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Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Creating Great Public Spaces

Public spaces are like the living rooms of our city. Learn how we can activate and create better public spaces around us, whether you are a resident, business owner, designer or developer.

Last updated 10 June 2026

Well-designed and memorable spaces can encourage us to linger, bond and interact with one another. It also enhances the unique identities of our neighbourhoods and strengthen our sense of belonging.

What are some key elements of a great place?

People biking on a red path by Nanyang Academy building. Bushes line the road.

Assessible

Dedicated cycling pathways along Bencoolen Street make it more accessible.

Outdoor exercise park with orange equipment under elevated concrete structure.

Active

Designed by DP Green, this Punggol linear park under the Punggol LRT viaduct offers a more active space for the community.

White building with RSVP sign and red awning over parking lot.

Adaptive

State buildings like this one at 30 Maxwell Road can be adapted into more welcoming places for the community.

Indoor plaza with tables, chairs, and fountain in front of a Food Garden restaurant.

Comfortable

Public spaces like this at Asia Square should be designed to be comfortable places for people to linger longer, as guided by the POPS (Privately-Owned Public Spaces) guidelines.

Family of four posing next to a colourfully painted bench in a park with HDB flats in the background.

Communal

Residents helped to bring a pop of colour, repainting 33 benches in this Potong Pasir plaza, led by artist Anne Neo. This is supported by the Lively Places Fund.

Group of people gathered for an outdoor community talk in front of a colourful graffiti mural wall.

Delightful

This Dulang Dulang installation in Kampong Gelam encourage people to gather. It is one of 6 delightful installations activating public spaces, supported by the Lively Places Fund.

People relax on a grassy park lawn, a woman spins a child in circles.

Inclusive

This Discover Tanjong Pagar green and open space is a welcoming place for everyone to enjoy.People relax on a grassy park lawn, a woman spins a child in circles.

Visitors posing for a photo in front of a realistic mural depicting a traditional Singaporean kitchen scene.

Local

Great public spaces should reflect the local identity of the area.

Boy flying a colourful butterfly kite at sunset on Marina Barrage with the Singapore skyline in the background.This public space at the Marina Barrage has become a memorable place for families and friends. Image: Tan Si Wei.

Memorable

This public space at the Marina Barrage has become a memorable place for families and friends. Image: Tan Si Wei.