Revamped *SCAPE to open in November with focus on youth-led programmes

Key Concepts:

• Youth-centric spaces
• Community-driven programs
• Sustained transformation
• Youth subcultures
• Ecosystem for youth development
• Public-private partnerships
• Civic engagement
• Soft power

Rejuvenation of SCAPE in Orchard

• SCAPE, a youth space in Orchard, is undergoing its 3rd major revamp since its inception almost 2 decades ago. The latest iteration shifts focus from retail to youth programs, aiming to reach over 30,000 young people annually.
• The upgraded space at Somerset, opening after 3 years of renovations, will feature approximately 30% more space dedicated to youth programs and expects over 2 million visitors annually.
• The redesign prioritizes open communal spaces, seating, and a performance stage based on public feedback, replacing less effective retail spaces due to the rise of e-commerce.

Youth Programs and Career Pathways

• Nine organizations will partner with SCAPE to shape career pathways for youths in industries like wellness, AI, and sustainability.
• The programs focus on mentoring, empowering, and providing opportunities for youths to develop their ideas in areas like AI, robotics, and automation.
• Youths can host events and exhibitions in the spaces, with rental costs being around half the price of other spaces in the shopping belt, and some spaces being free.
• Youths can also apply for micro-grants to fund projects that benefit the community.

Somerset Youth Belt and SG Youth Plan

• The rejuvenated SCAPE is part of a larger Somerset youth belt, serving as a central hub for partnerships and programs that extend throughout the area.
• The refreshed SCAPE aligns with the SG Youth Plan, a 5-year blueprint for supporting the nation's youth, set to be released in 2026.

Historical Context and Evolution of SCAPE

• SCAPE has undergone several transformations since its establishment as People's First at the Red Box in 2007, in response to the need for youth-centric spaces.
• The SCAPE building was officially launched in 2010, with its first major event in 2012.
• Rebranding efforts in 2016 introduced new facilities for entrepreneurship and volunteerism.
• In 2020, SCAPE was announced as part of the Somerset Belt revitalization project.
• The ground floor and help quarters reopened in 2024 after renovations, with further upgrades expected by the end of 2025.

Expert Perspective on Sustained Transformation

• Ethan Soon, Head of Retail at Knight Frank Singapore, expresses hope for the revamp, noting the 30% increase in space for youth interaction.
• He emphasizes that past iterations focused on youth-centric programs, and the current focus is on bringing different parts of the plan together after a break during COVID.
• He highlights the importance of government engagement with youth to co-design the space and programming.
• For SCAPE to achieve a sustained transformation, it needs to activate youth participation beyond just attending events, fostering community-driven activities designed by and for the youth.
• Past efforts were perceived as top-down and contrived, requiring a shift towards community-driven initiatives.

Community Involvement and Youth Subcultures

• Engaging the community to buy into the concept and co-design the programming is crucial for SCAPE to succeed as a youth-led venue.
• Youths are more likely to connect through social media, so the space must offer something more compelling.
• The concept of designing for youth should avoid treating them as a homogeneous group, recognizing the diversity of youth subcultures (creatives, gamers, social activists).
• A framework that reflects this diversity is essential for the movement to be sustainable, as youth culture is constantly evolving.

Importance of Supporting Youth

• Investing in youth is crucial because they are the next generation.
• Youth-centric spaces play multiple important roles socially, culturally, and economically.
• Culturally, these spaces are breeding grounds for youth to express themselves, showcase their identities, and shape new trends in fashion, music, design, and technology.
• Economically, these precincts support entire ecosystems of small businesses, entrepreneurs, and designers, drawing tourism and providing commercial value.
• Socially, vibrant and activated youth precincts promote civic engagement, reduce social alienation, and create more inclusive environments.

Conclusion

The revitalization of SCAPE represents a significant effort to create a thriving youth-centric space in the heart of Orchard. The key to its success lies in shifting from top-down programming to community-driven initiatives, actively involving youth in the design and implementation of programs, and recognizing the diversity of youth subcultures. By fostering an ecosystem that supports youth development, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement, SCAPE can serve as a model for future-proofing cities and empowering the next generation.