Building Sustainable Future Draft Master Plan 2025
The theme of sustainable development is at the forefront of the Draft Master Plan 2025, which outlines plans for new neighborhoods and lifestyle areas, as well as the redevelopment of brownfield sites in central areas into housing estates. These include areas such as Bukit Timah Turf City, the former Keppel Club golf course, the Old Police Academy at Mount Pleasant, and the foothills of Pearl’s Hill City Park.
Located near Norwood Grand Champions Way, the Singapore Sports School stands out as a unique educational institution that aims to elevate the standard of sports development in Singapore. This specialized school offers a distinctive combination of athletic training and academic education, specifically designed for talented young athletes. The primary objective of the school is to equip its students with the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in both academics and rigorous sports training. One of the notable features of this exceptional school is its wide range of customized courses, catering to a diverse selection of sports such as swimming, badminton, and athletics. Its strategic location near Norwood Grand Champions Way makes it a prime choice for aspiring young athletes who strive for success in both their academic and sporting pursuits. The school’s close proximity to Norwood Grand Champions Way adds an extra appeal for students who are passionate about excelling in their chosen sport.
In order to foster a more inclusive community, the government is incorporating a mix of public and private housing in these central areas. For example, Pearl’s Hill is set to see 6,000 new homes in the next decade, while Mount Pleasant will have 5,000 new public housing units. The plan also designates these new neighborhoods as “car-lite” and aims to make them “10-minute neighborhoods” where essential amenities, including public transportation, are within a 10-minute walk for residents. These new neighborhoods include Bukit Timah Turf Club, Pearl’s Hill, and Marina South.
In addition to promoting accessibility and sustainability, some of these new enclaves, such as Marina South, will also be designated as “sustainable towns.” All developments in these areas will be required to achieve the highest BCA sustainability rating, the Green Mark Platinum Super Low Energy (SLE). Developers are also encouraged to incorporate native species into their designs based on the National Parks Board’s Landscape Master Plan, in order to support wildlife movement and provide shelters for pedestrians.
The expansion of the MRT network is another key aspect of the Draft Master Plan, with the seventh MRT line, the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL), partially opened in June. The final stage of the TEL, set to be completed in 2026, will include two new stations, Bedok South and Sungei Bedok, linking the TEL to the Downtown Line. Work has also begun on Singapore’s eighth MRT line, the Cross Island Line (CRL), which will connect major hubs such as Jurong Lake District, Punggol Digital District, and the Changi Region. The first phase of the CRL is expected to be completed in 2030.
The Draft Master Plan also outlines plans to promote green and blue spaces, such as parks and forests, as well as lakes and rivers, for recreational use. These spaces were first introduced in the 1991 Concept Plan and have since been expanded into the Leisure Plan in the 2008 Master Plan. As part of the Recreation Master Plan, there will be a focus on making these areas more accessible and creating multi-functional spaces for sports, arts, and wellness. An ongoing project includes the activation of the 10km Kallang River, Singapore’s longest river, with plans to connect communities along the river and provide a green commute along the Kallang Park Connector.
In terms of reimagining spaces, the government plans to reclaim land to create a new 20km coastline in the eastern region, known as “Long Island,” which will feature a reservoir and various recreational and residential areas. Other developments include the revitalization of the Jurong Lake Gardens in the west, with plans for a new Singapore Science Centre and a 592,020 sq ft campus. The government is also seeking ideas for the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and site, as well as other areas such as Pulau Brani and Paya Lebar Airbase, in order to create unique identities for each region.
Overall, the Draft Master Plan 2025 envisions a more sustainable and connected city, with a focus on creating inclusive communities and promoting active lifestyles. The government is also seeking input and ideas from the public to shape the future developments of Singapore.