The URA has introduced new guidelines for public spaces in private properties.
Developments that are required to provide public spaces, as well as those seeking gross floor area exemption for a first-storey covered public space, will have to comply with the new design guidelines released by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on Tuesday (24 January).
This comes as some new sites are required to provide public spaces as part of the technical conditions of tender for Government Land Sales sites. Some redevelopment sites are also required to provide such spaces as part of the planning conditions for major alterations and additions works, or redevelopment proposals.
The design guidelines, which take effect from 24 April, include specifications on the size and configuration of the public space, signage, accessibility, and the need to provide public seating and amenities.
The URA is encouraging property owners, developers and qualified professionals to adopt the guidelines from project inception and design, to management and use of the space by the public.
It revealed that the recommendations included in the good practice guide will be considered during its assessment of development applications.
Meanwhile, property developer CapitaLand has expressed its support for the URA’s latest move to improve the quality of public spaces in Singapore, including those which are privately owned.
“As one of Asia’s largest real estate companies, CapitaLand has long been committed to building safe, accessible, vibrant and quality real estate developments that enhance the lives of the community. Even before government guidelines, we have catered for community spaces on our properties, which are considered from the start of the development process,” said Poon Hin Kong, Deputy Chief Development of Asia and Head of Design Management, CapitaLand.
Examples of community spaces that CapitaLand has created on its properties include the outdoor plaza at Plaza Singapura, the urban park at The Courtyard in Westgate and the plaza in front of Capital Tower.
Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg
