SPOTLIGHT / ABOUT THE MASTER PLAN
The Master Plan is one of the most important tools used to plan for and guide Singapore’s physical development over the last 60 years.
It is a statutory plan that shows the land use and development intensity allowed for every plot of land in Singapore. Beyond the colourful splashes on paper, the plan introduces the idea of charting urban growth and development in a concerted and orderly manner and suggests a rational use of land through land-use zoning.
The first Master Plan was published in 1958. It was the first comprehensive development plan for Singapore and saw a major shift from general improvement schemes to the preparation and regular review of a detailed plan regulating the use of land in Singapore. It provided a framework and blueprint of proposed land uses to guide future developments.
The Master Plan translates the vision of the Concept Plan (longer term plan that provides the vision and broad directions guiding Singapore’s development in the next 40 to 50 years) into detailed implementation plans that can be carried out in the next 10 to 15 years. Since then, it has undergone more than 10 revisions to keep pace with evolving needs and aspirations, with the last review carried out in 2013.
The Master Plan is available on URA SPACE. Zoom in on any area you are interested in or search for an address.
The Master Plan should be read together with the Written Statement which helps to explain zoning and other terms used. In addition to the Master Plan, the Special and Detailed Control Plans also provide additional information on how to guide developments across the island, for example, building height and parks & waterbodies.
Some tips for reading the Master Plan:
Over the years, the Master Plan remains relevant and responsive to changing times. Here are 5 ways the Master Plan has made an impact on Singapore’s physical landscape.
1. DGPs were introduced in 1987 as a tool to comprehensively and systematically review the Master Plan 1985. They were developed and presented for 55 planning areas. Since then, detailed plans continue to be drawn up but the form of presentation has evolved. Localised plans are now presented under 5 regions.
2. The vision for the Punggol New Town was unveiled in 1996 as a region to be developed for 21st century living. Since then, the plans for the area have evolved but it continues to serve as a model eco-town.