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URA Draft Master Plan 2013: More housing in Holland Village, Kampong Bugis and new Marina South district

Holland Village will get a makeover and 1,500 new housing units will be added to this popular enclave near the city.

Kampong Bugis will be further developed and could have about 4,000 private homes, with developers encouraged to explore car- and bicycle-sharing facilities.

A new district will be developed next to Marina Bay called Marina South housing mixed developments, including about 9,000 private homes.

And in the longer term, the Great Southern Waterfront project will take shape in coastal land freed up once the ports move from Pasir Panjang and Tanjong Pagar to Tuas by 2027.

These are among the plans in the latest blueprint of Singapore's land use for the future.

The aim of the Draft Master Plan 2013, unveiled by the Urban Redevelopment Authority early Wednesday morning, is to build a closer community.

The Master Plan guides Singapore's land use over the next 10 to 15 years and is revised every five years.

More homes will come up in new housing areas at Bidadari, Tampines North and Punggol Matilda as well as older estates such as Sembawang, Yishun, Hougang and Choa Chu Kang. In total, enough land has been earmarked for 500,000 new homes - mostly public housing.

Fastest to take shape will be the changes to Holland Village.

It will be extended to incorporate housing within mixed-use developments and have pedestrian-oriented streets, a new underground carpark and access road to divert vehicular traffic away from the centre of activities.

New public spaces such as urban plazas and an exciting community park will also be built.

URA is expected to launch for sale by 2015 a mixed-use site incorporating private housing in Holland Village.

After 2016, there will also be new housing in Kampong Bugis, as well as Marina South, that will incorporate fewer carpark spaces and fenceless developments. This will allow unfettered public enjoyment of the waterfront.

Kampong Bugis will pilot an eco-friendly, car reduced concept. Commuters will be encouraged to use the MRT, public buses and a future water taxi service as modes of transport.

Given its location at the convergence of two major waterways - Rochor Canal and Kallang River - Kampong Bugis has also been identified as a pilot project for a high density, water sustainable precinct, incorporating stormwater management system, bio-retention basins and detention ponds.

Marina South is envisioned as a lively mixed-use residential district in which green modes of transport will be a key feature.

It will be people friendly, with an 800-metre long pedestrianised street and an underground mall spanning two Thomson Line stations at Marina South and Gardens by the Bay.

An elevated landscaped walkway will let people move seamlessly between Bay South Gardens and the seafront.

An underground network of car parks in this district is also being explored to allow people to have a more pleasant environment for walking and cycling at the ground level.

Marina South will have buildings that are 30 per cent more energy efficient by introducing eco-features.

Singaporeans can also expect a more vibrant city beyond 2027 after the PSA container terminals are relocated to Tuas, freeing up 1,000ha of land for development.

Preliminary conceptual plans for the new area, known as Greater Southern Waterfront, include creating a continuous waterfront promenade from Labrador Park in the west to Gardens by the Bay in the east and damming up a new reservoir from the sea between Tanjong Pagar and Pulau Brani.

The Draft Master Plan 2013 aims to make Singapore a better home for the people through:

* Providing a quality living environment with a variety of housing options;
* Bringing quality jobs closer to home and growing the financial and business hub in the city;
* Expanding green and recreational spaces for all;
* Building an endearing home;
* Enhancing transport connectivity and accessibility; and
* Enlivening public spaces.

An exhibition of the plan is being held at The URA Centre, 45 Maxwell Road, from Nov 20 to Dec 19. Key highlights are also available for viewing at http://www.ura.gov.sg/MS/DMP2013.

The public has until Dec 19 to provide feedback on the plan and proposals for new cycling routes and the Greater Southern Waterfront through the website.

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