'Long Island'

‘Long Island’ offers an integrated solution that will meet multiple national needs. The project entails reclaiming about 800 hectares of land off the East Coast, potentially in the form of ‘islands’, to protect the low-lying area from sea level rise and strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience, enhance our water resilience with a new reservoir, and create additional land to meet future development needs. The creation of ‘Long Island’ will also present new recreational opportunities by adding around 20 kilometres of new waterfront parks, part of a larger and continuous 120-kilometre-long stretch of accessible waterfront space along Singapore’s southern coast.  

In November 2023, Mr Desmond Lee, then-Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration,  announced that agencies will commence public engagement and technical studies for ‘Long Island' given the urgency to protect the East Coast from sea level rise and to ensure that the plans for ‘Long Island’ reflect Singaporeans’ aspirations. Prime Minister Mr Lawrence Wong also highlighted the potential of turning challenges into opportunities through ‘Long Island’. 
 
URA and partner agencies have since engaged more than 14,000 members of the public and stakeholders to understand their aspirations for ‘Long Island’ and seek their ideas on the preliminary concept for the project. We will continue to engage and study the project extensively to shape a ‘Long Island’ that reflects our aspirations and caters to the needs of future generations. 

3 things you need to know about 'Long Island' 

How is our East Coast at risk?

Based on the 3rd National Climate Change Study, mean sea level surrounding Singapore could rise by up to 1.15m by 2100. When extreme high tides coincide with storm surges, sea level could rise up to 4-5m. With around 30% of our land less than five metres above mean sea level, sea level rise poses a critical threat for Singapore. This is especially the case for the low-lying East Coast area, where there are already instances of flooding during high tides. We therefore need ‘Long Island’ to protect homes, businesses, critical infrastructure and public spaces in the area, such as Changi Airport and East Coast Park.

High tide at East Coast Park in 2024, causing sea water to overflow the banks of a drain. Photo Credit: PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency

High tide causes water to backflow into East Coast Park in 2026. Photo Credit: National Parks Board

How will 'Long Island' protect the East Coast?

Land will be reclaimed to a higher level and form a continuous line of defence for protection against rising sea levels, with 12 outlet drains along the coast draining water into a new reservoir with two centralised barrages and pumping stations. Similar to Marina Barrage, this will keep out seawater during high tides and discharge stormwater into the sea during heavy rainfall.  

Have we considered other alternatives?

Agencies had studied building a sea wall of up to 3 metres in height along East Coast Park, supported by 12 new tidal gates and pumping stations along East Coast Park (one at each of the 12 existing outlet drains). However, this is not ideal because the construction of the sea wall would result in extended periods of disruption to park users, and the 12 new pumping stations would take up a large amount of park space, equivalent to about 15 football fields. 

Is the 'Long Island' concept new?

The concept was first mooted under the Concept Plan in 1991. Given the critical impact of climate change, the plan for ‘Long Island’ was reviewed and subsequently represented as a potential solution to protect the East Coast area against sea level rise during the National Day Rally in 2019.

What opportunities can we look forward to?

Beyond flood protection, the new reservoir will provide a new source of water supply, enhancing Singapore’s water resilience. ‘Long Island’ will also present exciting opportunities and cater to the needs and aspirations of many generations of Singaporeans. Around 20 kilometres of new waterfront parks could be added to East Coast Park, which will triple the length of waterfront parks in the area. New green and blue spaces could be integrated with recreational spaces, waterfront living concepts and nature-based solutions to create multi-functional and climate resilient spaces for homes, recreation and nature. 

How long will it take to realise 'Long Island'?

‘Long Island’ could be about two times the land area of Marina Bay and is expected to take a few decades to plan, design and implement. Given the urgency to protect the East Coast from sea level rise, agencies have initiated technical studies and are engaging the public and stakeholders to shape the plans. 

What do the technical studies entail?

The technical studies include site investigation and surveys, engineering studies and environmental impact assessment. These studies will examine the potential impact of preparatory and reclamation works, and the opportunities 'Long Island' could bring. The studies will also explore a combination of engineering and nature-based solutions to minimise potential impact to the environment and existing uses, and guide the creation of innovative, cost-effective and robust designs that integrate coastal protection measures with land reclamation. 

Technical studies were initiated in 2024 and will be completed in phases over the next few years. These studies will ensure that the development plans for ‘Long Island’ are: 

• Sensitive to the environment and minimise disruption to existing uses as far as possible 

• Implemented in a timely manner to protect Singapore from sea level rise 

• Meet multiple national needs including flood resilience, water resilience, creating more land to meet future development needs as well as new recreational opportunities for the East Coast.   

Did you know? Land reclamation is not new in the East Coast area!

Major housing estates and public spaces along the East Coast including Marine Parade as well as East Coast Park, were developed on land that was reclaimed from the 1960s-1980s to meet Singaporeans’ housing and recreational needs. The East Coast Parkway was also integrated as part of the reclaimed land to provide a seamless connection from the city to Changi Airport, contributing to Singapore’s growth into a global aviation hub. 

First blocks of flats under construction in Marine Parade, 1972. Marine Parade was the first HDB estate to be built entirely on reclaimed land. (Source: HDB)

Shaping plans for ‘Long Island’ together 

URA and partner agencies have been engaging the public and stakeholders, including nature groups, sports and recreational interest groups, businesses and the local community. We will continue to engage widely to gather our aspirations and discuss broad ideas on the plans for ‘Long Island’. 

‘Long Island’ Engagements

Here's what some of you shared with us!

URA's Long Island Conversation with the public

URA's Long Island Conversation with the public

URA's Long Island Conversation with the public

URA's youth workshop in collaboration with NYC

What's next for 'Long Island'?

Agencies will continue to evaluate the feasibility of ideas, and factor them into the ongoing technical studies. For example, many participants expressed the importance of retaining the recreational nature of East Coast Park. There were also suggestions for the creation of beaches and bio-revetments that can be integrated with the new ‘Long Island’ coastline and for the future ‘Long Island’ reservoir to support recreational uses and water activities, similar to Marina Reservoir.

Agencies are planning more engagements with stakeholders and the public to dive deeper into key topics, such as the types of activities that could take place along the new ‘Long Island’ coastline and future reservoir. More details will be shared in due course.

The ideas and feedback from these conversations, together with findings from the technical studies, will be reviewed thoroughly and will guide the development of a shared vision and detailed plans for ‘Long Island’.

Preparatory works for 'Long Island' to commence from end-2026

Measures to be implemented to mitigate impact on the environment and community

Given the large scale of the 'Long Island' project, preparatory works are essential to lay the groundwork for timely implementation of the critical coastal protection strategy, enabling us to address climate risks and meet our national needs.

The preparatory works will take place in the waters off the East Coast, and primarily involve the removal of seabed obstructions, followed by the construction of temporary sand bunds and sand infilling.

The preparatory works will be conducted in phases. The first phase will start in end-2026 and will be carried out in the waters west of Bedok Jetty. To facilitate the continued use of part of the sea space fronting East Coast Park for water sports and the hosting of major international sporting events, including the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2029, the second phase of preparatory works in the waters east of Bedok Jetty will only commence after the completion of these events. More details on the timeline for the second phase will be shared when ready.

Indicative area of preparatory works for 'Long Island'

The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of 'Long Island'. The main reclamation works for ‘Long Island’ will only be undertaken later.

Read the full media release on the preparatory works and access the Environmental Study report and provide your feedback at go.gov.sg/hdb-environmental-study-reports-longisland.

Note: This webpage will be updated with the latest information on ‘Long Island’.

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