Singapore could in the near future have innovative structures such as a recycling industrial park and a huge hoisting system, as JTC takes a multi-pronged approach to exploring cutting edge concepts and unconventional approaches to intensify use of industrial land.
In the process, the agency can push limits in creating new industrial standards.
“Right now, industrial land sites in Singapore usually have a maximum gross plot ratio of 2-2.5. We want to increase the plot ratio to 4-5 in future for specific industrial plots,” said Koh Chwee, director of the engineering planning division of JTC.
“We have a multi-pronged approach in maximising the limited land resources we have in Singapore. One method is to build industrial complexes with high plot ratios that are also sustainable in the long run.”
These ideas are seen to intensify the use of land. For instance, the huge hoisting system will enable developers to create taller industrial amenities and intensify the use of land by 20 percent. Another idea, which sees warehouses, employees’ dormitories and housing factories in one complex, could reduce land take-up by around 35 percent with fewer setbacks and shared driveways.
JTC is also considering ideas from academic institutions and the private sector in an attempt to use Singapore’s limited land in a more efficient way.
The agency is collaborating with the Centre of Design Research from the Department of Architecture of the National University of Singapore to finance a project for students to present designs for sustainable industrial buildings with high plot ratios.
Many ground-breaking ideas have already been suggested to date. Though more work still needs to be done prior to the implementation of these ideas, they have great potential, said JTC.
The agency recently opened up its innovation “dream fund” – which was established in 2004 to finance new projects internally – to external partners.
It will provide financial support of as much as $1 million for “cutting edge” project proposals from academic institutions and public and private sectors on how to create new industrial space and intensify the use of land.
“Innovation is a high priority for JTC and we recognise that we can increase our capacity for innovation if we pro-actively reach out to external partners,” said Manohar Khiatani, chief executive of JTC. “With this initiative, we hope to seek new inspiration to complement our own ideas and boost industry research in optimising, intensifying and creating new industrial space for the advancement of the economy.”
Proposals should look at three key areas: cutting land use for transport networks, buffer zones, infrastructure and other facilities; grouping relevant industries for better synergy; and alleviating concerns related to high-rise industrial operations like goods handling, urban heat and vibration.
The decision of JTC to open its “dream fund” to external parties highlights its commitment to intensify the use of industrial land, in accordance with the recommendations made by the Economic Strategies Committee in February.
According to the committee’s report, Singapore needs to support the strengthening of industrial land use as the demand for limited land resources of the country increases.
With the recovery of the industrial sector and local economy, JTC is prepared to support industrialists with these ground-breaking industrial development ideas, which are intended to boost the competitive edge of Singapore in industrialisation.