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A 500m stretch of Orchard Road — the section running in front of Plaza Singapura, the Istana and Concorde Hotel — will be pedestrianised as part of a broader project to redevelop Dhoby Ghaut. According to The Straits Times (ST), plans for the area include an extension of the Istana Park, making it three times larger and integrating the neighbouring Dhoby Ghaut Green and Penang Road Open Space. The Istana Park is currently 1.3 hectares. The work will be completed progressively from 2025. More facilities and activity spaces To facilitate the pedestrianisation of the section of Orchard Road between Handy Road and Buyong Road, a portion of Penang Road — a one-way road with up to five lanes — will be made two-way. As part of the facelift, ST cited the National Parks Board (NParks) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in reporting that the area will be remoulded to include: An orchid-themed garden A flexible activity space A nature-play garden featuring a water-play area Integration with the Istana's entrance Source: https://mothership.sg/2022/09/dhoby-ghaut-redevelopment/ A visit to URA's website will show you a fuller picture of the planned developments. A. Inclusive Playground at Dhoby Ghaut Green A family-friendly play area within a pocket park with lush greenery for children of all abilities to explore and learn about nature in a fun manner. B. New Water-Play Features at Dhoby Ghaut Green The water play features can reflect the original alignment of the Stamford Canal before it was redirected and allow children to interact with various water elements set within a lush park setting. C. New Sheltered Events Space at Dhoby Ghaut Green The all-weather activity lawn with a canopy can serve as a flexible events space to host various events from F&B festivals to fashion shows. D. New Park Entrance @ Dhoby Ghaut Green Dhoby Ghaut Green is envisioned as attractive and family-friendly, fronting the former Park Mall and linking to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station. https://www.ura.gov.sg/Corporate/Planning/Master-Plan/Regional-Highlights/Central-Area/Orchard-Road/Bring-Back-the-Orchard