Channel NewsAsia - Saturday, May
24
SINGAPORE : Kallang and Paya Lebar will be developed into new
commercial hubs, just like the Jurong Lake District. This is part
of the government’s Draft Master Plan, which charts land use over
the next 10 to 15 years.
Marina Bay and the city centre will continue to be the key
commercial node in Singapore. New growth areas like Tanjong Pagar,
Beach Road and the Ophir—Rochor corridor will also be
developed.
However, more commercial hubs will be needed outside the city,
to offer alternatives to businesses and bring jobs closer to
homes.
One regional centre will be in Paya Lebar. About 12 hectares of
land are available for development, and half a million square
metres will be set aside for office, hotel and retail spaces.
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said at least 1,400
hotel rooms can be built in the area. And in the near future,
residents will be able to shop and dine by the Geylang
riverfront.
National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan said: "When the Marina
Barrage is completed some time later this year, we will be able to
stabilise the water levels in Geylang River.
"Around the Geylang River area, we will be able to integrate
very attractive public spaces, malls and so on. The plan is to
realign the Geylang River so that it runs through the new
commercial developments."
The proposals will build on the area’s distinctive Malay
identity, so there will be a new Geylang Serai Market and Civic
Centre. The Civic Centre will house a Community Club, community
development offices and even a library.
More activities and bazaars can also be staged at a new plaza,
next to the upcoming Paya Lebar MRT interchange.
As for Kallang Riverside, it has been earmarked as the next
lifestyle precinct. Urban planners said new parks, waterfront
residences and recreational spaces can be developed at the
64—hectare area.
About 600,000 square metres of land will also be devoted to
commercial use, with 3,000 new hotel rooms in the pipeline.
About 4,000 waterfront homes have been planned for the area. And
the new properties will have a variety of storey heights, stepping
down towards the waterfront. This will allow those living further
inland to also enjoy the views of the waterfront.
Parts of the historic Kallang Airport will also be conserved and
redeveloped into a new entertainment and retail attraction. Also in
the works are an integrated second—storey linkway to connect
Kallang MRT station to the Old Airport Square and the future Sports
Hub.
All in, URA said there are plans to add 327,200 new homes around
the island over the next 15 years.
Members of the public can send their feedback on the Draft
Master Plan through the URA website.
The Master Plan 2008 will be gazetted after incorporating views
from the public at the Draft Master Plan exhibition at the URA
Centre. — CNA/ms