History of East Coast
To most Singaporeans the East Coast is synonymous with the East Coast Park, the largest on the island. The park is a fairly recent addition however – literally, as it was built on reclaimed land in the 1970’s, complete with imported sand for its beaches. As well as creating the best outdoor recreation attraction in Singapore, it also reduced former coastal towns to merely ones that were near the coast. The best example of this is Bedok. At the same time as it was losing its coastline, major redevelopment work transformed what was a predominantly the Malay and Chinese populated village – its inhabitants making a living from the surrounding coconut plantations, into the nation’s fifth self-contained town. Today it is the largest planning area in Singapore with a population boasting more than a quarter of a million residents originating from all over the globe
What’s in East Coast
Apart from the aforementioned 185-hectare park, the other star attraction of the region is of course the multi award winning Changi Airport. Scratch slightly below the surface of the region however, and visitors will find a plethora of other attractions, some of the best food on the island and an ever-growing number of highly desirable residences – with a sea view thrown in.
Marine Parade remains one of the liveliest night-time destinations outside the city proper with its profusion of bars and eateries. The cluster of malls at Katong, and likewise at Bedok will keep all but the fussiest of shoppers happy, and there is a good selection of both primary and secondary education facilities in the area.
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East Coast in the next 10 years
It is hard to find a region in Singapore that is not going through development of some form or other, but East Coast can lay claim to much needed changes. The advent of the long-awaited Thomson-East Coast Line – due to open in stages from 2019 until 2024 – will be a huge boost for residents and visitors alike. Nine MRT stations will open in East Coast, connecting the region directly to the city centre and the northern reaches, as well as all the other lines on the network.
The recently opened Changi Airport Terminal 4 is not the end of development there either. 2019 will see the grand opening of its Project Jewel. Designed as a destination in itself, the free to enter complex will boast themed landscaped gardens, including a waterfall and maze. This being Singapore, it will also be home to a number of first class dining and retail outlets, as well as a cinema.
The Changi expansion will continue to create jobs for the area, but it is not the only place on the East Coast that will be generating employment opportunities. Changi Business Park will continue to expand, and the SUTD (Singapore University of Technology and Design) will act as a catalyst for existing and future businesses in the area in the shape of collaborations and tie-ups.
Areas in and around Marine Parade already have a reputation for a vibrant nightlife. Something that is only going to increase with the coming of the Thomson-East Coast Line. The area has its own unique vibe, and there is little doubt that in the not too distant future, it will rival the likes of Clarke Quay, Ann Siang Hill and Holland Village as a destination for the young free and single (as well as the not so young, not quite free and definitely not single…).
Get the Guru View on the Master Plan for East Coast
The East Coast area has always been one of the most popular locations for both renters and buyers on PropertyGuru. Upcoming enhancements, especially rail links, will drive both demand and rental prices in the area.
The Master Plan boosts key drivers of property in the area, such as the hip lifestyle enclave in Joo Chiat, popular primary schools, and of course the beach front lifestyle. With better connectivity, we can expect the price gap between the East Coast and the Core Central Region to close.
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