Long Island: Singapore to Begin Preparatory Works for East Coast Reclamation Project

Singapore is preparing for preparatory works related to the ambitious “Long Island” reclamation project, announced in 2023, with initial site investigation function slated to conclude in April. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) stated on Monday, March 30, 2026, that these initial steps – including the removal of seabed obstructions and the movement of materials – are crucial for the timely completion of the project off the East Coast Park.

The reclaimed land, tentatively named Long Island, will stretch from Tanah Merah to Marina East, encompassing approximately 800 hectares – an area roughly twice the size of Marina Bay. The project aims to create new land for housing, a freshwater reservoir, and approximately 20 kilometers of new waterfront parks, according to the URA.

A primary driver for the project is coastal protection. The low-lying East Coast Park area is particularly vulnerable, with much of it situated less than 5 meters above mean sea level. The URA highlighted that seasonal high tides have already caused coastal flooding in the area, most recently in January 2024 and January 2026, underscoring the urgency of proactive measures in the face of rising sea levels and increasingly intense rainfall.

“Agencies are working out the specific timeline and scope of preparatory works, which will be undertaken progressively to minimise the impact on users at the East Coast as far as possible,” the URA said in a statement. The agency added that it will continue to engage stakeholders and provide further details in the coming months.

The project has been under consideration for decades, initially appearing in Singapore’s Concept Plan in 1991. In 2019, then-Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong publicly discussed reclamation as a potential solution to protect East Coast Park from rising sea levels and create a new reservoir. A possible concept for the project was showcased in 2022.

While the project is intended to bolster Singapore’s water security and provide land for future development, the URA emphasized that the preparatory works do not commit to the final plans for Long Island. The authority stated that the project’s design and implementation will be refined based on the findings of ongoing technical studies, mitigation measures, and public feedback.

Since November 2023, the URA has engaged with over 14,000 individuals to gather input on their aspirations for Long Island. Participants broadly agreed on the require to protect East Coast Park from rising sea levels and recognized the reclamation project as a viable solution. Suggestions included incorporating nature-based solutions to enhance marine habitats and implementing the works in phases to minimize disruption.

Many participants also expressed a desire to preserve the recreational character of East Coast Park, with suggestions for new beaches, nature-friendly revetments, and recreational uses for the future reservoir, similar to those found at Marina Reservoir.

The URA acknowledged the importance of East Coast Park as a cherished recreational space and stated its commitment to planning Long Island and the new reservoir to facilitate future recreational activities. The agency will continue to evaluate the feasibility of these ideas as part of the ongoing technical studies.

Further stakeholder and public engagements are planned to delve deeper into key topics, such as the types of activities that could be accommodated along the new coastline and within the future reservoir. The project also requires careful consideration of the surrounding marine environment, including turtle nesting beaches, coral reefs, and seagrass beds in the Southern Islands, which are less than 10km away.