On any weekend evening, the contrast between the main historic districts in Singapore is hard to miss. Most of the crowd in Chinatown empties out by 10pm and Little India holds to its weekday rhythm. But Kampong Gelam, especially Haji Lane and Bali Lane, fill up with different crowds. This heritage area, which stretches from Rochor Road to the Kallang River, sees a throng of crowds in the daytime that explore the various vintage, fashion, and the photo-booth concepts that have multiplied along Haji Lane. But in the evening, the diners spill onto the street which turns into a vibrant pedestrian-only zone from 3pm to 1am on weekdays, and from 12pm to 1am on the weekends and public holidays. The vibrancy of this popular destination has also ignited recent discourse about the retail and lifestyle experience there. Long-time tenants say that they are being priced out as rents increase, more shops seem shuttered, and the precinct’s homegrown character is giving way...