Future Planning

Singapore unveiled its Draft Masterplan 2008 in late May 2008 with much anticipation by not only industry watchers but also the general public. With the theme “Where my future is”, this Draft Masterplan presents four key thrusts: A Home of Choice, A Magnet for Business, An Exciting Playground and A Place to Cherish.

In these four thrusts, we see the continuation of the Live, Work, Play mantra that has been championed by many over recent times and perhaps most importantly, the layering of an important aspect of living in a built environment- Identity and Heritage. This Draft Masterplan presented by URA recognizes that these four thrusts will be critical in developing the island in a sustainable manner; one that would allow both economic growth and a good living environment.

From a macro point of view, this is certainly a very good plan that has been proposed, one which is broad ranging and inclusive. Not only does it plan for the continuous growth of the city center, this Masterplan understands and responds to the other intangible needs of Singaporeans. Issues of identity and heritage, lifestyle and leisure options, convenience of travel to jobs and supporting amenities, all of which have been given a serious consideration in the planning of each of the planning areas.

Just like every masterplan or concept plan, this Draft Masterplan have a few focus areas- districts and areas where more significant developments are going to take place.  Much development in recent years have focused on the Marina Bay and Sentosa area and in this masterplan, we see more focus on areas which so far have had their potential untapped and also attention to regenerating mature areas in the island.

Paya Lebar, Kallang, Jurong and Punggol had some of the more significant plans planned in store. At Paya Lebar, alans are in store for a civc center, a plaza and a pedestrian mall that will further enhance the culture and heritage in the area.  There are also considerations for large open spaces and pedestrian malls that will benefit the local community especially during the annual Hari Raya bazaar.

The Kallang area is also slated for a significant makeover with some quarters suggesting that this will be the cheaper version of the beachfront living option offered in Sentosa Cove. More than 4000 private homes  with waterfront views are expected to be erected with the promenade along Kallang River and Rochor Canal to be upgraded.  The redevelopment of Kallng would not be complete without a linkage to the upcoming Sports Hub which will manifest itself in a second storey linkway from Kallang MRT to the Hub.

With all the focus on the new developments, there has also been a significant effort to retain the memories of the old urbanscape. The old Kallang Airport is slated for conservation and then adapted for new uses and similar plans are also in store for the old Seletar Airport.

Also of significance is the Leisure Plan which is presented as part of this Draft Masterplan to showcase greater variety and quality of recreational choices round-the-clock, island-wide, for people of all ages. Besides new green spaces, the Leisure Plan presents a whole host of other recreational options, from more upcoming water activities in selected rivers and reservoirs across the island, new sporting facilities close to homes, to lifestyle hotspots and many things to do in the city.

In all, the Draft Masterplan paints a rosy future and as always, how will it really look like in times to come? How will policies and regulations be crafted to achieve the aims set out in the Masterplan?

This Plan focuses on the intangible qualities of an area, dealing with issues such as heritage and community spaces and this probably calls for some form of micro planning, done in close collaboration with the local community. This perhaps hints at the need for relevant stakeholders to look beyond the plot ratios and building heights but rather focus on the larger picture of creating an inclusive space for everyone. A capacity and flexibility to alternate between scales- island wide planning and also small local community- have to be practiced in order to see this Masterplan become a reality.

It would be unfortunate if the renderings that were presented are never realized. But of course, this is perhaps the curse of all Masterplans and presentation drawings. In recent times, the invention of the images have been more important than the reality that the images represent. These images will forever be referred to and will become the yardstick for whatever will be built in the next 10 years. No matter what happens,  these images will become symbols of desire for the future of Singapore, hopefully, not ones that will replace the inaccessible reality.

The Draft Master Plan 2008 exhibition is now on at The URA Centre, ground floor atrium, 45 Maxwell Road from 23 May 2008 to 20 June 2008.

Opening hours are: Monday to Friday - 9.00am to 7.00pm; Saturday: 9.00am to 5.00pm. Closed on Sundays and public holidays. Admission is free.

The public can provide their feedback on the Draft Master Plan 2008 by filling up the feedback form available at the exhibition or online via the URA website. Objections or representations to the proposals, with supporting reasons, will have to be made in writing to the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of National Development, Maxwell Road, Singapore 069110 on or before 20 June 2008.

Related Information
Draft Masterplan 2008 Website
Leisure Plan
Kallang Riverside Plans
Paya Lebar Central Plans

Adib is the co-founder of 5ft Creatives and he loves to walk on the FIVEFOOTWAY.