The term Esplanade has been used at different times to mean a different part in the vicinity of Esplanade Drive. In the mid 19th century, it referred to the area that is presently known as the Padang. Then, after land reclamation extended the coastline, the Esplanade was the site of the present Queen Elizabeth Walk. Another round of land reclamation in the 1980s and 90s created the present coastline.