Singapore has forward-planning in its DNA. A country with vision along with strategic meticulous planning allows it to optimise its resources despite its limited land bank.

Being a small island country, Singapore efficiently and effectively provides for its growing nation with a healthy balance in social, economical and environmental aspects. We explore here how Singapore through its upcoming major infrastructure projects will continue to do so, by planning for more green areas, vibrant townships that envelop education, work and play with the assistance of technology to further enhance economic growth.

11 Upcoming Infrastructure Projects

1.     NS Square

A home for national pride & respect

National Day Parades and a sense of pride is celebrated by all Singaporeans and NS Square due for completion in end-2025 is the home for it. NS Square will also house community sports facilities, food & beverage as well as retail shops in the lower promenade and a new waterfront promenade which will form a loop around Marina Bay for pedestrians.

The space may also be utilised for events such concerts, performances, sporting activities and competitions.

2.     Founders’ Memorial

In memory and honour to our Founders

Construction work is to begin in 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2027. The site is located in the Bay East Garden with an area size of 5ha. The Founders’ Memorial will feature artefacts and stories collected from Singaporeans in relation to the country’s history. It will consist of a viewing gallery, a lake, a forest trail and an amphitheatre.

3.     Changi Region

An economic development in aviation.

The development focuses on three areas – Changi Aviation Park, Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Changi City.

Changi Aviation Park

The development of Changi East Industrial Zone will add to the current Aviation Park. The expansion of cargo facilities will increase handling capacity from 3 million to 5.4 million tonnes a year, in addition to providing for new aviation-related businesses.

Changi Airport Terminal 5

Changi Airport, already one of the most impressive in the world, will add on with Terminal 5, making it the largest terminal serving up to 50 million passengers annually. A third runway will be added as well, enhancing the airport into a three-runway system by the mid-2020s.

Changi City

Changi East Urban District is a location of multi-potential space for new offices, conference facilities, hotels and serviced apartments. Singapore University of Technology and Design will be located within Changi Business Park, providing expertise to organisations in the hub wanting to explore research and development. The Urban District may be linked to a new waterfront district on the south of Changi Airport. “Fly-ferry” linkage for tourists between Terminal 5 and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal is being explored.

4.     Tuas Megaport

The heart of the maritime industry

The mega port in Tuas which will cover about 1,400ha of land has started construction and is set to be the world’s largest fully automated terminal when completed in 2040. Equipped with features such as automated wharf and yard functions, and full-electric automated guided vehicles, it can cater up to 65 million twenty-foot equivalent units of cargo a year.

With forethought, it is designed to accommodate the largest container ship and taking into account those that have yet to be built.

5.     Paya Lebar Airbase

A distinctive new township

The Paya Lebar Air Base spans 800ha and will be repurpose when its assets are relocated to Tengah in the 2030s.“into a highly liveable and sustainable new town with amenities for future residents, as well as a major employment node in the area” as stated by the Urban Development Authority (“URA"). THE URA has opened the proposal to the public through a competition where the public may present its proposals.

6.     Greater Southern Waterfront

A Recreation, Residential & Commercial promenade

Waterfront real estate is always beneficial for the society, with a long stretch of waterfront promenade and open green spaces along. The Great Southern Waterfront is 30km long from Pasir Panjang to Marina East with an area size of 2,000ha. There will be approximately 9,000 housing units. Besides residential and recreational use, this stretch will also provide for commercial spaces.

Prime land such as these are only available when repurposed and in this case is when port operator terminals at Tanjong Pagar, Keppel and Brani move to Tuas by 2027, as well as Pasir Panjang terminal by 2040.

7.     Punggol Digital District

A digital node merging the industry with academia.

A smart district where one can work, learn and play. It will house digital businesses such as Cyber-security and digital technology firms, top academia such as Singapore Institute of Technology’s new campus and a high-tech lifestyle. A hub where innovators and the community gather, interact and realise innovative ideas.

At a glance, it is 5oha, it will offer up to 28,000 jobs, house 12,000 students with over 500 faculty and professional officers and is expected to open by stages from 2024 onwards.

8.     Rail Corridor

The City’s green vein.

The Rail Corridor, named so as it was the former railway line stretches 24km from the north to south of Singapore and is going through enhancement works to provide seamless connection by 2021 with future plans for community recreational pods along the stretch featuring urban farms, food & beverage outlets and parks.

9.     North-South Corridor

The Connector of the City and the North

The 21.5km North-South Corridor (“NSC”) will be Singapore’s longest Transit Priority Corridor and the first integrated transport corridor which includes dedicated bus lanes, paths for pedestrians and cycling routes which will link with the Park Connector Network and local cycling paths within HDB towns along the entire corridor, enhancing connectivity for active mobility users and pedestrians. Commuters may expect a faster journey when the NSC is completed. Expected to complete in 2027, it will directly connect the Northern region and the city centre.

10.  Woodlands Regional Centre

The Key Northern Commercial Hub

Comprising 100 hectares of land, Woodlands Regional Centre will be developed into the largest economic hub in Singapore’s north region.

With planning for the next 15 years, the Centre will be home to the business industry and research and development, as well as learning and innovation. The new business hub will have 2 distinct precincts. One being the waterfront destination that is Woodlands North Coast over 70ha of land will be a mix of business and with space for flexible use. The second is Woodlands Central on 30ha of land comprising a good mix of office, retail, residential, entertainment and food & beverage.

11. Jurong Lake District

More Than a CBD.

The 360ha Jurong Lake District was planned by the URA as decentralisation efforts to bring more quality jobs, amenities, and recreational options closer to homes. It will be more than a CBD, it is a place to grow. When completed it will be the largest mixed-use business district outside the city centre.

A projection that by 2040 to 2050, Jurong Lake District will have 100,000 new jobs and 20,000 new homes. With expectation that the district will draw more business and residents to locate here, it is expected to bring a demand for high quality leisure activities and short-term accommodation.

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