Somerset Belt Revamp Transforms Singapore’s Youth Precinct

Singapore’s vibrant Somerset Belt is undergoing a comprehensive transformation that promises to redefine youth culture in the heart of Orchard Road. This ambitious Somerset Belt revamp represents one of the most significant urban renewal projects aimed specifically at creating a dynamic, youth-centric precinct that will serve as a model for community-driven development.

A Vision Born from Youth Collaboration

The Somerset Belt revamp stands as a testament to Singapore’s commitment to youth-led urban planning. Over 45,000 young Singaporeans have actively participated in shaping this transformation through extensive consultation processes spanning several years. The project exemplifies the government’s “Singapore Together” approach, where citizens play a direct role in reimagining their urban spaces.

The precinct encompasses a substantial area of more than 8,714 square metres, stretching from *SCAPE to the junction of Somerset and Killiney roads. This comprehensive development includes Somerset Road, Exeter Road, and Devonshire Road, transforming what was once a collection of separate spaces into a cohesive, interconnected youth district.

Revolutionary Features Coming to Life

The Somerset Belt revamp introduces groundbreaking facilities that cater to diverse youth interests and activities. At the heart of the development lies a state-of-the-art sheltered skate park, designed to provide year-round access regardless of Singapore’s tropical weather conditions. This facility addresses a long-standing need in the skateboarding community, which has previously faced challenges with weather-dependent outdoor spaces.

Complementing the skate park, the revamp includes an innovative BMX pump track that will attract cycling enthusiasts and extreme sports participants. These facilities represent more than mere recreational spaces; they symbolise Singapore’s recognition of street culture and alternative sports as legitimate forms of youth expression and community building.

The performance infrastructure within the Somerset Belt revamp showcases the precinct’s commitment to nurturing artistic talents. A sheltered performance and event stage will provide a platform for emerging artists, musicians, and performers to showcase their abilities. This multi-purpose event space can be reconfigured for various activities, from intimate acoustic sessions to large-scale community celebrations.

Green Spaces and Community Areas

Environmental consciousness plays a crucial role in the Somerset Belt revamp design. The development incorporates pocket gardens and lawns that create breathing spaces within the urban environment. These green areas serve multiple purposes: they provide quiet zones for contemplation, spaces for informal gatherings, and contribute to the overall environmental sustainability of the precinct.

The terraced lawn seating area represents an innovative approach to public space design, creating natural amphitheatres that can accommodate various events and activities. This feature demonstrates how the Somerset Belt revamp integrates functionality with aesthetic appeal, creating spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

A natural water feature adds another dimension to the precinct’s environmental design. This element not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also contributes to cooling the urban environment and creating a more pleasant atmosphere for visitors.

Fitness and Wellness Integration

The Somerset Belt revamp recognises the growing importance of health and wellness among young people. A dedicated callisthenic fitness corner provides equipment for bodyweight exercises, catering to the increasing popularity of outdoor fitness activities. This facility complements the more traditional sports facilities whilst acknowledging contemporary fitness trends.

The slope-based play structures represent an innovative approach to recreational design, creating opportunities for both structured and unstructured play. These features accommodate various age groups and skill levels, ensuring that the Somerset Belt revamp remains inclusive and accessible to diverse communities.

Timeline and Implementation

The Somerset Belt revamp follows a carefully planned implementation timeline that ensures minimal disruption to the surrounding area whilst maximising community engagement. The *SCAPE renovation, which began in February 2023, represents the first phase of this comprehensive transformation. This iconic youth hub will be progressively reopened throughout 2025, featuring enhanced facilities for entrepreneurs, content creators, and community activities.

The broader Somerset Belt revamp construction is scheduled to commence in the first half of 2026, with completion targeted for the end of 2027. This timeline allows for continued community consultation and refinement of designs based on evolving youth needs and preferences.

The project’s phased approach ensures that young people can continue to enjoy existing facilities whilst new ones are being constructed. This consideration reflects the planners’ understanding of the importance of maintaining community spaces during periods of transformation.

Community Engagement and Co-Creation

The Somerset Belt revamp exemplifies best practices in community engagement and participatory planning. The “Somerset Reset” campaign, launched in early 2025, continues the tradition of youth involvement by inviting 30 youth leaders to work directly with architects, planners, and government agencies in finalising detailed designs.

These youth leaders participate in immersive workshops, including overnight camping experiences at *SCAPE, providing them with deep insights into how the spaces will be used throughout different times of day and night. Their input directly influences the final design decisions, ensuring that the Somerset Belt revamp truly reflects the needs and aspirations of its intended users.

The engagement process extends beyond the initial planning phases. Young people will be supported to take action on their proposed ideas for the Somerset Belt, involving the wider community in its ongoing development. This approach ensures that the precinct remains dynamic and responsive to changing youth culture and interests.

Economic and Social Impact

The Somerset Belt revamp represents a significant investment in Singapore’s youth development infrastructure. Whilst specific cost figures have not been disclosed, the project’s scale and comprehensive nature indicate substantial commitment from both government and private sector partners.

The economic benefits extend beyond the immediate construction phase. The precinct is expected to attract increased foot traffic to the Orchard Road area, supporting local businesses and contributing to the broader rejuvenation of Singapore’s premier shopping district. The focus on youth-centric activities also positions Somerset as a unique destination that differentiates it from other commercial areas.

From a social perspective, the Somerset Belt revamp addresses crucial needs for youth community spaces in an increasingly urbanised environment. The facilities provide alternatives to commercial entertainment options, supporting healthy lifestyle choices and community building among young people.

Integration with Broader Urban Planning

The Somerset Belt revamp forms part of Singapore’s comprehensive Orchard Road rejuvenation strategy. This broader initiative divides Orchard Road into distinct precincts, each with its own character and target demographic. Somerset’s designation as the youth precinct complements other areas designated for luxury retail, arts and culture, and family-friendly activities.

This strategic approach to urban planning ensures that different areas of Orchard Road serve distinct purposes whilst contributing to the overall vibrancy of Singapore’s premier commercial district. The Somerset Belt revamp’s success will likely influence similar youth-focused developments in other parts of Singapore.

Future Sustainability and Adaptability

The Somerset Belt revamp incorporates principles of adaptability and future-proofing that recognise the evolving nature of youth culture and urban needs. The modular design of many facilities allows for reconfiguration as activities and interests change over time.

The precinct’s emphasis on flexible, multi-purpose spaces ensures that it can adapt to future trends in youth culture, technology, and social interaction. This forward-thinking approach maximises the long-term value of the investment whilst ensuring continued relevance for future generations of young Singaporeans.

The Somerset Belt revamp stands as a landmark project that demonstrates Singapore’s commitment to creating inclusive, dynamic urban spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of its youth community. When completed in 2027, this precinct will serve as a model for youth-centric urban development, showcasing how thoughtful planning, community engagement, and innovative design can create spaces that truly serve their intended communities.