These graphics are taken from a tourist brochure a few years back.
The first picture shows the area around Orchard MRT Station before the huge Ion Orchard was built. There used to be an open area around the entrance to Orchard MRT station, where foreign domestic workers like to gather during their weekends off.
The second picture shows the area around Somerset MRT Station before 313@Somerset and Orchard Central were built. Notice that Phoenix Hotel and Specialists' Shopping Centre were still standing. The entrance to Somerset MRT Station used to be above ground, and there was an open air car park near it. Grand Park Orchard was formerly known as Crown Prince Hotel. Yen San Building is now simply known as 268 Orchard Road.
The third and fourth pictures shows the beloved National Library before it was torn down to make way for the Fort Canning Tunnel. The Singapore Management University sits over the former Bras Basah Park.
The last picture shows an emptier Marina area before the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay ("Durian") was constructed.
In future, more old buildings will be torn down and new ones will be built.
I think I'll need a tourist brochure to navigate my way around Orchard and Marina.
