The Master Plan 2003 review started with two new plans – the Parks and Waterbodies Plan and the Identity Plan, marking a milestone in the planning process. The two plans were drawn up for the first time to provide an island-wide framework to guide the planning of greenery and identity for the Master Plan 2003 review.

First stop: fresh look at green & identity

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

The Parks & Waterbodies and Identity Plans were bold and refreshing. Proposals from the two plans ranged from opening up the Central Catchment for more to enjoy, building an island-wide park connector network, and encouraging more skyrise greenery, to conserving 500 buildings in old world charm areas, creating outdoor retreats in the north east, connecting three southern ridges for a 9-km walk and breathing new life into urban villages around the Central Catchment. The two plans got the thumbs up, with 97% of a total of 4,500 public feedback responses strongly supporting them.

Consultation brought plans to life

The extensive public consultation on the two plans, from July to October 2002, captured the hearts and imagination of more than 35,000 people who came to view the plans. Three Subject Groups were also formed to study the proposals in-depth. Made up of 54 professionals, interest group representatives, and laypersons, these groups held many discussions, went on site visits and carried out 11 dialogues with stakeholders – residents and business owners in various places identified under the Identity Plan.

Stressing the importance of the consultation process, Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of State for National Development and Trade and Industry, said in his appreciation speech to the Subject Groups in January 2003: “The process has been important, perhaps just as important as the results. I believe all Singaporeans who have been involved would have had an opportunity to rediscover the uniqueness of our homeland. I am sure all of you would have discovered aspects of
Singapore that you were not aware of previously. You would also know that you have played a role in shaping its future. You would look at a map of Singapore with new eyes and new memories. “

Rediscovering Singapore It has been a journey of discovery for both planners and Singaporeans. “We came across many beautiful, interesting places and we kept saying, ‘wow, it’s so unlike Singapore’,” recalled Kelvin Ang, URA’s Executive Architect, who was part of a team of more than 20 planners and architects involved in drawing up the plans.

Realising the plans

The two plans did not just remain on the drawing board. Planners have been working closely with other government agencies, grassroots leaders and professionals to make the plans a reality. Some of the plans to be implemented include retaining the mangroves at Kranji Nature Park and near the existing Sungei Buloh, developing five new parks like Sengkang Park and Woodlands Park, extending the park connector network, and carrying out environmental improvements such as creating an interim park at Jalan Leban and providing additional carparks at Jalan Leban and Casuarina.

Already, some of the plans are being realised. A 20-m high observation tower was completed in December 2003, in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This was one of the proposals put forth in the Parks & Waterbodies Plan. In addition, as part of the plan to link up Mount Faber, Telok Blangah and Kent Ridge along a 9-km route, URA launched a design competition last November to seek suitable designs for two bridges and a walkway. In addition, more than 700 buildings, including those identified under the Identity Plan in Jalan Besar, Balestier, Tanjong Katong, and Joo Chiat, and with selected buildings at Mount Sophia and Tiong Bahru, have been gazetted for conservation.

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