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Creating a Safer, Cleaner and Connected Kampong Gelam

29 November 2023

Kampong Gelam is a historic precinct made up of diverse groups of stakeholders. Unlike precincts with larger-scale landlords, the over 600 shophouses in Kampong Gelam are mainly owned or occupied by individual landlords and smaller enterprises that have limited resources to enhance the precinct. During the pandemic, some businesses such as heritage trades seen decline in footfall from suspension of car-free zones and community activities, amid an increasing challenging business environment.

Despite the challenges, a group of enthusiastic stakeholders were determined to bring back the vibrancy and charm of Kampong Gelam. They have partnered various agencies to:

a. Organise Cinta Cahaya Ramadan 2022 (Ramadan Light of Love) to re-connect the community

With the relaxation of safe management measures in 2022, stakeholders including businesses, landlords and Sultan Mosque came together to organise a Ramadan bazaar and light-up in April and May. This created a safe and enjoyable space for the community to gather and for businesses recovering from the pandemic to showcase their unique offerings.

Crowd walking through "WalkThru Souq 2022" market tent, with barrier, street, and buildings.

b. Resume car-free zones for more walkable and vibrant public spaces

As the pandemic eased, regular car-free zones (Haji Lane, Bali Lane, Baghdad Street and Bussorah Street) resumed in 2022. Stakeholders collaborated closely with one another to operationalise the car-free zones, such as setting up and removing road barricades. They also worked closely with URA to monitor illegal parking and served as eyes and ears on the ground to ensure the appropriate use of the outdoor spaces.

Street scene with people walking past colorful buildings and outdoor cafes.

c. Weed out rodents and improve landscaping features along Bussorah Street

Stakeholders such as F&B outlets worked closely with URA, NParks and NEA in 2022 to clean up areas infected with rodents along Bussorah Street. The landscaping features were also replaced with less cluttered designs to prevent the recurrence of pest infestation.

In July 2023, the Kampong Gelam Alliance (KGA) also launched a Place Plan for the historic area. The Place plan is a strategic roadmap that aims to enhance Kampong Gelam’s heritage, offerings and experiences. KGA aims to:

  • Make Kampong Gelam a more attractive, inclusive and resilient historic district through public artworks, vibrant spaces and cultural mapping activities;

  • Sustain Kampong Gelam’s distinctive traditional and spaces, while attracting new businesses; and

  • Make Kampong Gelam more inclusive for all visitors.

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