Why linkway to Parkway Parade is being built after opening of Marine Parade MRT station 

SINGAPORE - After experiencing years of disruption caused by the construction of Marine Parade MRT station around Parkway Parade, some of the mall’s tenants have barely had time to heave a sigh of relief after the station opened in June 2024.

Now, several of them have raised concerns over the ongoing construction of an underground linkway connecting the station with the mall, which they are worried would affect their business.

Why only now, after the station has opened and the dust has settled somewhat, and not during its construction so that the disruption need not be extended, they asked.

Since Dec 20, 2024, the mall entrance leading to the basement level of Parkway Parade has been closed to facilitate the construction of the underground access to Marine Parade station. The linkway is due to be completed in 2027.

At present, there is no sheltered access from the station to the mall. Shoppers coming from the station can go to Exit 1, cross a road, and enter Parkway Parade from the Level 1 entrance near DBS Bank.

Mr Patrick Chong, 60, who has owned Yuen Loong watch store on the fourth floor of the mall since 1984, said the construction could have been better coordinated.

“The area outside the mall was boarded up for so long to facilitate the building of the station. Now that the station is completed, they are boarding up another area to start more construction,” he said.

Mr Dennis Chua, who runs 1st Prize Home DIY store near the basement entrance of the mall, was concerned the linkway construction would affect his business.

“Business has already been affected by online shopping and the construction of the MRT station. Now with the basement entrance closed for more construction, I’m worried business could dip further,” he said.

According to Lendlease, which manages Parkway Parade, the construction for the underground access to the station was planned as a subsequent phase to ensure coordination with relevant stakeholders and reduce the impact on shoppers and tenants.

As the mall was built more than four decades ago, a major consideration was the extent of the works needed to build the linkway, said a Land Transport Authority (LTA) spokeswoman.

Responding to queries from The Straits Times, LTA explained that when commercial developments wish to establish a direct underground connection to an MRT station, the developers are responsible for the design and construction.

The timeline for such works is determined by the developers, who must also ensure compliance with statutory requirements, such as flood protection.

“In the case of Marine Parade station, LTA had consulted with the developer during the construction phase. One aspect that the developer had to consider was the extent of works needed to build the underground link, given that the mall was built a long time ago,” said the LTA spokeswoman.

She added that LTA had incorporated knock-out panels into the station perimeter wall during its planning stage, which facilitates the underground connection to Parkway Parade.

While the linkway is being built, Manpower Minister and Marine Parade GRC MP Tan See Leng has urged Lendlease to maintain accessibility around Marine Parade MRT station, said Marine Parade Citizens’ Consultative Committee transport chairman Yusof Lateef.

Dr Tan emphasised that if there is a need to relocate the current pedestrian crossing from Exit 1 at the station to Parkway Parade, a temporary covered linkway to the station should be provided at the new crossing to ensure safety and convenience for residents throughout the two-year construction period, said Mr Yusof.