Preliminary plans for the Woodlands Regional Centre, which will serve as the key commercial cluster in the north region of Singapore, were unveiled on Sunday by Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan.
The centre, which offers about 100 ha of available land for development, will have two distinct precincts: Woodlands North Coast and Woodlands Central.
Under the plans drawn up by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA), the Woodlands North Coast, which includes the area between Republic Polytechnic and the Woodlands Waterfront, will be developed as a unique waterfront and leisure destination for Singaporeans.
The intention is to create a mix of business, residential and lifestyle uses, all within a lush green and waterfront environment.
Woodlands Central, which is the area around the Woodlands MRT station, is envisaged as a pedestrian-friendly regional retail hub serving residents in the northern parts of Singapore.
The Woodlands Regional Centre is part of the new North Coast Innovation Corridor that was announced in the Land Use Plan last month.
Stretching from the north coast fronting the Straits of Johor into Woodlands Central, it will anchor the development of the innovation corridor.
By providing alternative locations for businesses outside the city centre, the Woodlands Regional Centre will bring jobs and amenities closer to homes.
The area, which is currently served by the North South MRT line, will also be connected to the new Thomson MRT Line that will be opened in stages from 2019 to 2021.
The future North South Expressway will also connect Woodlands, Sembawang, Yishun, Ang Mo Kio, Bishan and Toa Payoh with the city centre. And the planned future rail link to Johor will also enhance the area's connectivity to Malaysia.
URA has launched a website (www.ura.gov.sg/woodlands) for the public to find out more and share their views on the preliminary concept of the Woodlands Regional Centre.
The public may also visit the Woodlands Galaxy Community Club (near Admiralty MRT station) to view the plans from Feb 25 to March 10.
Residents are also encouraged to suggest names for the two new precincts within the Woodlands Regional Centre.
After taking into consideration Singaporeans' suggestions and feedback, plans for the Woodlands Regional Centre will be fine-tuned and subsequently exhibited as part of the URA's Draft Master Plan exhibition to be held later this year.
