Latest news with #DraftMasterPlan2025
Straits Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Straits Times
i Light Singapore 2025 launched on May 29
National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat (second from left) invited the public to view the Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition when it launches on June 25. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI New city blueprint to be launched at URA Draft Master Plan exhibition on June 25 SINGAPORE – Singapore will have a new blueprint to guide the city's development over the coming years when the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) launches its Draft Master Plan on June 25. Announcing the launch date at an event on May 29, National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat said visitors to the exhibition of the masterplan will see 'how we are planning for a liveable, inclusive and endearing home. A home that all of us can be proud of'. Mr Chee was speaking at the opening of the art festival i Light Singapore, which is in its 11th edition and features 17 light installations in Marina Bay, Raffles Place, the Singapore River and South Beach. The URA Master Plan – one of two major development blueprints by Singapore's planning authority – is a statutory document that guides Singapore's development for the next 10 to 15 years and is reviewed once every five years. It translates broader strategies from the other development blueprint – the Long-Term Plan – into detailed plans that guide how land and properties are used. The Long-Term Plan, which guides plans for the next 50 years and beyond, is reviewed once every decade, with the last edition unveiled at an exhibition in 2022. Public consultations for the upcoming masterplan began in October 2023, and conversations have been shaped around four themes: Shaping A Happy Healthy City, Enabling Sustainable Growth, Strengthening Urban Resilience and Stewarding Our Nature And Heritage . Current developments are guided by the URA Master Plan 2019, which came into force in November that year after it was exhibited for a few months. The Guardians by Matthew Aberline and The Beautiful and Useful Studio (Australia), located at Raffles Place Park. ST PHOTO: ARIFFIN JAMAR Highlights from the 2019 masterplan include the Rail Corridor, Punggol Digital District and the Greater Southern Waterfront. Some of these projects are still in development. Speaking at Marina Bay, Mr Chee said the transformation of the bay area is a testament to Singapore's long-term planning and meticulous implementation. He noted that plans for the bay were developed in the 1970s, when pioneer leaders and planners saw the need to expand Singapore's city centre to support the country's growth as a global business and financial hub. Reclamation of 360ha of land to form the bay took place between the 1970s and 1990s, with landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay's Bay South Garden built entirely on reclaimed land later. The area's transformation 'is the story of the foresight of those who came before us, who dared to dream and who have laid the foundations for a better Singapore', Mr Chee said. He said the bay is part of Singapore's skyline, which is recognised globally, and that the area is 'a people's bay', with community spaces for all to enjoy. Initiatives such as i Light Singapore gather people from all walks of life and help to bring these community spaces to life, said Mr Chee, who added that the festival celebrates aspirations for a sustainable, shared future. He cited the Bridge Of 1,000 Dreams, an installation that features a thousand illuminated bamboo sticks on Cavenagh Bridge, each of which was decorated by a child and reflects 'the dreams and visions of Singaporeans'. Mr Chee interacting with guests at the launch of i Light Singapore 2025, with the art installation Bridge Of 1,000 Dreams in the background. ST PHOTO: AZMI ATHNI The work is by Studio Toer, a multidisciplinary design studio from The Netherlands, and features Singapore motifs created by local design studio Binary Style. Mr Castor Bours, Studio Toer's co-founder, said having children work on the bamboo sticks 'may be the most important part of the installation'. He added: 'At the end, the sticks are put on a beautiful bridge, but the whole process of helping people think about what they want for their city, what they want for their future in a creative way – that's what makes this installation different from others.' He said having public art installations in the city helps break the monotony of daily life. 'People have their rituals, they walk to work and return from their workplace, and somehow, with an installation, this breaks the ritual a bit,' Mr Bours said. 'They take a few seconds or maybe minutes to get off that rhythm, and be inspired again by their own city. It's a way to be distracted from reality.' Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Business Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Business Times
