Urban Redevelopment Authority Unveils Vision for the Next 50 Years
SINGAPORE: In the coming five decades, job locations could shift closer to residences, with more mixed-use developments emerging in the city center and other regions.
To facilitate businesses in adapting to rapidly changing demands, commercial and office spaces may also be available for lease on shorter terms in selected areas.
These concepts are part of the proposed plans for Singapore’s future development, unveiled at a new public exhibition launched by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Monday (June 6).
Titled “Space for Our Dreams,” the exhibition, which runs until August 4, showcases planning strategies and concepts to guide Singapore’s development for the next 50 years and beyond.
The exhibition follows a year-long public engagement initiative that commenced last July, aimed at reviewing Singapore’s long-term land use requirements and strategies.
The review considered future trends and challenges, including Singapore’s aging population, flexible work arrangements, evolving business models, and the rise of e-commerce.
FLEXIBLE WORKSPACES
URA announced plans to create more attractive and adaptable workspaces to foster innovation and meet the future economy’s needs for businesses and workers.
They are exploring the idea of “vertical zoning” in industrial estates, where different but complementary functions can coexist within a single development.
For instance, clean industrial activities could occupy the lower floors, while co-working spaces and residential units could be situated on the middle and upper levels.
Additionally, URA is identifying suitable locations in industrial areas like Kolam Ayer and Yishun for accommodating non-industrial uses, such as co-working spaces, retail outlets, and food and beverage establishments.
This approach aims to provide flexibility for new business models and support vibrant industrial developments.
MORE INCLUSIVE HOUSING
In its strategy to meet diverse housing needs, URA plans to introduce a broader range of housing designs that cater to various household sizes and preferences. These designs will be adaptable to changing lifestyles.
This may involve creating more flexible flat layouts that allow owners to configure spaces according to their requirements. Furthermore, additional homes will be constructed closer to essential amenities like transport hubs, employment nodes, and healthcare facilities.
To develop “future-ready” neighborhoods that can adapt to residents’ changing lifestyles and unforeseen needs, URA will focus on offering flexible spaces that accommodate different uses throughout the day.
For example, a co-working area could be transformed to host community events in the evening.
The results of this latest review will inform the next Master Plan review scheduled for 2024.
URA indicated that more than 15,000 individuals, including members of the public, businesses, professionals, and academics, contributed feedback and ideas during the review of Singapore’s long-term land use strategies.
“We will continue to refine the concepts, strategies, and proposals to ensure they remain relevant to the needs of Singaporeans and Singapore,” stated URA, encouraging visitors to the exhibition to share their feedback.
