Singapore Unveils Ambitious Urban Transformation Plan
Singapore is set for a major transformation, with new neighborhoods, revitalized areas, and infrastructural advancements planned over the next decade. The Urban Redevelopment Authority’s (URA) Draft Master Plan 2025 outlines the vision for a more vibrant and accessible city.
New Neighborhoods and Housing
Several new neighborhoods are planned for development in areas such as Dover, Defu, Newton, and Paterson. These areas will offer a mix of public and private housing options. In total, at least 80,000 public and private homes are slated to be introduced across more than ten new housing areas islandwide over the next 10 to 15 years.
In Dover, the Dover-Medway neighborhood will be built near educational institutions. The first phase will provide around 6,000 public and private homes. Development in Dover is set to begin in November 2025 with a Government Land Sales site.
In Newton, a new neighborhood is planned, retaining the area’s identity with greenery. The precinct will feature 5,000 private homes, anchored by a mixed-use development near the Newton MRT station and Newton Food Centre.
Chee Hong Tat, Minister for National Development, stated that the URA’s public engagement for the plan was the most extensive yet. He said the exhibition brings together ideas Singaporeans have put forth into a “shared vision” for the coming years.
Revitalization and Infrastructure
The draft masterplan includes initiatives to revitalize the city center and preserve heritage buildings like the NatSteel Steel Pavilion. Other development includes new office spaces and amenities in Bishan, community hubs in Sengkang, and more parks in the north-west.
Plans also involve an elevated pedestrian link bridge at Dhoby Ghaut Green to connect Istana Park to Fort Canning Park. By 2029, another new bridge will directly link Marina Centre and Bay East Garden for pedestrians and cyclists.
Long-Term Plans
The plans also address longer-term projects, including the Sembawang Shipyard area, which will cease operations in 2028. Furthermore, the former Singapore Racecourse in Kranji, which held its final race in October 2024, is also part of the plan.
Dr. Woo Jun Jie, a senior lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, explained that the masterplan reflects efforts to balance future climate needs with socio-economic demands, while preserving the “zeitgeist of Singapore.”
The URA’s masterplan, reviewed every five years, reflects Singapore’s continuous adaptation to evolving challenges. According to the latest data, 81% of Singapore residents live within a 10-minute walk of a park (NParks, 2024).
Community and Sustainability
The URA is also looking at creating new towns in the industrial area of Defu after the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base in the 2030s. The residents of the new neighborhood will have essential services and amenities within a 10-minute walk. The authorities are also studying plans for Gali Batu Cavern, an underground aggregate storage facility near Mandai.
The exhibition of the Draft Master Plan 2025 will run until November 29 at The URA Centre. Additional details are available online at go.gov.sg/URADraftMasterPlan.
Chee said that tackling these challenges will require a concerted effort by the government, stakeholders, and all Singaporeans. He added, “We need to work together to shape our collective future. Along the way, there will be some difficult trade-offs that we need to discuss and find a way to strike a careful balance.”
The initiative showcases Singapore’s ongoing commitment to adapting to global changes, with a focus on creating a sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant urban environment for its residents.
