The Community Whisperer

Quayside brings new energy and possibilities to the established residential enclave in Robertson Quay, but more importantly, it is an idea that sits very well with the community

- Marc Almagro

It’s not nearly 9 a.m. on a Saturday but a stretch of Robertson Quay along the Singapore River is already hopping with activities. Young couples in stylish active wear, both locals and expats, are already on their nth round of the paved lanes, some pushing their kids in designer strollers, some riding triathlon worthy bikes. Others are resting under the shade, checking up on each other in free-forming huddles, as they stretch their hamstrings and wait for the neighborhood cafés to serve breakfast.

Hours later, fortified by frothy chais and organic juices, they attempt to circle the perimeter yet another time before starting the slow amble home. Meanwhile, the brunch crowd has started to build up; it is getting warm but some of them are negotiating their way to the outdoor deli tables.

Today’s Robertson Quay was realized following a decade-long clean up of the Singapore River beginning in 1977, its rezoning as residential, commercial and hotel area in the 1990s, and its eventual gentrification that gave rise to a new upscale neighborhood. In 1999, two other pedestrian bridges – Robertson and Alkaff – would connect the two sides of the river, further enhancing the accessibility of the area. The following year, with the opening of Gallery Hotel, Singapore’s first design hotel, the area acquired a youthful vibrancy, and expanded Mohamed Sultan’s nightlife central supremacy all the way to the residential enclave by the riverbank.