Central Business District (CBD)

Under the URA Master Plan 2019, Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) is poised for significant transformation, with a vision to enhance its vibrancy, sustainability, and livability. The CBD, traditionally known as a commercial and financial hub with predominantly office buildings, is set to evolve into a more dynamic mixed-use district, where people can live, work, and play.

Here are the key highlights of the transformation of Singapore’s CBD under the 2019 URA Master Plan:

1. Introduction of Mixed-Use Developments
– One of the most significant shifts in the CBD’s transformation is the focus on mixed-use developments. The goal is to reduce the dominance of office spaces and introduce more residential, retail, and lifestyle offerings. By incorporating homes, hotels, restaurants, shops, and recreational spaces, the CBD will transform from a primarily work-centric district to a lively, round-the-clock neighborhood.
– The CBD Incentive Scheme encourages the conversion of older office buildings into mixed-use developments. This aims to bring more residents into the area, reducing the commute for professionals while introducing more amenities and public spaces to make the CBD an appealing place to live.

2. Greater Connectivity and Mobility
– The Master Plan emphasizes a car-lite CBD, with improved public transport, walking, and cycling infrastructure. The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and other MRT lines will further enhance the accessibility of the CBD, while more pedestrian-friendly networks will allow easier movement between different precincts.
– Pedestrian and cycling paths will be enhanced, creating safer and more pleasant environments for walking and cycling within the CBD. This will also reduce reliance on cars, contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.

3. Creating a Vibrant Live-Work-Play Environment
– To make the CBD more attractive for both residents and workers, there is a strong focus on introducing green spaces and public amenities. New parks, plazas, and communal spaces will be developed, allowing workers to enjoy outdoor spaces during breaks, and providing residents with areas for recreation.
– Areas such as Raffles Place, Tanjong Pagar, and Shenton Way will be transformed into vibrant live-work-play hubs, with more retail, dining, and entertainment options to attract people beyond office hours.
– Marina Bay and Downtown Core will continue to grow as key business districts but will see more integrated developments to create a seamless blend of office, residential, and leisure spaces.

4. Sustainability and Green Spaces
– The plan highlights a commitment to making the CBD greener and more sustainable. Efforts will be made to introduce more green spaces within the district, such as rooftop gardens, vertical greenery, and park connectors.
– The Central Green Loop is a key project that will link green spaces within the CBD, providing a continuous green network for pedestrians and cyclists. This will improve the district’s overall sustainability and contribute to a healthier urban lifestyle.
– Buildings will be encouraged to adopt green building standards, ensuring they meet high levels of environmental sustainability and energy efficiency. New developments are expected to integrate eco-friendly features like solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and energy-efficient designs.

5. Revitalizing Key Precincts
– The Tanjong Pagar precinct is undergoing a transformation to become a mixed-use district, with more homes, retail spaces, and green areas. This will breathe new life into the area, making it more attractive for residents and visitors alike.
– Shenton Way, one of the main commercial corridors in the CBD, will also see greater integration of residential and commercial developments, creating a more dynamic environment where people can live close to their workplaces.
– Raffles Place will continue to be the core of Singapore’s financial district but will see improvements in public spaces and amenities. The addition of more parks and urban spaces will make Raffles Place not just a business hub but also a place for recreation and relaxation.

6. Cultural and Heritage Preservation
– As part of the CBD’s transformation, efforts are being made to ensure that heritage buildings and districts are preserved. Areas like Telok Ayer, Boat Quay and Chinatown will retain their cultural significance while being enhanced with modern amenities and better connectivity to the rest of the CBD.
– Adaptive reuse of heritage buildings will be encouraged, allowing historic structures to serve new purposes such as boutique hotels, galleries, or restaurants, adding more character and diversity to the CBD.

7. Greater Southern Waterfront Expansion
– The Greater Southern Waterfront is a major component of the Master Plan, located just south of the CBD. Spanning from Pasir Panjang to Marina East, this area will unlock new development opportunities, including residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. This waterfront district will complement the CBD by providing a new live-work-play environment with a strong emphasis on coastal living and sustainability.
– The Greater Southern Waterfront will not only expand the central business area but will also provide new green spaces, parks, and public waterfront promenades, making it an attractive area for residents and businesses.

8. Reimagining the Future of Work
– With changing work patterns and the rise of remote work, the Master Plan recognizes the need for flexible workspaces. The CBD will introduce more co-working spaces and adaptable office layouts, catering to businesses of various sizes.
– There is also a push towards creating innovation-driven districts within the CBD, encouraging the growth of tech start-ups and creative industries in hubs like Marina Bay and Tanjong Pagar.

The CBD transformation under the URA Master Plan 2019 reflects Singapore’s forward-thinking approach to urban development. By diversifying land use, promoting sustainability, enhancing connectivity, and making the district more liveable, the CBD is set to become a vibrant, round-the-clock hub that caters not just to businesses but also to residents, visitors, and the broader community. This new direction ensures that the CBD remains a key engine for economic growth while adapting to the changing needs of a modern, global city.

Future residents of Union Square Residences will be able to live closer to work and also enjoy a better quality life with the future development of CBD area.

Source: URA