How will Singapore free up land space for future development?

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Singapore to Allocate S$66 Million for Research into Underground and Sea Space Utilisation

Singapore is setting aside S$66 million over the next five years to fund research aimed at enhancing its liveability and sustainability, with a significant portion dedicated to exploring innovative methods for expanding land availability through underground and sea space development. These initiatives are part of the Cities of Tomorrow (CoT) research and development programme, which seeks to address urban challenges and unlock green growth opportunities. The funding injection aims to foster the creation of more cost-effective, resilient, and productive methods for utilising subterranean and marine environments to support future live-work-play activities.
Funding for Underground and Sea Space Exploration

A substantial S$35 million of the S$66 million will be specifically directed towards researching and developing ways to create underground and sea space more cost-effectively, resiliently, and productively. This strategic allocation underscores a focused effort to overcome land scarcity by looking beneath the surface and into the surrounding waters. The ultimate goal is to free up valuable land for diverse urban functions, thereby enhancing the city's capacity for residential, commercial, and recreational development.
Advancing Urban Planning and Infrastructure Maintenance

Beyond subterranean and marine space exploration, the funding also targets improvements in urban planning and the upkeep of existing infrastructure. S$18 million is allocated for the development of advanced, multi-disciplinary urban planning solutions. These solutions are intended to assist planners and policymakers in delivering more targeted outcomes and services that better meet the evolving needs of residents. Concurrently, S$13 million will be dedicated to enhancing the maintenance and maintainability of aging infrastructure. This includes developing advanced building inspection and repair systems, as well as more durable building materials, to address the challenges posed by an ageing built environment.
Redefining Cities in a Post-Pandemic World

The emphasis on research and innovative solutions comes in the context of a global re-evaluation of urban development paradigms, particularly in light of the Covid-19 pandemic. The pandemic has highlighted the critical need for cities to be more resilient, sustainable, and cohesive. The funding reflects a broader understanding that investing in research and development is a key strategy to unlock green growth opportunities, enabling cities to serve as 'living laboratories' for testing clean and sustainable technologies. This approach aims to balance the benefits of urbanisation, such as economies of scale and innovation, with the challenges of concentration, including overcrowding and disease transmission.
Creating Human-Centred Urban Environments

A significant aspect of Singapore's future development strategy involves designing cities that are fundamentally human-centred, where smart city technologies actively improve citizens' quality of life. For instance, the concept of placing logistics for autonomous vehicles underground is being considered. Such a move could alleviate traffic congestion and reduce the need for extensive parking facilities, thereby freeing up more space for parks and public areas. This reimagining of urban space seeks to foster vibrant public areas and deliver tangible social benefits by integrating technological advancements with the needs and well-being of residents.

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How will Singapore free up land space for future development?

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