Central Region URA Master Plan

The URA (Urban Redevelopment Authority) Master Plan 2019 for Singapore’s Central Region outlines a comprehensive vision to develop a more sustainable, vibrant, and liveable urban environment, building on Singapore’s growth as a global city. The Central Region, which covers areas such as the Central Business District (CBD), Marina Bay, Orchard Road, and various residential and commercial districts, plays a key role in driving Singapore’s economic, social, and cultural development.

Here are the main focus areas of the URA Master Plan 2019 for the Central Region:

1. Enhancing Liveability
– The Central Region will see the creation of more residential developments, particularly in areas like Marina Bay, Rochor, Tanjong Pagar, and Outram. These developments will aim to introduce more live-work-play environments, allowing residents to live closer to workplaces while being connected to entertainment and lifestyle amenities.
– To improve quality of life, there will be a focus on increasing the number of green and public spaces, expanding parks, and introducing new recreational spaces like cycling paths and walking trails, such as the Fort Canning Park Connector and Southern Ridges.

2. Mixed-Use Precincts
– The URA Master Plan encourages the development of mixed-use precincts that combine residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, particularly in areas like Marina Bay and Bugis. This approach promotes greater convenience and sustainability by reducing travel times and encouraging more vibrant communities.
– In areas like Orchard Road, the Master Plan focuses on turning the precinct into a mixed-use development zone with enhanced retail, lifestyle, and entertainment options. Orchard Road will be transformed into a multi-dimensional district that includes arts, culture, and green spaces.

3. Promoting Connectivity and Car-Lite Mobility
– One of the central goals is to create a car-lite city by enhancing public transport infrastructure and pedestrian networks. The Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Cross Island Line (CRL) are part of the long-term strategy to improve connectivity within the Central Region.
– The CBD and Marina Bay will benefit from pedestrian networks, making it easier for residents, workers, and visitors to travel between various parts of the city. Marina Bay will see more pedestrian connections linking its residential and commercial areas to public spaces, parks, and transit points.

4. Revitalizing Key Districts
– Several prominent districts in the Central Region are slated for major revitalization efforts:
– Orchard Road: A comprehensive rejuvenation plan will transform Orchard into a world-class lifestyle destination, incorporating elements like thematic zones such as the Tanglin lifestyle and arts district, Somerset as a youth-oriented hub, and enhanced green spaces along the street.
– Tanjong Pagar and Outram: These districts will see more residential and commercial developments alongside the preservation of cultural and heritage elements. The addition of new parks and improved transport connections will make these areas more vibrant and pedestrian-friendly.
– Bras Basah.Bugis: This arts and cultural precinct will see further enhancements to integrate arts, education, and heritage, making it a unique cultural hub in the Central Region.

5. Greater Southern Waterfront
– One of the most ambitious aspects of the Master Plan is the development of the Greater Southern Waterfront. Spanning from Pasir Panjang to Marina East, this project will unlock a significant stretch of waterfront land for mixed-use developments, including housing, commercial spaces, and leisure areas.
– The Greater Southern Waterfront will be a new urban district that incorporates coastal living, with a strong emphasis on sustainability, waterfront promenades, and green spaces. This development will help expand the Central Region southwards and provide new housing opportunities for future generations.

6. Sustainability and Green Spaces
– The Master Plan aims to make the Central Region more sustainable by increasing green spaces and park connectors. Park connectors such as the Central Green Loop, Rail Corridor, and Kallang River enhancements will allow for better pedestrian and cycling routes across the region.
– The development of new parks like the Gardens by the Bay, East Coast Park extensions, and Marina Barrage will also help improve the environmental sustainability of the region, while providing spaces for relaxation and recreation for residents and visitors alike.

7. Preserving Heritage
– While there are significant plans for new developments, the Central Region’s Master Plan also emphasizes the preservation of cultural and heritage sites. Key heritage areas like Chinatown, Kampong Glam, and Little India will be conserved while being integrated with new developments. This balance between old and new will ensure that the Central Region retains its unique cultural identity.

8. Fostering Economic Growth
– The Central Region, as Singapore’s key economic hub, will continue to see office and commercial development in areas like Raffles Place, Shenton Way, and Marina Bay. These areas are set to become global financial hubs, attracting multinational companies and start-ups alike.
– As part of the CBD Incentive Scheme, older office buildings in the CBD may be redeveloped into mixed-use developments, creating a more vibrant and dynamic work-live-play environment in the city’s core.

The URA Master Plan 2019 for Singapore’s Central Region is a holistic blueprint that addresses both current and future needs. With a focus on sustainability, livability, heritage preservation, and economic growth, the plan envisions a Central Region that is more connected, green, and vibrant. By transforming key precincts like Marina Bay, Orchard Road, Tanjong Pagar, and the Greater Southern Waterfront, Singapore aims to maintain its position as a global city while improving the quality of life for its residents.

Union Square Residences will benefits from the series of future development within Central Region.

Source: URA