URA to unveil Draft Master Plan 2025 in June: Chee Hong Tat
[SINGAPORE] The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will be unveiling the Draft Master Plan 2025 on Jun 25, Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat on Thursday (May 29). The long-awaited draft masterplan, which will map out Singapore's detailed land plans for the next 10 to 15 years, is being introduced at an exhibition after city planners gathered public feedback following the launch of the engagement exercise in October 2023. More homes are being planned in various locations in the Central Region such as Bukit Timah Turf City, Mount Pleasant, the former Keppel Golf Course and Marina South. The government is also focusing on decentralisation, with Jurong Lake District set to become the largest mixed-use district outside the Central Business District. Plans are underway to further develop Changi Aviation Park and Changi City as well as regional hubs such as Tampines and Punggol Digital District. The public was also consulted on a recreation masterplan which will spotlight Singapore's parks, public spaces and attractions as well as 'Long Island', a 800 hectare land reclamation project along the eastern coast of Singapore. Chee was speaking at the opening ceremony for i Light Singapore, the light art festival held in Marina Bay since 2010. The festival was launched by URA to mark the opening of Marina Bay. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Tuesday, 12 pm Property Insights Get an exclusive analysis of real estate and property news in Singapore and beyond. Sign Up Sign Up Chee said: 'Our vision for Marina Bay started as early as the 1970s, when our pioneer generation of leaders and planners foresaw the need to expand the city centre to support and sustain Singapore's long-term growth as a global business and financial hub.' 'Plans were set in motion, to reclaim some 360 hectares of prime waterfront land around a new waterbody that is seamlessly connected to the existing city centre.' Today, Marina Bay is a dynamic and modern hub anchored on sustainable infrastructure with attractions and mixed-use developments, Chee said. 'The transformation of Marina Bay is a story of long-term planning and also meticulous implementation.' Every 10 years, the government reviews the Long-Term Plan that guides the development of Singapore, mapping out strategic land uses and infrastructure needs over the next 50 years. Chee said: 'This is how far we plan ahead so that we are ready for the future.' The development of Singapore is not just about constructing buildings and infrastructure but also about connecting people and places and creating spaces where Singaporeans live, work and play, the minister said. He said: 'As I take on this new portfolio at MND... it is a very challenging task but it is also a very meaningful job. I hope to continue to engage and collaborate with all of you – our stakeholders and partners – to transform even more of our public spaces into vibrant and impactful experiences that brighten our lives, strengthen our community identity and foster a sense of shared ownership of this beautiful city we call home.'
Online Citizen
15-05-2025
- Business
- Online Citizen
URA proposes conservation of five heritage sites under Draft Master Plan 2025
Singapore's Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) will propose conserving five heritage-rich sites across the country as part of its Draft Master Plan 2025, announced National Development Minister Desmond Lee on 14 May 2025. The sites include the Singapore Badminton Hall, Jurong Hill Tower, the former Royal Malayan Navy Admin Block in Woodlands, six blocks at Dakota Crescent, and the grandstands at Turf City. The announcement was made via a Facebook video, where Lee described the sites as integral to telling 'the story of Singapore's progress in the last 60 years'. According to URA, the proposed buildings reflect significant milestones in Singapore's sporting, social, and economic development. 