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[SINGAPORE] Upcoming developments will make three northern neighbourhoods – Woodlands, Kranji and Sembawang – more vibrant, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong said at the National Day Rally on Sunday (Aug 17).

As land “is limited and precious”, Singapore will protect what it has with coastal defences against rising sea levels, while rejuvenating existing areas, he said.

Plans for the western, eastern and central regions have been discussed before, while some people say the north “is more ‘ulu’ or remote”, he noted.

“So tonight, I will focus on the north,” said PM Wong, who is Member of Parliament for the northern constituency of Marsiling-Yew Tee GRC.

He elaborated on ideas from the Draft Master Plan released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority in June, which outlines Singapore’s development for the next 10 to 15 years.

First, he highlighted the role of Woodlands as the northern gateway to Malaysia.

The recently established Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (JS-SEZ) has “great potential” for growth, which can be maximised with better cross-border connectivity, he said.

He reiterated previously announced plans to redevelop Woodlands Checkpoint to make it five times bigger, which will shorten waiting times and lessen traffic congestion.

Land for this project has been acquired around the old Woodlands Town Centre and surrounding areas, with plans to reclaim more.

The upcoming Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link will also have its Singapore station at Woodlands, directly connected to Woodlands North MRT station.

This will make cross-border travel more convenient with a “seamless transfer” between the RTS and MRT, and passengers being able to clear both Singapore’s and Malaysia’s customs upon departure.

Around the RTS Link station, Singapore will build flexible industrial spaces, to support businesses taking advantage of the JS-SEZ; and new homes, both nearby and further north along the Woodlands waterfront.

Kranji and Sembawang

In Kranji, the site of the former racecourse – about 130 hectares, or roughly 200 football fields – provides “a rare opportunity for a major transformation”, said PM Wong.

Connectivity will be improved with a new MRT interchange at Sungei Kadut for the North-South and Downtown lines. The site is also surrounded by greenery, including a new nature park; the Mandai Wildlife Reserve; the rail corridor; and Sungei Mandai waterway.

“It’s a site with all the right ingredients – ample space, good connectivity and nature at its doorstep,” he summed up. That is why a new housing estate will be built, with space for 14,000 new homes.

To be ready in about 10 years, it will combine urban living with the rich natural heritage, he added.

Meanwhile, the Sembawang Shipyard area will be redeveloped while preserving its “rich maritime character”.

Singapore can “capitalise on the coastline” of the large area – about three times the size of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre – to “develop something special”, said PM Wong.

There will be waterfront housing, dining and shopping, as well as community spaces along the promenade, making it a “new vibrant waterfront destination in the north”.

For the shipyard’s dry dock, suggestions from the public include turning it into a space for sports; concerts, performances and events; or social gatherings.

Singapore’s plans for these areas will make them more vibrant, “full of life and opportunity”, he said.

“That’s how we make sure every part of Singapore shines, each with its own character.”