The First Overhead Bridge
Singapore’s first overhead pedestrian bridge was completed in 1964, spanning across Collyer Quay’s main road. It was a long, simple bridge built to provide pedestrians a safe way to cross the busy road between Clifford Pier ferry terminal and the Raffles Place financial hub. Many pedestrians, who were accustomed to crossing at street level, initially resisted the climb, but some enjoyed the thrill of looking down at the cars moving beneath their feet. As traffic increased in the city state, the use of overhead pedestrian bridges became a mandatory safety requirement.
As the nation grew, roads became increasingly congested with cars and buses. Pedestrian accidents, especially near schools and busy crossings, became more frequent. This led to the need for more overhead bridges across heavily used roads. The 1970s saw numerous road safety campaigns, with “Use Overhead Bridge” being one of the most prominent. However, convincing pedestrians to use these bridges was a challenge because many preferred to dash across the street rather than climb the two flights of stairs and descend on the other side. By the 1980s, improvements were made to the bridges design such as adding shelters to protect against rain and sun, use of concrete structures to minimize maintenance, and better lighting. Later enhancements included the addition of lifts and escalators at some locations, as well as planters, making the bridges more accessible and inviting. The original bridge across Collyer Quay was later replaced with something totally new.
In 1983, a new bridge across the Collyer Quay chalked up another first – it became Singapore’s first air-conditioned pedestrian bridge mall. It housed 50 retail shops and featured a spiral tower at the pier end. The elevated arcade connected two prominent locations: Change Alley—a street mall leading to Raffles Place—and the Clifford Pier ferry terminal. Today, both of these icons are gone.
Child Sacrifice Ritual Rumors
In the late 1970s, chilling rumours circulated that child sacrifices were being performed in the foundations of bridges at the time. Specifically, it was believed that entities prowled at night to kidnap children, place them in sacks, and later behead them for their heads to be buried in the bridge foundations. These sacrifices were thought to appease spirits and ensure the successful completion of the bridges. Some accounts mentioned the Benjamin Sheares Bridge as such location but any bridge construction that were works in progress at that time were not spared the warning. The rumours gained traction because of the spate of missing children during that period. If it was a ploy to serve it as a scare tactic to discourage children from going out at night, it worked. Everyone was terrified.
Change Alley
Change Alley was one of Singapore’s most famous shopping lanes. It was a bustling bazaar in a narrow alleyway packed with makeshift stalls, money changers, souvenir sellers, and hawkers. Its character was unlike any other in Singapore—noisy, cramped, bargain-filled, and lively. It was a magnet for sailors, tourists, and locals alike. The alley got its name from the “change men”—the money changers—who established shops there as early as the 1930s, catering to sailors and expatriates arriving via Clifford Pier. Besides money changers, it was also known for tailors who could sew suits within 24 hours for visiting sailors and businessmen. The redevelopment of the Raffles Place financial hub led to the demolition of Change Alley and the adjacent shophouses in 1982. It was replaced by the Change Alley Aerial Plaza — an overhead sheltered shopping arcade connecting Clifford Pier to Raffles Place MRT—opened in 1983. It was later redeveloped as OUE Link. Although modern, it never quite captured the vibrant energy of the original street bazaar.
Clifford Pier
Clifford Pier was built along Collyer Quay in 1933, named after Sir Hugh Clifford, a British colonial administrator. It served as an important gateway for immigrants, traders, and travellers, playing a key role during Singapore’s early development as a bustling port and hub. It was also the departure point for ferries to Singapore’s Southern Islands. The pier was notable for its grand design, with a roof structure comprising concrete arched trusses in a riband form. It ceased operations in 2006, as newer port facilities were constructed as part of the Marina Bay development. The Neptune Theatre Restaurant, located next to Clifford Pier from 1972 to 2006, was a notable landmark. It was known as Singapore’s largest theatre restaurant and hosted evening cabaret shows featuring topless dancers, as well as being packed on weekends for their dim sum lunches. This was the attempt to add vibrancy to Singapore’s business district during off-office hours.
Today, Clifford Pier is converted into a high-end restaurant and the former Neptune Theatre Restaurant site re-developed as part of high-end hospitality and leisure facilities within the Fullerton Bay Hotel precinct.
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