URA reassesses land-use policies and guidelines

It will focus on expanding economic gateways.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has announced plans to reassess land-use policies and guidelines to better align with the evolving needs of businesses in Singapore's changing economic landscape.

This initiative was highlighted during the launch of the exhibition “Enabling Sustainable Growth: Shaping the Future of Work” by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Digital Development and Information, Tan Kiat How, at The URA Centre.

The exhibition is part of Singapore's long-term land planning strategy aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and supporting the Singapore Economy 2030 vision. It showcases the URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025) and the progress of the decentralisation strategy.

The DMP2025 review will focus on expanding gateway nodes and enhancing areas like Tampines and Bishan by adding more amenities and recreational spaces.

Additionally, URA will revise land-use policies and engage with industry stakeholders to adapt to technological trends and support growth in digital and low-carbon economies.

Initially proposed in 1991, the decentralisation strategy promotes sustainable growth by establishing a network of polycentres across Singapore.

According to Huttons, URA's decentralisation strategy has successfully established business nodes outside the Central Business District (CBD), such as Tampines Regional Centre and Bishan Sub-Regional Centre. These nodes enhance local vibrancy, reduce traffic congestion into the CBD, and lessen the burden on public transportation, which is crucial in land-scarce Singapore.

“These decentralised business nodes add vibrancy to the areas and help to reduce traffic into the CBD,” it said. “It also helps to spread the load on our public transportation network and lessen the need to expand our road network.”

Additionally, Huttons noted that the availability of jobs in Tampines and Bishan has increased their attractiveness, driving property prices up, with some HDB flats selling for over a million dollars.

The development of the Western Gateway has also boosted local appeal; for example, the J'den project sold 88% of its units during its launch weekend in November 2023.

Similarly, the recent launch of Norwood Grand in October 2024 sold over 80% of its units, reflecting strong buyer confidence in the area's future. As business nodes like Jurong Innovation District, Tuas Port, and Greater One-North continue to grow, demand for housing near these locations is expected to rise.

“Amidst fierce global competition for investments and fast-changing preferences and practices amongst businesses and the workforce, it is critical for our business nodes to continuously be refreshed and enhanced,” said Tan.

In the 2022 Long-Term Plan Review exhibition, URA proposed plans to create more mixed-use developments, flexible spaces for innovation, and land reserved for emerging sectors to maintain Singapore’s competitiveness.

The exhibition runs until 3 January 2025, with free admission.