Artist’s impression of new developments around Jurong Lake. Source: URA
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Monday (11 July) launched a Request for Proposal (RFP), inviting multi-disciplinary teams to develop master plan proposals for the Jurong Lake District.
The RFP signals the first step in the district’s transformation into “A district of the future”, and Singapore’s second central business district (CBD).
With this, the URA and the district’s steering committee have laid out a set of goals to guide the master planning.
For instance, Jurong Lake District’s core area around the Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) terminus should provide “flexible and adaptable work spaces for a good mix of complementary businesses and services”.
The district will also be an inclusive and vibrant 24/7 hub offering retail, entertainment and leisure options outside working hours, as well as quality new homes, inclusive public spaces and recreational facilities.
It will also be a car-lite district, with comprehensive public transport mode share that is higher than the national target of 75 percent by 2030.
Jurong Lake District’s distinctive identity will be shaped and defined by its natural and heritage assets, such as the Jurong Lake and Jurong River, as well as the former Jurong Town Hall building and current Science Centre building.
Meanwhile, the upcoming Jurong Lake Gardens, current and new Science Centre, and future recreational facilities will anchor Jurong Lake District as a leisure destination for both Singaporeans and tourists.
Innovative urban infrastructure will also be used to strengthen district-level sustainability, productivity and manpower efficiency.
Desmond Sim, Head, CBRE Research, Singapore and South East Asia, noted that the proposed strategies behind the development of Jurong Lake District “is in line with the government’s push to bring jobs closer to home in the west and the wider sub region, including the Jurong Innovation District further northwest”.
Interested teams are required to submit information on their team composition and organisation, track record, as well as a Statement of Planning and Design Intent and Approach by 5 September.
Up to five teams will be shortlisted to develop the Concept Master Plan. The team with the best Concept Master Plan will be appointed in February 2017, and work with the URA and partner agencies to draw up the Draft Master Plan for the district.
Members of the public will be invited to give their feedback on the Draft Master Plan during its exhibition, which will be held in Q3 2017.
Thereafter, the URA will work “closely with the appointed team to refine the Draft Master Plan, based on the feedback received”.
“The implementation of the Jurong Lake District Master Plan will then be studied carefully, taking into consideration various factors including the broader plans of surrounding areas, development of other projects in the District, and the needs of the community,” said the URA.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