'These are important ways of anchoring our sense of place and identity as Singaporeans,' Lee stated. URA added that the proposals demonstrate Singapore's 'strong, continued commitment to conservation', highlighting both architectural merit and historical value. Singapore Badminton Hall: A cradle of champions Located at 100 Guillemard Road, the Singapore Badminton Hall was designed by pioneer architect Ng Keng Siang and completed in June 1952. It hosted the third and fourth editions of the Thomas Cup in 1955 and 1958, and helped develop legendary athletes such as Wong Peng Soon, Ismail Marjan and Ong Poh Lim. Beyond badminton, the hall served as a multi-purpose venue, hosting sepak takraw, table tennis, billiards, and even movie screenings. It also played a pivotal political role in 1962 when it was used as the vote-counting centre during the referendum for the proposed formation of Malaysia. Recognised by the National Heritage Board as a historic site in 1999, URA now seeks to conserve it as a symbol of both sporting excellence and national history. Jurong Hill Tower: A beacon of industrial progress Built in the late 1960s by JTC, Jurong Hill Tower was part of the broader Jurong Industrial Estate masterplan. Its spiral ramp and panoramic viewing deck became key stops for visiting dignitaries between 1969 and 1984. URA described the tower as a 'notable landmark representing Singapore's economic transformation post-independence' with architectural, social and historical significance warranting conservation. Dakota Crescent: Honouring public housing heritage One of Singapore's oldest housing estates, Dakota Crescent was built by the Singapore Improvement Trust in 1958. URA will propose conserving a cluster of six blocks—four seven-storey, one three-storey, and one two-storey—surrounding the estate's courtyard and iconic dove playground. The buildings feature distinctive balcony designs, with a mix of protruding and recessed styles. The conservation aligns with earlier efforts at Tiong Bahru and Kampong Silat to preserve SIT-era developments and celebrate the nation's public housing journey. Turf City: Grandstands of a bygone era Turf City in Bukit Timah, the site of Singapore's second racecourse from 1933 to 1999, will also feature in the URA's conservation plan. The north and south grandstands—once accommodating thousands of spectators—will be retained as 'significant landmarks'. They represent Singapore's evolution from colonial pastimes to post-independence recreation. While 15,000 to 20,000 homes are planned at the site over the next 20–30 years, the grandstands will be adapted for new uses and serve as focal points for the new residential community. The north grandstand is a Modernist architectural example, while the south features classical design elements. URA and other agencies are also assessing 25 other structures on-site for potential reuse, including the Bukit Timah Saddle Club Clubhouse and former secretaries' bungalows. Royal Malayan Navy Admin Block: A naval legacy Completed in 1953, the former Royal Malayan Navy Admin Block in Woodlands captures Singapore's maritime and military history. It served multiple naval functions from the British colonial period to post-independence Singapore. The site returned to Singapore in 1997 and was used as Admiralty West Prison from 2011 to 2018. URA proposes conserving the three-storey Art Deco-style building, which includes a parade square and rooftop observation deck. It will be integrated into a new HDB residential project, 'Housing by the Woods', with heritage features potentially influencing the estate's design. Master Plan 2025 and the road ahead The Draft Master Plan 2025 will be showcased in June as part of the SG60 celebrations, detailing Singapore's urban development vision for the next 10 to 15 years. URA noted that more than 7,200 buildings and structures across 100 areas have been conserved since the start of Singapore's urban conservation programme in 1989. The new proposals aim to expand this legacy by safeguarding buildings that carry social memory, cultural value, and architectural uniqueness. URA reaffirmed that physical conservation will be complemented by initiatives to recall the intangible heritage linked to these sites. Calls to remember lost icons like the Old National Library Public reaction on CNA's Facebook page reflected a general appreciation for the proposed conservation efforts, with many viewing them as vital to preserving collective memory amid rapid urban development. Several users recalled the Old National Library at Stamford Road, expressing regret over its exclusion from past conservation efforts. The building, demolished in 2005, was cherished not only as a repository of knowledge but also as a powerful symbol of national identity. Others expressed hope that overlooked landmarks such as Selegie House, built in the 1960s, might receive due consideration in future conservation plans. Suggestions from the public included repurposing older buildings into community spaces such as eating houses, recreational facilities, or rental flats for young couples awaiting BTO units. Some welcomed the initiative, noting that conserving and adapting existing structures could prove more cost-effective than complete redevelopment.
