Going car-lite is an amazing way to see Jurong Lake District in a new light as it is hoped to become the “district of the future” and Singapore’s second Central Business District (CBD). To come up with the idea of making it a district where people can live, work and play, Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) implores masterplan proposals for the area.
According to URA, the masterplan shall consist of an impressive perception for the future of Jurong that includes conspiring innovative urban infrastructure using subterranean space and upholding the district’s deep-seated tradition such as Jurong Town Hall and Science Centre Singapore.
Lakeside Gateway will be the core and the new business precinct of the district that will likely ascend on a total gross floor area of 4 to 5 million sqm and 112ha of land. It will also be the location of the upcoming Kuala Lumpur-Singapore high-speed rail terminus. Expected to feature “green” mobility options and continuous waterfront access, Lakeside Gateway should likewise furnish a wide range of business and job opportunities.
National Development Minister Lawrence Wong said, that the district will be a hub for brilliant modifications and sustainability that will boost productivity and manpower efficiency. Offices, business facilities, shops, entertainment and food and beverage outlets, waterfront homes, hotels, recreational facilities and inclusive public spaces should also be embodied in the district developments, as per URA.
Property firm JLL’s South-east Asia research head, Dr Chua Yang Liang, said it will be interesting to discover the kinds of masterplan that will be recommended. Urban and infrastructure consultancy Surbana Jurong is self-assured that, with its multifaceted skills, it can submit a fascinating proposal to develop a large part of western Singapore into a viable district within a district.
The masterplan, according to Cushman & Wakefield research director Christine Li, is further awaited to feature office buildings set up in campus-like environments, linked by smart transport systems to encourage people to go car-lite and consider taking the bus, train, and biking or walking to desired destination. Taking a multi-modal approach to transportation is a great solution and will make life a lot easier.
However, masterplan proposals will also have to be flexible as added by Savills Singapore research head Alan Cheong, since we can't be certain what kind of businesses will flourish and what won’t and there is growing unpredictability of the global marketplace.
