Careful planning for City Terminals, Paya Lebar areas: URA

SINGAPORE - We agree with the editorial ("Chance for a fresh urban planning vision"; Aug 27) that there is a need to carefully plan for the land that will eventually be freed up at the City Terminals - that is, the Tanjong Pagar, Keppel and Brani terminals - and Paya Lebar Air Base. This will help ensure that Singapore remains an attractive and inclusive home for residents.

It was announced at the National Day Rally that the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base will only be realised beyond 2030. The City Terminals will also be phased out in 2027.

These plans are a large-scale endeavour, and agencies will need time to work out the conceptual plan for the areas.

The concept for a large-scale precinct such as Marina Bay was conceived in the early 1980s, and new ideas, technologies and market needs shaped Marina Bay into the vibrant and exciting place we enjoy today.

Similarly, in planning for these future precincts, we will take the same approach, which is to start with broad conceptual plans and give room and flexibility for the detailed plans to evolve and grow over time.

We will involve various stakeholders to help shape future developments in these areas.

Since proposals to consolidate the City Terminals in Tuas were announced in 2009 as part of recommendations by the Economic Strategies Committee, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has embarked on the review of the developmental potential of the City Terminals area and will continue to do so as part of our plans for a new and exciting waterfront area for Singapore.

When they are ready, the URA will share the preliminary conceptual plans with the public and seek comments and ideas for this new waterfront area.

Richard Hoo
Group Director (Strategic Planning)
Urban Redevelopment Authority

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