Large-scale events at East Coast Park hurt some hawkers'
business
By Sharon See & Evelyn Lam | Posted: 12 April 2010 2227 hrs
SINGAPORE: Outdoor events at East Coast Park are drawing
the crowds but appear to be driving away business for some
hawkers.
The East Coast Lagoon Food Village is usually quiet on weekdays,
and it counts on the weekend and public holiday crowd for business
to pick up.
Last year, there were 22 large-scale outdoor events held on
weekends, affecting some public amenities, such as a carpark near
the hawker centre, which was closed, leaving visitors with fewer
lots.
But the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said it kept part of
the carpark open, and there are some 500 carpark lots near the
hawker centre.
Still, some hawkers feel that fewer lots mean fewer
customers.
"Business is quite good on weekend mornings, but there're fewer
customers when the carpark is closed," said a hawker. "When people
park somewhere else, they don't really come here much."
The National Parks Board said large-scale events at East Coast Park
can help to draw the crowds.
Stallholders agreed that larger crowds do improve their business,
as long as the carpark is not closed.
- CNA/yb