple who was holidaying in Singapore thought that Orchard Road would be prettier and nicer, similar to the travel books. They did not expect it be so noisy with so much construction during their visit. Another couple found Orchard Road to be a disappointment. The construction work had indeed affected visitors’ point of view of Orchard Road. It also destroyed Orchard’s Road image of the premiere shopping street in Singapore. Not only that, it had affected businesses. Thus, we can see the decision for construction works to be questionable. After all, it defeats the purpose of decorating the area when instead, it causes unhappiness from customers.
The decision is further questionable. After the revamp had finished recently, not many people had noticed the changes in Orchard Road. A poll was conducted with hundred people, asking if they noticed any different in Orchard Road. Out of the hundred, forty of them did not notice anything different. That is indeed a large amount of people. Not only that, quite a number of people found the revamp to be rather impractical. One of such things was the flower totems that were placed along the pedestrian mall. Some found them to be annoying as they block your view. Others also questioned about the glass panels that were placed at Orchard Road. Some found them to be rather dangerous if it were to be hit and broke. There were even suggestions that more should be spent on cleaning the area of Orchard Road that was rather dirty, with leaves everywhere. However, not everything was seen as a waste of money. The widening of the pathway had given visitors more space to walk, especially during weekends when it tends to get crowded. The glass panels were also seen as complementary objects in portraying the theme of Orchard’s Road lush greenery.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s main shopping district. Improving it is important especially when it comes to attracting more tourists to Singapore. However, before even improving the overall looks and appeal of Orchard Road, the government should instead spend more money on maintaining the area first. What is the purpose of making a place so grand when in a few months or years, it will look as filthy as ever. Upgrading works is of course important. But would it be safe to invest such a great amount of money, especially in such current times when the world is facing economic problems. Almost everyone is cutting back on expenses. Will such a move upgrading appeal attract more tourists and visitors? Or would it simply be just cutting down prices for customers?
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