Istana Park expansion

If you love your hot girl walks and romantic strolls, you’d be privy to the highly walkable stretch linking Dhoby Ghaut and Somerset MRT stations. It takes you from Plaza Singapura to 313@Somerset or vice versa, and gives you views of the Istana as you torch some dinner calories just in time for dessert.

Well, your walks are going to be levelled up to full-on nature outings because part of that stretch is going to be transformed into a brand new park right smack in the middle of town. In this major Istana Park expansion, the existing Istana Park, Dhoby Ghaut Green, and Penang Road Open Space will be combined into one big green space. Here’s everything you need to know:

What are the expansion plans for Dhoby Ghaut & Istana Park?

Plans to expand these spaces into an enlarged park were actually in place as early as 2020, back in the pandemic days. When the Covid dust settled sometime in 2022, NParks and the URA announced that works would be carried out progressively across the designated spaces.

Those who frequent the town area might have noticed construction work from 2025, first on a 500-metre pedestrianised stretch on Orchard Road, then an expansion of Istana Park. These are all the building blocks to form a major revamp of the area, resulting in a green space that’s 3 times the current size of Istana Park.

What to expect in the Istana Park expansion

One of the biggest highlights is an entire Orchid Park & Plaza showcasing Singapore’s native orchids, with plants spread across different habitats including trees and wetlands. There’ll also be water gardens designed to help manage stormwater, as well as new green spaces and habitats for wildlife.

Families can look forward to a nature playgarden at Dhoby Ghaut Green, while a lovely tranquil garden themed after the contributions of Singapore women will also be introduced.

Meanwhile, Istana Park is set to get a new ceremonial driveway flanked by flagpoles and mature trees leading towards the Istana entrance. Very regal vibes, befitting the iconic landmark.

To facilitate even more hot girl walks, the 500-metre stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road will also be pedestrianised, creating more space for outdoor activities, events and community programmes.

There are also plans being studied for an elevated pedestrian link between Dhoby Ghaut Green and Fort Canning Park, plus two new pocket parks around Handy Road and Somerset. This means more convenient and walkable access linking multiple parks to one another, perfect for your weekend itineraries when you’re feeling a good trek, picnic, and soaking up Mother Nature’s wonder.

Check out the Istana Park expansion plans in an IRL exhibition

While the expansion is still largely in the works and not ready for a grand unveiling anytime soon, park enthusiasts can find out more and see the plans come to life in a dedicated exhibition happening at Temasek Shophouse along Orchard Road.

There’ll be artists’ impressions of the park’s rejuvenation, and informative displays spelling out the exciting plans to come.

Admission: Free
Date: Now till 26th August 2026
Venue: Temasek Shophouse, 28 Orchard Road

Images courtesy of NParks.