The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) unveiled a diverse range of housing types, new parks, and heritage corridors in its latest long-term plan released on Monday (June 6).
From now until August 4, an exhibition titled “Space for our Dreams” held at the URA Centre showcases Singapore’s development strategies for the next 50 years and beyond.
Here are seven key highlights from the long-term plan, which is reviewed every ten years.
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Table of Contents
1. A Better Mix of Private and Public Housing Island-wide
In the new Bayshore residential estate near East Coast Park, both private and public housing will be built, along with supporting amenities and recreational projects.
In Simei, more public housing and amenities will be introduced near the Upper Changi MRT station. The URA stated that these will be integrated with existing private housing.
Authorities are also working out details to offer more varied HDB flat layouts, providing homeowners with greater flexibility to configure various spaces to meet their needs.
To provide more housing options for the elderly, a private assisted-living facility will be piloted at Parry Avenue in the Kovan area.
The second pilot of the Community Care Apartments project will be launched in Queenstown. These are assisted-living HDB flats jointly provided by the Ministry of National Development (MND), Ministry of Health (MOH), and the Housing & Development Board (HDB).
2. More Mixed-Use Developments in the City Centre and Industrial Estates
The concept of “vertical zoning” in industrial estates will be explored to help integrate different but complementary uses within the same building.
For example, non-polluting industrial activities can occupy the lower floors, while co-working spaces can be on the middle floors, creating a buffer for residences on the upper floors.
Industrial estates in Kolam Ayer and Yishun will be redeveloped to accommodate non-industrial uses, such as co-working spaces, providing greater flexibility for new business models.
Some commercial sites will offer shorter leases of 15 to 30 years to allow businesses to adapt to rapidly changing trends.
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3. More Nature-Based Recreation Options
The URA said that, to start, parts of the Southern Islands could be used to pilot new recreation and tourism concepts, such as nature and heritage learning journeys, low-impact eco-accommodations, and leisure activities.
Over the next few decades, Sentosa and Pulau Brani will be transformed into a destination offering leisure and tourism services.
Other new attractions under development include the expansion of the integrated resorts at Marina Bay and Sentosa, the new Mandai Wildlife Reserve, and a new tourism development in the Jurong Lake District.
4. Five New ‘Identity Corridors‘ Island-wide
Five new “Identity Corridors”—each with a unique streetscape, rich history, and experience—will be created to become a broader heritage landscape that resonates emotionally with every Singaporean.
These include the 24km Rail Corridor in the west, the north-stretching Thomson-Kallang corridor, and the Inner Ring corridor that encircles communities on the city’s edge from Zion to Crawford Roads.
This new initiative aims to strengthen the unique character of various places and protect the nation’s historical heritage.
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5. Reimagining the ‘Long Island‘ Plan
To protect Singapore’s coastline, the “Long Island” plan along the southeastern coast from Marina East to Changi could integrate coastal protection measures with future reclamation plans.
New developments on the future land could include a new freshwater reservoir and housing, as well as parks and recreational spaces. The URA’s latest plan also indicates potential reclamation areas beyond the Long Island area in the longer term.
6. Four New Ecological Corridors, with the First in Khatib
After completing an extensive island-wide study and mapping Singapore’s key biodiversity areas and their connections, the National Parks Board has identified four new ecological corridors in Khatib, Kranji, Lim Chu Kang, and Seletar.
The Khatib Ecological Corridor will be the first to be established, featuring three new parks: Miltonia Nature Park, Nee Soon Nature Park, and an extension to Lower Seletar Reservoir Park. This is in addition to the previously announced Khatib Bongsu Nature Park and Canberra Park.
The Khatib Ecological Corridor will serve as a wildlife passage between two core habitats, connecting the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the upcoming Khatib Bongsu Nature Park.
Two new residential and mixed-use projects in Springleaf and Miltonia Close will also be developed within the Khatib Ecological Corridor.
7. Paya Lebar Air Base to be Developed into a New-Generation Town
After the Paya Lebar Air Base relocates in 2030, the freed-up land will be redeveloped into a new-generation town integrating residential, work, and lifestyle options, while preserving its historical identity as an international airport, based on early concepts.
The relocation of the air base will free up approximately 800 hectares of land.
Existing infrastructure such as the old passenger terminal, control tower, airport hangars, runway, bunkers, and other historical buildings could be repurposed based on their adaptability to preserve the historical sense of each area within the town.
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