KEEPING FREELOADERS OUT: A 2.4m high perimeter fencing covered with cloth, built around the racetrack, will prevent people from sneaking a peek at the race for free. -- PHOTOS: SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD

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The last time this happened, during the International Monetary Fund/World Bank meetings in September 2006, the district became a virtual ghost town and stores cried foul, saying that a promised business boom had turned into a huge bust.

This time around, things are going to be a little different, the authorities hope.

Business continuity was a key factor in planning for the road closures for the Sept 26-28 race, Singapore Tourism Board chief executive Lim Neo Chian said yesterday.

So, while barriers will have to go up and roads will have to be closed, Singaporeans will be provided with information on traffic and transport arrangements early so that shoppers can still head to the Marina Bay area during the race period.

And since the area will be closed to most vehicles from Sept 20 to Oct 2, the Land Transport Authority (LTA) will ramp up public transport services in the area.

RELATED LINKS  ROADS CLOSED IN PHASES

Train frequency will be upped to two to three minutes, a rate comparable to that of peak hours. The LTA is also looking into extending public transport hours.

The organisers said they wanted to generate buzz in the area during the event and hoped that Singaporeans would flock there. They pointed out that shops and restaurants will still be accessible on foot.

Shopping areas, they said, will be accessible via the CityLink underpass from City Hall MRT station.

Pedestrians can still use the roads on non-race days, although they will have to contend with construction works to put up race infrastructure, such as fences.

Despite the impending disruption, most businesses are upbeat.

A Straits Times poll of 11 tenants in Suntec City and Marina Square last week found that the majority of tenants were confident that business would be better during the F1 race than the IMF event, because of the expected influx of tourists.

The latest figures from race promoter Singapore GP showed that about 40 per cent of the 100,000-odd F1 ticket-holders are expected to be tourists.

But some shop-owners are not so sure. The Straits Times understands that a few have approached the Government for compensation should sales take a sharp hit.

Their calls were rejected, but organisers have promised to do whatever they can to help ensure a steady stream of customers.

For instance, one of the seven ticketing gates around the circuit perimeter will be deliberately placed at the Marina Square entrance, facing Raffles Avenue.

'We expect about 30,000 spectators from the grandstands there to use this gate and this will help drive business through the shopping centre,' said Mr Michael Roche, the executive director of Singapore GP.

He added that they were working with other landlords, such as the Esplanade and the Singapore Flyer, after worries that their employees would be unable to get into the area.

'There'll be arrangements to ensure their staff can still come in, allowing them to run as close to full capacity as possible and leverage on the large numbers of people within the area,' he said.

Meanwhile, Singaporeans interviewed said they were willing to put up with a bit of inconvenience because of the prestige attached to staging the highly anticipated event, set to be the first F1 night race.

Mr Ian Chong, for instance, will not be able to drive to his Millenia Walk office during the road- closure period.

But that is a minor detail for the 27-year-old, who works in the financial industry.

'It's a small price to pay to see and hear F1 come to Singapore,' he said.

limze@sph.com.sg

ghimlay@sph.com.sg