SINGAPORE – Plans to reshape Singapore\u2019s southern coastline into a new precinct that will offer people more housing and recreational options are progressing. <\/p>\n
Reclamation works are expected to be carried out at the Keppel and Tanjong Pagar terminals after they relocate to Tuas around 2027.<\/p>\n
The work to reclaim around 213ha of land, around half the size of Marina Bay, for the Greater Southern Waterfront precinct will take at least 10 years to complete, the Housing Board told The Straits Times. <\/p>\n
The proposed land reclamation was revealed in an environmental impact assessment released on HDB\u2019s website on April 8. <\/p>\n
In response to queries, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the reclamation works will be carried out at the vacated terminals to form contiguous land that will enable comprehensive redevelopment of the area. <\/p>\n
\u201cThis will provide a direct connection along the southern coastline between existing precincts such as Labrador and Harbourfront, areas currently occupied by the city terminals, and Marina Bay,\u201d the URA spokesperson said. <\/p>\n
The spokesperson added: \u201cThe development of the Greater Southern Waterfront will be paced out over many years to support Singapore\u2019s long-term land use needs and will comprise a mix of uses. More detailed plans on future developments will be shared when ready.\u201d<\/p>\n
The area to be reclaimed is also located near Pulau Brani and Sentosa, which will be redeveloped\u00a0into a leisure and tourism destination<\/span><\/a> over the next two to three decades. <\/p>\n The future Greater Southern Waterfront precinct was announced in 2013. It stretches from Pasir Panjang to Marina East, and will have new residential precincts, as well as commercial, recreational and entertainment options. It is expected to take 20 to 30 years to transform the area. <\/p>\n The proposed land reclamation at the terminals will be located next to the Long Island mega-reclamation project involving the creation of some 800ha of new land, which serves to protect the low-lying East Coast area from rising sea levels. <\/p>\n In end-March, URA said it is planning to start preparatory works for Long Island<\/span><\/a>, including removing seabed obstructions and moving materials into the waters. These works are not expected to impact land-based activities, and the authorities will share the affected locations in the coming months. <\/p>\n Singapore\u2019s southern coastline will eventually comprise the Greater Southern Waterfront, Marina Bay, Kallang Basin and the future Long Island project. <\/p>\n The authorities did not say when the reclamation works at the terminals will begin. <\/p>\n But HDB told ST that the works will take place progressively as the port phases out and other works related to the environmental study are completed. These include developing measures to limit the impact on the environment and taking into account points from stakeholders for the project\u2019s planning and design. <\/p>\n It was earlier reported that the Keppel and Tanjong Pagar terminals are expected to relocate to Tuas Port by 2027.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n According to the environmental impact study by consultancy DHI Water & Environment, the reclamation area will be divided into two phases. <\/p>\n The smaller phase one has land extending from the Marina Bay Cruise Centre into the sea with a pointed, triangular tip. URA said the triangular-shaped profile relates to an \u201congoing study for a future waterfront development\u201d, and more details will be shared when ready. <\/p>\n In May 2024, ST reported that there are plans for Singapore\u2019s\u00a0two cruise terminals to be consolidated in the coming years,<\/span><\/a> with the cruise centre in HarbourFront set to move so that a\u00a0continuous promenade can be established<\/span><\/a>\u00a0as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront. <\/p>\n The second phase stretches from near the Marina Coastal Expressway to Keppel Terminal. <\/p>\n When asked about the need to reclaim more land for the Greater Southern Waterfront, URA said: \u201cLand reclamation is one of several strategies to create additional space to support Singapore\u2019s evolving and competing land use needs. Such projects are undertaken with careful consideration.\u201d<\/p>\n Its spokesperson added that comprehensive studies are conducted to assess feasibility and trade-offs, alongside measures to mitigate potential impact on the environment and stakeholders, before a decision is taken and works are carried out.<\/p>\n The proposed reclamation will also support coastal protection efforts, as reclaiming land will enable a new seawall to be constructed at a height that strengthens the area\u2019s defences against rising sea levels, high tides and storm surges, added URA. <\/p>\n The land will also be raised to a higher level during the reclamation works. <\/p>\n These shields will form a continuous line of defence against rising sea-levels with other structures that would likely be part of the new precinct\u2019s coastal defences. <\/p>\n Coastal protection measures proposed for the Greater Southern Waterfront in 2025 include coastal barriers \u2013 or arm-like gates<\/span><\/a> \u2013 to be installed on both ends of Sentosa to shield the main coastline from storm surges. <\/p>\n On the environmental impact of the reclamation works, the over 600-page report noted that coral habitats and filter feeders on the existing concrete piles within the site will be permanently removed. <\/p>\n Increased sediments could also affect corals and seagrass at the Sentosa shoreline and in Marina South. <\/p>\n For example, an area near the Marina Bay Cruise Centre has colonies of hard corals, and the coastal walls along parts of Tanjong Pagar Terminal have large gorgonian sea fans, the report noted. <\/p>\n Construction activities such as dredging can produce underwater noise, which may impact elusive marine mammals. <\/p>\n The study suggested measures to limit impacts on marine biodiversity, which include regularly monitoring the corals at Sentosa and installing silt screens at the construction area to contain sediments and prevent them from spreading.<\/p>\n HDB told ST that coral transplantation will be carried out to relocate the corals within the affected area before development works, and this will be done in consultation with the National Parks Board (NParks). <\/p>\n Other reef-dependent marine animals deemed to be of conservation value will also be relocated, added the agency.<\/p>\n<\/picture><\/div>\n<\/figure>\n