I've been trying to persuade the URA, LTA, BCA and whoever in the govt to listen to me regarding the unsuitability of the current staircase for Sophia Road and nearby residents.
This is an example of the reply I sent back in 2006.
(I had to censor the email address/names because it was a confidential letter)
If you feel strongly about this you can also write into URA (the Urban Redevelopment Authority) the govt dept responsible for urban planning.
https://www.ura.gov.sg/feedbackWeb/contactus_feedback.jsp
Unfortunately, the developers of 8@Sophia have terminated the linkage to the public.
I'm just one voice voicing my concern.
If you also feel this is important to you, please encourage other people to sign the petition and also write into URA using the feedback form.
Let us help our neighborhood, esp the young mothers, elderly and small school children.
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Email from URA.
"Feedback Received Date : 22/01/2007
Dear Mr Chiam,
Thank you for your feedback dated 22 Jan 06.
We note We note your concern on the public access / easement to Plaza Singapura / Dhoby Ghaut MRT and the Orchard Road section because of the recent developments at Mount Sophia and Handy Road.
URA and the other Government agencies recognise the need to improve
physical connectivity between the Mt Sophia area and the Dhoby Ghaut area, including the RTS Intercahnge Station, as part of our plans to create an attractive and pedestrian-friendly city. Hence, we have been actively working to secure two permanent pedestrian linkages to Mount Sophia.
One of these proposed connector is located within the new The Cathay
development site which was completed in 2006. The staircase linkage is
located along the southern boundary. The second connection is a pedestrian linkway cum staircase within the 8@ Mt Sophia residential development. This will be completed in 2007.
From our site visit, we note that the staircase connection within The
Cathay development site is not well signposted. We will write to The
Cathay building management to request that they put up signs to direct
users to the link. In future, with the completion of connection within 8@
Mt Sophia, residents at Mount Sophia will have an additional access to the Plaza Singapura / Dhoby Ghaut MRT and the Orchard Road."