Reclaimed ‘Long Island’ off East Coast could be about twice the size of Marina Bay: Desmond Lee
The proposed Long Island will integrate seaside safety measures with future reclamation programs for the area, in view of the continued effect of climate difference which includes ascending water level. “Mean sea levels across Singapore are forecasted to climb by up to 1m by the end of this century. When high tides accompany storm surges, sea levels might rise by as much as 4 to 5m over mean sea level. This is a very serious problem, because approximately one-third of our island is below 5m above mean sea level, and at risk of being flooded by the sea,” Minister Lee details.
Speaking at a habitat improvement activity at East Coast Park hung on Nov 28, Minister Lee notes that the property would certainly produce opportunities for years to come ages of Singapore. “They might construct homes, generate jobs, develop services and amenities that they require, and add around 20 kilometres of brand new seaside and reservoir parks, stretching from the existing East Coast Park,” he adds in.
The concept of Long Island would certainly “project coastal projection seawards”, enabling the presenting East Coast Park to be retained largely in its present state, Minister Lee says. It will likewise create a covered waterbody, which will emerge as a freshwater reservoir with time, contributing to Singapore’s water system while also being an area the general public can make use of for water events.
” It is highly likely that the allotment for public housing will be greater than nonpublic housing on Long Island,” Huttons’ Lee says, adding that the HDB flats will likely be introduced either under the Prime or Plus model.
He continues: “The possibilities of developing a 2nd Sentosa are poor as the state wishes to create an inclusive society allowing everyone connectivity to excellent properties and not just for the rich.” He additionally watches that the program will prompt further investment into transportation connectivity, with the potential for an MRT or LRT extension to spread from the Thomson-East Coast Line to Long Island.
Regardless, the future projects on Long Island will likely help existing private developments along the East Coast, the majority of which are freehold, Huttons’ Lee completes. “It may even raise the capacity for en-bloc in the future.”
Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, assesses that at 800ha, Long Island would certainly be similar in size to the Kallang-Whampoa estate and might potentially place between 30,000 and 60,000 all new homes with a good mix of commercial, leisure and eco-friendly elements.
Technical researches will be carried out to evaluate the usefulness of the program, with the research studies anticipated to take approximately 5 years. Simultaneously, residents and stakeholders will most likely be involved to offer comments and strategies on the project. Provided the scale of the property development, complete preparation and utilization of Long Island “will take decades”, Minister Lee states.
Close to 800ha across 3 regions of land might possibly be redeemed off East Coast Park in future decades, providing area for brand-new homes and services. Called “Long Island”, the land would certainly be approximately two times the size of Marina Bay, states Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.
