SINGAPORE – Have an idea to transform a public space into an active community space to facilitate greater interaction? You can now submit a proposal to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to get support for your project.
In a statement on Monday (Apr 11), URA said that it had formalised a public space programme to support community-initiated projects to enliven public spaces across Singapore.
Called “Our Favourite Space”, the programme will provide more opportunities for the community to activate public spaces, such as a space under a viaduct or a plot of vacant land, to allow more people to experience and enjoy them.
Under the programme, proposals will be assessed on their location, timing and activities. They must also be community-centric, non-commercial in nature, relate well to the proposed site and supported by the local community.
In turn, URA will provide successful proposals with varying levels of support, which may include:
– A one-stop assistance with agency consultation and advice on required licenses,
– up to $5,000 seed funding for short term projects (six months or less), or up to $10,000 for long-term projects, or
– matchmaking of potential space owners or sponsors to realise the projects.
URA’s previous public space programme in 2013 saw it work with private and public organisations on a number of pop-up installation projects, such as “Chairs in Squares”, “Picnic in the Park” and “Play Space”.
URA said that these projects were well-received by the public, and “showed how communities could be brought together through simple but creative ideas”.
The authority added that participants at the SGfuture dialogue on public spaces held earlier this year had also expressed interest for more of such opportunities.
Interested participants may submit their applications at ura.sg/ourfaveplace.
URA also revealed that it will organise networking workshops for people to learn more about the “Our Favourite Place” programme. The first workshop is scheduled for May.
seanyap@sph.com.sg
