Widened sidewalks, new public spaces in Waterloo Street by 2027

Visitors to Waterloo Street can expect wider pavements and more shade trees by 2027, as the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) plans improvements to the area. The project, announced Dec. 11, involves removing roadside parking and adding new amenities to enhance the pedestrian experience.

Waterloo Street Improvements

The URA will widen pavements along a 340-meter stretch of Waterloo Street between Middle Road and Bras Basah Road. These improvements aim to create new public spaces for events and community activities, in addition to improving walkability.

New water supply and electrical points will be installed to support events and activities. The planned improvements were informed by feedback from stakeholders, including arts groups in the area, and the public.

A tender for the enhancement works has been called, with a closing date of Jan. 12, 2026. Work is expected to take approximately 14 months once the tender is awarded.

New Amenities and Linkways

Four new potable water tap points will be installed, three on the side of the street housing arts groups like the Singapore Calligraphy Centre and Theatre Practice, and one in front of Waterloo Centre. A new pickup and drop-off shelter will also be built in front of Waterloo Centre, a mixed-use public housing development.

A covered linkway will be constructed across Waterloo Street, connecting to a new covered walkway along Hotel Waterloo Singapore, leading to the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA). A new footpath will also be built along Waterloo Link, a 100-meter slip road connecting Queen Street and Waterloo Street.

Part of Larger District Improvements

These improvements build upon earlier enhancements in the Bras Basah-Bugis district, Singapore’s arts and heritage area. The 95-hectare district was initially conceived as part of the Master Plan for the Civic and Cultural District, published in 1988.

Improvements have been made over several decades, including the pedestrianization of portions of Albert Street and Waterloo Street, which reopened as Albert Mall in 1998. Segments of Queen Street (completed in 2014) and Bencoolen Street (completed in 2017) have also been pedestrianized, and pavements on Coleman Street have been widened, while Armenian Street was pedestrianized.

A new cycling path along Bencoolen Street, completed in November, connects the Bras Basah-Bugis district and the Civic District. Wider pavements on Bencoolen Street have facilitated ground-up initiatives like art markets and student installations by NAFA.

Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah said the efforts support the country’s Master Plan 2025 vision of creating a lively and inclusive city center. The URA noted the street enhancements will offer more opportunities for community stakeholders to participate in placemaking efforts, such as installing public furniture in Queen Street and Bencoolen Street.

Placemaking involves making a place more lively and vibrant through infrastructure improvements and organized activities.