URA issues call for Jurong Lake District master plan proposals

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is inviting multi-disciplinary teams to develop master plan proposals for the Jurong Lake District (JLD) in a move to transform it into ‘A District of the Future’ and Singapore’s second central business district (CBD).
The URA issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on Monday (11 Jul).
In the media release, the government said this master planning exercise involves developing proposals for Lakeside Gateway, a new mixed-use business precinct and home to the future Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail (HSR) terminus, which will anchor the JLD.
The URA and the district’s steering committee — led by National Development Minister Lawrence Wong — laid out a set of goals to guide the teams in master planning.
First, Jurong Lake District’s core area around the HSR terminus should provide “flexible and adaptable workspaces for a good mix of complementary businesses and services”.
The district will also be an inclusive and vibrant “24/7 hub” that offers retail, entertainment and leisure options outside working hours, as well as residences and common recreational spaces.
It will also be a car-lite district, with aggressive public transport mode share envisioned to be 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, other features like the upcoming Jurong Lake Gardens, the current and new Science Centre, and other future recreational facilities will also anchor the district as a leisure destination for residents and visitors.
Lastly, an innovative urban infrastructure will also be used to strengthen district-level sustainability, productivity and manpower efficiency.
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 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 around the third quarter of next year.
After that, 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.
Commenting on the upcoming developments in the district, Cushman & Wakefield director for Research Christin Li said: “The success of Jurong Lake District as the second CBD will provide multinational corporations and local enterprises an alternative if they do not wish to be operating from the more expensive CBD locations.”
“Over the longer term, the diversity of commercial activities and housing options could help to underpin demand for residential housing markets,” she added.
Nikki De Guzman, Editor at CommercialGuru, edited this story. To contact her about this or other stories email nikki@propertyguru.com.sg

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