Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled ambitious plans to rejuvenate northern Singapore, focusing on the Kranji and Sembawang areas with the goal of transforming them into vibrant new towns. These plans include the conversion of the 86-hectare Sembawang Shipyard site into a new, vibrant waterfront destination featuring housing, dining, and recreational facilities, following the cessation of its operations in 2028. Concurrently, a new public housing estate is set to be developed on the 130-hectare former Singapore Racecourse site in Kranji. This site is expected to provide approximately 14,000 new homes and amenities, including a neighbourhood centre near the Kranji MRT station, and is slated for completion in about 10 years.

This shift in the government's focus to the north is seen as a response to earlier development efforts in other new towns such as Punggol and Tengah. Experts point out that North Singapore is now considered the "next frontier" for development due to the availability of vast tracts of land for redevelopment, justifying the direction of attention and resources to this part of Singapore. Lee Sze Teck from Huttons Asia estimates that sites of golf courses like the Orchid Country Club near Mandai, which will not have their leases renewed over the next 10 years and have been rezoned for housing in the latest land-use masterplan, could accommodate over 10,000 private and public housing units.

Regional Perspective

Experts in Singapore are highlighting the pressing need to enhance transport options and expand amenities to support the new housing plans in northern areas like Kranji and Sembawang. They believe such improvements are crucial to dispel prevailing perceptions of these areas as "ulu" or underdeveloped and to ensure the success of these ambitious projects in creating vibrant and sustainable communities. This focus on supporting infrastructure represents a critical aspect for the success of North Singapore's long-term development strategy.

Immediate Implications

What happens next: Detailed planning and design processes for the new projects in Kranji and Sembawang are expected to commence, with the Sembawang Shipyard ceasing operations in 2028.
Time-sensitive opportunities or risks: There is an opportunity for developers and investors to prepare for participation in new housing and infrastructure development projects. Companies reliant on existing operations in the mentioned areas may face challenges or opportunities for adaptation.

Analysis

Experts believe the government's focus on North Singapore is a natural strategic move following the development of the eastern and western regions. The availability of extensive land in the north positions it as the "next frontier" for urban development. Experts emphasize the importance of developing transport infrastructure and public as well as private amenities in parallel with housing construction to ensure the success of these new towns. The transformation of areas like the Sembawang Shipyard into new urban destinations and the development of former racecourse sites in Kranji will create significant economic opportunities and enhance residents' quality of life, but requires substantial investment in connectivity and transport to link these areas with the rest of Singapore.