The Chinatown Business Association (CBA) has unveiled its plans for revitalising Smith Street in Chinatown, according to a Feb 14 release.

CBA won the tender for the creative lifestyle use of the row of shophouses from 11 to 37 Smith Street that was jointly launched by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) back in November 2023.

CBA's placemaking initiatives include an upcoming experiential studio, the Elegance of Nanyang (celebrating the Peranakan kebaya), and a new flagship co-living space operated by Habyt.

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Five new F&B tenants will also open on Smith Street. Household names include Starbucks, with exclusive merchandise and offerings paying homage to the location; Boon Tong Kee, Cantonese-style chicken rice and other dishes; and Killiney coffeeshop famous for its kaya toast, coffee and tea as well as Nanyang-style interiors. Seafood restaurant. The Happiest Clam, featuring sustainably harvested live geoduck clams, will also open on Smith Street.

With its artisanal gelato, Gelato Garden is the first of the new tenants to open along Smith Street. It is best known for its "churning gelato" concept, with signature Gelato flavours such as pistachio and hazelnut. It also features Singaporean flavours like Jia Jia Herbal Tea Sorbet, Honey Grass Jelly Sorbet and Pei Pa Gao Gelato.

According to CBA, the pedestrianised streets of Chinatown will be reimagined as a place where visitors " can experience the joys of life", as part of the broader placemaking narrative of "Meet, Eat, Live, Work, Play, Breathe".

Lim Yick Suan, executive director of CBA, says: "Smith Street will serve as the 'Cultural Heart' of Chinatown, where culinary delights, art and experiences converge, offering visitors a diverse cultural dining and experience in a setting that inspires joy and excitement."