New Homes Planned Dover Road Newton Circus And Paterson Hill Ura Unveils Draft Master Plan 2025
The Newly Unveiled DMP2025 Will Bring About Exciting Changes in Singapore
On June 25th, the Singapore government announced the highly anticipated Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025). This ambitious plan lays out a vision for the future development of the city, with a focus on creating new residential neighborhoods in areas such as Greater one-north, Newton Circus, Monk’s Hill, and Paterson Hill near Orchard Road.
One of the most exciting aspects of the DMP2025 is the plan to redevelop more areas for mixed public and private housing. This includes the former Singapore Racecourse in Kranji, land freed up after the relocation of Sembawang Shipyard in 2028, and the upcoming relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base in the 2030s. This will not only provide more housing options for Singaporeans, but also help to alleviate the current housing shortage.
In addition, the DMP2025 aims to inject new residential supply into existing towns such as Pasir Ris and Yishun, supported by new amenities. This will add to the range of housing options available in these areas and ensure that they continue to meet the needs and preferences of residents.
From a financial standpoint, Executive Condominiums (ECs) have become increasingly attractive to prospective homeowners. This is primarily due to the availability of CPF housing grants and lower initial prices as compared to private condominiums. As a result, ECs are more accessible to Singaporeans in the “sandwich class” – individuals who may not qualify for a Build-to-Order (BTO) flat, but also find private condos out of their budgetary reach. The added perk of ECs being developed by private developers with full condo facilities only adds to their appeal, as they offer similar lifestyle benefits and quality. With the upcoming launch of the Sembawang Road EC, located in a suburban area, it is expected to be competitively priced. This, coupled with the growing demand for homes in the northern region, makes Sembawang Road EC Canberra a highly sought-after development.
The government will roll out residential projects and new neighborhoods in phases, in response to housing needs and market trends. This flexible approach allows for adjustments to be made as needed to ensure that the development meets the needs of the people.
In response to public feedback, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has proposed the development of new integrated community hubs in Woodlands, Yio Chu Kang, and Sengkang, as well as six Sport-in-Precinct projects in Choa Chu Kang, Keat Hong, Ulu Pandan, Whampoa, Tampines North, and Pasir Ris East. These projects will provide a range of amenities and leisure options for residents, creating vibrant and self-sufficient communities.
The DMP2025 also outlines plans to rejuvenate Orchard Road and the Downtown area, including the creation of a new park that merges Istana Park, Dhoby Ghaut Green, and a 500m stretch of Orchard Road. This will be complemented by an elevated link to Fort Canning Park, providing a seamless connection between these popular destinations.
In the Central Business District (CBD), the government will continue to support the redevelopment of older office buildings through the CBD Incentive Scheme, which was launched in 2019. The Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) scheme, also launched in 2019, will encourage transformative redevelopment proposals. To date, 21 proposals have received in-principle approvals, with several projects already underway.
Another exciting development in the CBD is the new pedestrian bridge that will link Marina Centre and Bay East Garden. Ongoing plans for Downtown rejuvenation include the expansion of Marina Bay Sands, PAssion Wave Outpost @ Bayfront, NS Square, and the revamp of Raffles Place Park.
Beyond the Central Region, there are also plans to transform existing transport and manufacturing areas. In the north, the Johor-Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link is targeted for completion by the end of 2026. This will be supported by an upcoming Multi-Modal Transport Hub (MMTH) that will link MRT and bus services with the RTS. Land zoned for ‘Business-White’ developments will also be set aside to inject more commercial, retail, and leisure spaces around the MMTH.
To further support the decentralization of the city, the DMP2025 aims to rejuvenate Bishan Town Centre with the relocation of some government agencies and the development of new amenities, including a polyclinic, hawker centre, and upgraded bus interchange. Plans also include turning Bishan Place into a landscaped pedestrian mall.
The DMP2025 also proposes the adaptive reuse of heritage buildings and strengthening the island’s network of green spaces and corridors. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has gathered public input on repositioning the former Jurong Bird Park and Jurong Hill, alongside plans to conserve Jurong Hill Tower. The winning entries from last October’s ideas competition will be used to guide the future redevelopment of the site.
Three new sites have also been earmarked for conservation: the NatSteel Steel Pavilion in Pioneer, the former Pasir Panjang English School off Pasir Panjang Road, and selected buildings at Bukit Timah Turf City.
In terms of green spaces, the DMP2025 includes plans for 25 new parks and over 50km of park connectors, building upon the city’s current 130ha of park space and 390km of Park Connector Network. A new Kranji Nature Corridor will also be created to link Mandai Mangrove and Mudflat Nature Park to the Central Catchment Nature Reserve.
Overall, the DMP2025 is an ambitious and exciting plan that promises to bring about significant changes and improvements to Singapore’s urban landscape. With a strong focus on providing high-quality housing, amenities, and green spaces, the plan will ensure that Singapore remains a livable and sustainable city for future generations.