The weekend papers carried the report of JTC Corporation's plan to 'instill life' into the quiet Wessex Estate, off Portsdown Road. My immediate reaction is no less than a string of usual grouses of the this island's overly zealous 'helpfulness' (read: KPOness) to meddle in every little corner possible.

The plan is to dump in a few million bucks to upgrade/develop/give a facelift to the artists' village with a town square, few artsy-fatsy F&B outlets and whatever that is seemingly artsy-fatsy. All in hope to turn the estate into a buzzing creative centre for artists to showcase their works. Like Bee Chip Gardens perhaps?

For starters, I love that area. ColBar operates at Portsdown Road and just next to it, is the existing dominion where artists rent spaces to concentrate on their work. The quiet surroundings is what draw me to having lunch at the cafeteria every other Sunday, despite the slightly long travel from city centre. Chilling out there can be such a rejuvenating relaxation. It's really nice to get away from rowdy Singaporeans (think: Orchard Road) once a while and soak up the quiet atmosphere without cars farting exhaust smoke into your face.

Er okay let me see: artists come to this vicinity to do their work because they want to get away from the buzzing and hustling of the already-crowded neighbourhood. Considering that rent for space here is cheap too, as opposed to the absurd market rates now. Now, I'm no economist but certainly it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out: development generates higher awareness, increased traffic, increased market value and thus higher rent. Wouldn't the development take away the very original draw that once attracted artists and city-dwellers who want to escape away from the stifling environs of the city?

Are the developers missing the point or am I not following something here?

Sigh... the last thing I want is to see ColBar jacking up its food price because of increased rent. Or having to constantly watch out for cars when I stroll along the outskirts of fields for a mind clearance, only to be disturbed thumping music bass from the nearby bars. That'd be a blardy shame.