Istana Park Expansion: Three Times Bigger, Full Plan Coming in 2027

What is actually confirmed

Three things. The 1.3ha Istana Park grows to more than three times its size by absorbing Dhoby Ghaut Green and the Penang Road Open Space. A 500m stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong Road and Handy Road gets pedestrianised and becomes an Activity Promenade. And the whole thing gets a new ceremonial driveway lined with flagpoles and mature trees running to the Istana's main gate. Renders released by NParks also show an orchid park with water gardens built to handle stormwater, a nature playgarden, a heritage gallery and a garden dedicated to Singapore women.

What has not been confirmed

The opening date. Numbers between 2030 and the mid-2030s have been floating around because the Orchard Road Rejuvenation Plan launched in 2019 as a 15-year programme, but NParks has not committed to a completion year for the park itself. What it has said is that the full vision goes public in 2027. Treat anything more specific than that as someone doing arithmetic on the 2019 plan. It is a long horizon either way, so this is a thing to watch, not a thing to plan a weekend around.

Why this corner matters

Dhoby Ghaut is the join between Orchard and the civic district, and right now it is three disconnected patches of grass split by roads. Merging them and pedestrianising the Buyong to Handy stretch turns a crossing into a place you would sit down in. Ambitious plans for this stretch have a history of slipping, so we will keep the article honest and update it when the 2027 reveal lands.

FAQs

How much bigger will Istana Park be?

More than three times its current size. The existing park is 1.3ha and will absorb Dhoby Ghaut Green and the Penang Road Open Space.

When will the new Istana Park open?

No completion date has been confirmed. NParks said on 12 August 2026 that the full vision for the park will be shared in 2027.

What are the three main areas?

Orchid Park and Orchid Plaza, Istana Park, and Dhoby Ghaut Green. A 500m stretch of Orchard Road between Buyong and Handy roads becomes a pedestrianised Activity Promenade.

Is Istana Park closed during the works?

No. The parks are still open. Nothing has been announced about closures at this stage.