AsiaOne
15-05-2025
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Turf City grandstands and Singapore Badminton Hall among 5 sites to be conserved, Singapore News
Two grandstands at Turf City and the Singapore Badminton Hall along Guillemard Road have been proposed for conservation by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). They are among the "significant buildings" at five sites being put forth for conservation as part of the authority's Draft Master Plan 2025, said Minister for National Development Desmond Lee on Wednesday (May 14). The three other sites are the former Royal Malayan Navy administrative block in Woodlands North, Jurong Hill Tower and a cluster of six blocks in the Dakota Crescent estate. In a video posted to Facebook on Wednesday, Lee said these buildings and sites help to tell the story of Singapore's progress in the past 60 years. "Each one means something to someone. So, one important way of anchoring our sense of place and identity as Singaporeans is to conserve buildings and sites that reflect our common history and experiences," he said. "Beyond conserving the physical structures, we can continue to recall digital documentation, physical markers and walking trails." All 5 sites hold historical significance The South and North Grandstands of the former Turf City were built in 1933 and 1981. Turf City was Singapore's second racecourse from 1933 to 1999, and became a recreational and commercial hub after the Singapore Turf Club relocated to Kranji in 1999. Singapore Badminton Hall was designed by pioneer architect Ng Keng Siang and completed in June 1952. It was used as a vote-counting venue in the 1962 referendum to merge Singapore, Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah and the Federation of Malay States to form Malaysia. Jurong Hill Tower, which was built in 1969 by JTC Corporation as a lookout point, aimed to provide residents and workers with recreational spaces and access to nature, at a time when the nation was undergoing rapid urbanisation and industrialisation. Completed in 1953, the former Royal Malayan Navy (RMN) administrative block holds 70 years of naval history, spanning Singapore's colonial era to post-independence, with ties to the Commonwealth as well as both Singapore and Malaysia. The RMN base reflected the urgent need for Malaya to build up its own defences in the post-World War Two era. Dakota Crescent is one of Singapore's oldest public housing estates. It was built by the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) in 1958 to address overcrowding in the city centre and provide affordable homes to improve living standards of residents. In 2017, then National Development Minister Lawrence Wong announced that while Dakota Crescent would be redeveloped for public housing, six blocks, now slated for conservation, would be retained for civic and community uses. URA Draft Master Plan a 'key SG60 programme' URA has conserved over 7,200 buildings and structures in more than 100 areas since Singapore's urban conservation programme was launched 36 years ago. "The sites and buildings reflect significant aspects of our nation's development and collectively, the story of Singapore's transformation as an independent nation and underscores our strong, continued commitment to conservation," it said in a media release on Wednesday. The URA's Master Plan guides Singapore's development for the next 10 to 15 years, and is reviewed once every five years. According to the authority, the Draft Master Plan 2025 is a key SG60 programme. It translates land use strategies developed alongside Singaporeans and stakeholders into detailed 10 to 15-year plans. URA also said that it will present its conservation proposals at the upcoming Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition in June, adding that further plans for Singapore's built heritage will be announced at the same time. "Beyond retaining the physical form of our built heritage, URA and partner agencies will continue to work together with stakeholders on other ways to recall significant heritage that contributes to our collective history and culture," said the authority. [[nid:699610]]
Straits Times
14-05-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
Jurong Hill Tower, Turf City grandstands and Dakota Crescent blocks to be conserved
SINGAPORE – Jurong Hill Tower, two grandstands at Turf City in Bukit Timah and six blocks in Dakota Crescent estate have been put forth for conservation. The state properties were among buildings and structures at five sites that National Development Minister Desmond Lee said the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is proposing to conserve. The two other sites are the former Royal Malayan Navy admin block in Woodlands North and the Singapore Badminton Hall at 100 Guillemard Road. In a Facebook post on May 14, Mr Lee said the buildings collectively reflect the story of Singapore's post-independence transformation. For instance, Jurong Hill Tower – built in 1969 by JTC Corporation – is a symbol of independent Singapore's industrial transformation, and signalled the country's economic ambitions, he said. He said conserving buildings is one important way of 'anchoring our sense of place and identity as Singaporeans', and added that plans for the properties will be showcased at the Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, which is set to be held in June. URA's masterplan is a statutory document which guides Singapore's development for the next 10 to 15 years, and is reviewed once every five years. To date, more than 7,200 buildings and structures in over 100 areas have been conserved in Singapore. The URA said in a statement that beyond retaining built heritage, government agencies will work with stakeholders on other ways to recall significant heritage that contributes to Singaporeans' collective history and culture. Ng Keng Gene is a correspondent at The Straits Times, reporting on issues relating to land use, urban planning and heritage. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
