Can Singapore accommodate 6.5 million people? Will plot ratios be raised? Will our quality of life be compromised? These concerns arose soon after the Government brought up the need for Singapore to plan ahead in anticipation of greater economic growth and a larger population earlier this year.

Speaking with reporters in July 2007, Minister Mah Bow Tan cleared the air by candidly addressing these issues, and assuring Singaporeans that by planning judiciously and well ahead of time, Singapore will still retain her competitive advantage by offering high living standards. Minister Mah folded these messages into a preview of what Singaporeans can look forward to in the upcoming Master Plan 2008.

Contrary to discussions in some quarters, the population figure of 6.5 million is not a target, and there is no cause for immediate concern. Minister Mah clarified that, “It is a parameter that the planners have adopted for the purpose of long-term planning… Furthermore, the increase in population is expected to take place gradually, and over the long term of 40 to 50 years.”

Minister Mah further elaborated, “The concern is understandable… but if we plan it well, we create the spaces, we allocate land… make sure transport flows smoothly… it is possible for us to maintain a good standard of living, a good quality of life… If any country can make it, Singapore can, because we have the planning parameter, we have the process in place.”

Minister Mah also assured Singaporeans that all of us had enough time to plan ahead for the development of our country. Long term planning will ensure that there will be sufficient land to cater for population and economic growth. It will also continue to provide a good living environment for our own people as well as visitors.

Minister Mah elaborated on how the goal of comfortably accommodating everyone in a quality living environment could be achieved through the Concept Plan and Master Plan ¹.

He said, “At this point in time, we look ahead as far as the eye can see, based on the technologies we know today – building up, building down, based on (the) land bank we have, based on putting all these jigsaw puzzles together – schools, roads... reservoirs, offices, sewerage plants, gardens... We are keeping those standards, we are not compromising on our quality of life... Can we fit this number of people in? The answer is yes.”

Minister Mah also emphasised that, “quality of life is something we do not wish to sacrifice. That is what makes Singapore unique and different. We do have a good quality of life; we want to make sure we keep it that way for our own people as well as visitors.”

• a Global Business Hub
• a Liveable City
• a Vibrant Playground
• an Endearing Home

One of the key strategies in Master Plan 2008 is to offer a choice of attractive business locations, within Singapore, supported by amenities and infrastructure to meet the different needs of businesses.

Two new regional business centres have been planned in Jurong and Paya Lebar over the next few years to provide space for Singapore’s continued growth as a global business centre. These will offer alternative, high-quality office and retail space outside the Central Business District (CBD) and, also, offer proximity to workers who live in nearby residential districts in these two areas.

Both these business centres are going to offer very attractive leisure and recreational amenities as well.

For instance, the Jurong Regional Centre will not only offer a mix of office, retail, residential and hotel uses, it will be integrated with the adjacent Jurong Lake area to provide unique waterfront leisure destinations.

Similarly, the Paya Lebar area will include open spaces and pedestrian malls that reflect its own local identity and character, differentiating it from the other commercial centres.

Master Plan 2008 will also focus on enhancing our living environment by developing more housing options in the city and beyond.

One of these options will be within the Marina South area. The area will be developed as a premier residential district offering a unique waterfront living environment within a garden setting.

At Kallang Bugis, a new waterfront live-work-play enclave set in a riverine park will soon take shape. This development will be augmented by many hotels, offices and Small Office Home Office (SOHO) units, as well as retail and entertainment options.

To make Singapore an even more fun and exciting city, the Master Plan 2008 will pay particular attention to developing more recreational choices island-wide. To this end, a Leisure Plan will unveil a gamut of leisure activities and new recreational destinations Singaporeans and visitors can look forward to.

For example, Lim Chu Kang, will be developed into an area for more rustic activities. The waterbodies are now being opened up for water-based activities. New parks will be built and linked to existing ones through the park connector network. The Master Plan will also look at creating more spaces for arts, culture and entertainment in the city.

Finally, and significantly, there are plans to invest in more attractive and sophisticated night lighting, and to organise more national and international events to enliven Singapore’s night scene.

Master Plan 2008 will not only see new developments, but also include rejuvenation plans for older HDB towns.

These will be continued efforts to create an endearing and emotionally resonant home for Singaporeans by retaining key elements in our landscape that form part of our social memories.

Minister Mah summed this up, “… redevelopment does not automatically mean you throw out the old and you bring in the new. We can keep the old... as much as possible within the new spot. The intention is to keep the traditional strengths of the area.”

URA is currently working closely with various agencies on the proposals for the Master Plan 2008 Review. These proposals, which include plans for the business hubs, living options, leisure facilities and ways to foster identity and rootedness in Singapore, will be unveiled at an exhibition scheduled for the middle of next year. Public feedback on the various aspects of the Master Plan will be actively sought at this exhibition.

Watch this space for more details!