10 ways the URA's Draft Master Plan 2013 will affect your life

An artist's impression of the HDB Bedok Town Plaza. -- PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
An artist's impression of the HDB Bedok Town Plaza. -- PHOTO: URBAN REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 

1. The Great South: An entirely new area called the Greater Southern Waterfront will be developed on 1,000 ha on the south coastline once the ports move from Pasir Panjang and Tanjong Pagar to Tuas by 2027.

2. More Marina action: A district called Marina South will take shape next to Marina Bay with eco-friendly features, including bike paths and a 800 metre-long car-free street.

3. Keeping that neighbourhood charm: Holland Village, Jalan Kayu and Serangoon Garden have been added to Singapore's list of "identity nodes" in recognition of their unique, historical charm. Over 70 buildings will be conserved including Alexandra Hospital, Commonwealth Avenue wet market and former military buildings in Seletar.

4. Increasing community interaction: The new Marina South district and an expanded Kampong Bugis will feature fenceless, green housing developments to encourage interaction between neighbours.

5. More homes in diverse locations: Bidadari, Tampines North and Punggol have been identified as new housing areas.

6. Mature estates will be rejuvenated: New home options will be injected into Sembawang, Yishun, Hougang and Choa Chu Kang so that those who want to live near their families may do so.

7. Shorter commutes to work: Growing regional employment centres such as Jurong Lake District, Tampines Regional Centre and Paya Lebar Central will mean jobs closer to homes.

8. More job opportunities: New industrial sites at CleanTech Park, Wenya, Jurong West, Tuas, Seletar West and Lorong Halus will offer more job opportunities

9. Green spaces expanded: Close to 90 per cent of residents will live within 400m of a park as the Government extends the park connecter network, Round Island Route and Rail Corridor.

10. A cycling-friendly city: Under a national plan, the cycling network will grow from the current 230km to over 700km. There will be better parking facilities, better lighting and smoother connectivity for cyclists among other things.

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