Kallang River transformation may offer 100,000 new homes
Kallang River is set to get a facelift, which will include new waterfront homes and recreational facilities. (Photo: URA)
There is potential to develop another 100,000 residential units along both sides of the Kallang River over the next 20 years, revealed the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA).
The URA announced this following the launch of an exhibition on Wednesday (29 March), showcasing opportunities to rejuvenate the 10km-long river and surrounding areas. Dubbed “A River Runs Through It”, the exhibition is a call for public feedback and ideas on a preliminary conceptual plan to rejuvenate Singapore’s longest natural river.
In line with this, the government has outlined five broad key ideas to develop the Kallang River. One of them is to inject new waterfront housing developments in park-like settings and renew old industrial estates within the vicinity.
For instance, the authorities will look to transform Kampong Bugis near the Lavender and Kallang MRT stations into a vibrant residential precinct that is car-lite, people-centric and sustainable.
“There is potential for the government to collaborate with the private sector, for a master developer to master plan and oversee the implementation of developments in Kampong Bugis,” said the URA.
According to Ong Teck Hui, JLL’s National Director for Research & Consultancy, the Kampong Bugis project is expected to benefit from the river rejuvenation as the site has about 1km of river frontage.
“Units fronting the river would be in greater demand and command higher prices,” he said, adding that the master developer would have an additional unique selling point to leverage on.
“Besides the Kampong Bugis project, other residential developments along the Kallang River comprising both private and public housing would also benefit from the rejuvenation plans. River-fronting homes would become more attractive and likely to command higher prices.”
In addition, the government is looking to redevelop Kallang Distripark, a private industrial estate near the future Geylang Bahru MRT station, into a residential project due to its attractive waterfront location.
Meanwhile, there are possible plans to establish a mixed-use precinct in Kallang Industrial Estate, which consists of several smaller industrial estates at Kallang Basin, Kallang Bahru and Kallang Avenue.
The other four ideas to rejuvenate Kallang River are:
– Activate the waterfront, and enhance Kallang Basin as a sports and recreational venue
– Enhance accessibility by providing a seamless active mobility route along Kallang River between Bishan and the city centre
– Enrich the biodiversity of Kallang River
– Celebrate and incorporate the river’s rich heritage
The public are invited to share their ideas online at www.ura.gov.sg/uol/kallangriver. The proposals will be showcased at The URA Centre Atrium till 2 May. Admission is free.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
