The underpass between Wisma Atria and Orchard MRT was recently opened and pedestrian traffic to the mall’s basement increased by over 100 percent compared to last year, said mall owner Starhill Global REIT.
Formerly known as Macquarie Meag Prime REIT, Starhill Global owns 74.23 percent of Wisma Atria.
Prior to its closure in October 2006, the underpass had been accommodating 700,000 shoppers a month. However, it had to be temporarily closed to give way to Ion Orchard’s construction.
Because of the closure, less pedestrians passed by and retailers subsequently reported that their sales slipped down by 40 percent.
Franklin Heng, chief executive at YTL Pacific Star, which manages Starhill Global, said that they are elated when the underpass reopened. “We have been working closely with our business partners and the related authorities these past two years, and are heartened by the timely reopening of the linkway.”
After the linkway was reopened on Wednesday, traffic to and from the Wisma’s basement has increase by 100 percent over the five-day period. Pedestrian traffic is even expected to increase further as soon as escalators from MRT’s Orchard station are commissioned to street level later this year. Commuters exiting the MRT station will also soon enter via a side entrance at the second level of the mall.
The underpass has been reopened to coincide with the opening of the Great Singapore Sale.