Singapore River One’s initiatives revitalize the River Precinct

Placemaking efforts, post-COVID initiatives, and future plans seek to drive income and footfall at Singapore River Precinct.

Singapore’s iconic Singapore River Precinct has long been a destination of choice for both locals and tourists, offering an authentic experience that connects the country’s rich past to its vibrant present.

Behind the scenes, Singapore River One (SRO), a private sector-led organisation, has been tirelessly working to revitalise and enhance the precinct through various placemaking initiatives, activities, and partnerships.

In an exclusive interview with the Singapore Business Review, Michelle Koh, executive director of Singapore River One, shed light on the organisation’s efforts to fuel economic growth, boost tourism, and position Singapore River as a premier global destination.

Navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, SRO rose to the occasion by launching a comprehensive support scheme during the crisis.

“We launched a 200,000 Sr voucher scheme, which was fully subscribed, and we also organised various webinars on training programs and various government subsidies,” Koh said.

In addition, they created a business resources hub that provides preferential rates for common services like insurance and pest control, helping operators lower their business operating costs.

SRO’s dedication to fostering a vibrant atmosphere along the Singapore River is evident through its successful organisation of events and festivals.

The recent St. Patrick’s Day street festival, held in partnership with Guinness (Stout Brand), saw over 22,000 visits during the weekend, resulting in a 40% revenue spike for partner merchants.

These initiatives not only enhanced the footfall but also drove consumer spending, thus, indirectly contributing to Singapore's GDP.

Koh emphasised SRO’s commitment to representing the interests of businesses within the precinct and advocating policies that encourage economic growth.

As a Business Improvement District (BID), SRO facilitates collaboration among property owners, businesses, residents, and local government entities, creating a platform for dialogue and collective decision-making.

“BIDs provides a platform for dialogue, problem-solving, and community engagement, leading to more effective and robust economic development strategies for the businesses operating in the Singapore River precinct,” said Koh.

Meanwhile, SRO has developed a four-year business plan focused on four key pillars:

• Promoting the full breadth of offerings and activities along Singapore River;
• Enhancing visitor experiences;
• Creating value for properties; and
• Making everyday spaces attractive to enhance social connections.

Koh outlined upcoming initiatives that include the implementation of wayfinding signages and the launch of food and heritage trails, aimed at enhancing visitor experiences and driving footfall to various businesses within the precinct.

Looking ahead, SRO remains committed to making Singapore River a premier destination for both visitors and businesses by creating a more vibrant and welcoming environment.

Its continuous efforts in placemaking, marketing, and delivering unique events and activities have established Singapore River as an attractive and thriving destination for all. “Singapore River remains the iconic destination to visit, akin to the River Seine for Paris and the River Thames for London,” Koh said.

As SRO gears up for the Singapore River Festival, scheduled to kick off on the first of September, the organisation will partner with BytePlus, a division of ByteDance, to launch a first-of-its-kind, immersive, location-based augmented reality campaign on TikTok, further solidifying Singapore River's global reputation.

With exciting initiatives on the horizon, Singapore River is poised to remain a symbol of Singapore’s rich heritage and a catalyst for economic prosperity well into the future.