Siting uses such as utility plants underground frees up precious land for multiple uses. For example, placing a 230kV substation underground frees up more than 3 hectares of land for other uses.
A new underground SDCP is introduced to enable better planning of our underground space. It is the first SDCP to be in 3D, allowing for better visualisation. The SDCP currently features 3 key districts - Marina Bay, Jurong Innovation District and Punggol Digital District. In time, the plan will expand to cover other parts of Singapore.
We are studying the feasibility of using caverns for utility, storage and industrial uses at areas like Tanjong Kling. We are also developing a planning tool to identify areas with potential for cavern development based on compatibility with above ground uses, and suitability of geology. This can guide planning for the locations and types of cavern uses so that they do not negatively impact above ground developments.
To save valuable space, co-locating compatible recreational and community uses improves convenience, like at Our Tampines Hub. In addition, co-locating 3 MRT depots and 1 bus depot at the upcoming East Coast Integrated Depot saves a massive 66 football fields of land.
Strategically recycling land offers opportunities to rejuvenate our increasingly built-up city. For example, the relocation of the ports to make way for the Greater Southern Waterfront enables the waterfront to be opened up to make way for new uses.
© Housing & Development Board
Through land reclamation, we have created space for new areas like Changi Airport, Jurong Island and Tuas Port. To reduce the amount of fill materials needed for reclamation, we are also piloting alternate methods like empoldering which helps us save on upfront construction costs.