In response to Singaporeans’ desire for lifestyles that are healthy, sustainable and rich with human connections, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is seeking ideas and feedback for its proposals on how our future neighbourhoods could look like, feel like and be experienced. The proposals are on display for public feedback at the exhibition “Our Neighbourhoods: A Look into the Future”, launched today by Minister for National Development and Second Minister for Finance Lawrence Wong. The exhibition also shows how the conceptual proposals could be translated in three upcoming housing precincts: Kampong Bugis, Holland Plain and Bayshore. “As people’s needs, values and aspirations change, we thought it timely to see how we could plan for endearing neighbourhoods that could provide for quality living and meet the lifestyle needs of our residents,” said URA’s Chief Executive Officer Lim Eng Hwee. URA’s vision for future neighbourhoods has three main thrusts: a) People-centred, car-lite neighbourhoods Residents could get around their neighbourhoods conveniently and enjoyably on foot, bicycles or Personal Mobility Devices, through seamless and comprehensive networks of walkways and cycling paths. Public transport nodes would be within easy reach. Together with active modes and efficient public transport, shared transport is turning mobility into a service and reducing the need for car ownership. As roads and car parks become less necessary, more space can go towards green spaces and a variety of amenities to enhance the liveability of the neighbourhoods. b) Vibrant community spaces Inviting public spaces, ranging from parks to landscape decks and courtyards, can be designed to encourage interaction among neighbours and the larger community around the precinct. These would be designed for all ages to come together and could be adapted by the community for multiple uses, whether to learn, work or play. The public spaces would include pockets of neighbourhood greens that would be linked to wider islandwide green networks, such as the Rail Corridor, Round Island Route and East Coast Park. This would extend the community spaces and strengthen connectivity between precincts. c) Sustainable, and clean and green features Neighbourhoods will enjoy lush sensitively designed parks and green spaces to enrich our biodiversity, and with facilities for exercise and recreation. Features such as skyrise greenery and naturalised drains and canals can also cleanse a neighbourhood’s stormwater runoff and improve the aesthetics of the living environment. A pneumatic waste conveyance system with separate waste and recycling chutes, could centralise and optimise the waste collection process and make recycling fuss-free. These concepts have guided the proposals for the three future neighbourhoods of Kampong Bugis, Holland Plain and Bayshore. At the same time, the proposals have been tailored according to the unique possibilities of each site. Further details can be found in Annex A [PDF, 122kb].
Members of public can give their feedback on the ideas at the exhibition, or online at ura.sg/futurehoods. The grassroots and residents of areas near the new neighbourhoods will also be invited to the exhibition for their views. The proposals will be exhibited at The URA Centre Atrium from 16 Oct to 20 Nov, 9am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays. Admission is free.