Carpark Opposite Cineleisure Orchard Will Stop Operations From Feb 2020
Singaporeans who frequent Cineleisure or Scape might be familiar with the iconic open-air carpark opposite Cineleisure Orchard.
The carpark, located at Grange Road, will cease operations from Feb 2020, according to The Straits Times.
It’s popular among drivers because it’s known to be one of the cheaper parking spaces in town, with rates from $1.30/ 30 mins.
Unfortunately, the days of cheap parking in Somerset are coming to an end.
Carpark to be converted into permanent event space
The Grange Road carpark had been “trialed” as an event space in recent times, having hosted the BMW Fest just last month.
Moving forward, it will be hosting the Great Christmas Village — part of Orchard Road’s Christmas light up this year.
The Singapore Land Authority has said that we should expect to see more flea markets, pop-up attractions and food trucks after February next year.
They added that on non-event days, the space will be used as a public area with “greenery and interesting street furniture”.
Netizens react to the Grange Road carpark closure
When this change was released on CNA’s Facebook page, a myriad of netizen comments started trickling in as some of them were seemingly devastated by the news.
Expectedly, netizens responded with dismay, with one expressing that he was “super sad” as the Grange Road carpark was the “only place” he parks at when visiting Orchard.
Another netizen is concerned that they would soon have to park in a shopping mall that costs “a plate of wonton noodle” each hour.
Time to look for alternatives
If you are one of those who are affected by this change, it’s probably time to start looking for alternatives.
Otherwise, like this netizen says, it’s time to take the MRT.
Feature image adapted from Google Maps.