In our previous article, we shared how Farrer Park was home to the first racecourse in Singapore. Next up, discover how District 9 has evolved into a developed city with its own charm and character.
District 9 (Orchard, River Valley): The nation's entertainment hub
Behind the success of Orchard Road's reputation for being a retail haven is a rags to riches story that sparked its transformation.
Image: National Archives of Singapore
Orchard Road has come a long way from its humble beginnings as an unnamed road. Home to fruit orchards and nutmeg plantations in the 1830s, it has since evolved into the epicentre of designer brands that line the glitzy and glamorous street. Tang Choon Keng, founder of the TANGS (previously C.K. Tang) department store, was one of the first few businessmen to start his business in Orchard Road. At the time, the area was deemed an unsuitable place to do business as it faced a cemetery, and he was advised against it by others. However, Tang Choon Keng saw commercial value in the space and went on to develop it into a present-day principal shopping destination in the city. Credited with spearheading the transformation of Orchard Road into Singapore's shopping district, he has made his family one of the wealthiest families in Singapore.
Soon after, developments such as the Ngee Ann building (now Ngee Ann City), Wisma Indonesia (now Wisma Atria) and the Heeren were built. Today, Orchard Road is an upscale shopping area of Singapore, housing some of the world’s most expensive and renowned brands in fashion and jewellery. It is also a prestigious residential area with luxurious homes for the wealthy.
Many roads within Orchard are named after the people who occupied land in the area in the 1840s. Scotts and Claymore Road were named after Captain William Scott who owned the Claymore Estate. Oxley Road was named after Thomas Oxley, a surgeon who owned the Killiney Estate. Oxley Road later became known for housing the residence of Singapore's first Prime Minister, Lee Kuan Yew.
River Valley was predominantly made up of jungle and gambier plantations in the early 1800s. Redevelopment began in the 1960s with a clean-up of the polluted river. Following that, numerous private condominiums were built and more landmarks filled the place like Fort Canning Hill. It is now a recognised mixed-use region in central Singapore comprising residential, commercial and leisure developments.
Looking for properties in this area? Check out District 9 (Orchard, River Valley).
