Singapore's Kampong Bugis Development Plans Revamped

Get ready for a real estate revolution! The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore has reimagined its plans for the stunning Kampong Bugis precinct, where a spectacular 4,000 waterfront homes will soon rise.

This exciting area, one of several new neighborhoods along the picturesque Kallang River, is being unveiled at the URA's Draft Master Plan 2025 exhibition, running until November 29 at The URA Centre.

A Vision for Vibrant Living by the Water

The Kampong Bugis redevelopment is part of a larger vision to bring thousands of new homes to the riverbanks, including developments at Kallang Distripark, Kallang Industrial Estate, and Tanjong Rhu. These homes are not just a number—they represent a critical effort to enhance urban living closer to the city center, coupled with the rejuvenation of older Housing Board estates like Geylang Bahru.

Navigating Challenges: The 8.2ha Conundrum

In a significant turn, URA's latest plans adjust a previous 8.2ha site that had initially gone on sale in 2019 but was removed from the Government Land Sales list in 2022 due to delays linked to soil treatment at the former Kallang Gasworks.

Until recently, four plots within this area were designated for mixed-use development. However, the master plan now only includes two plots for residential use, reconfiguring the layout and adding a new road to improve connectivity.

Developer Dilemmas and Future Prospects

Initially, URA intended for a single master developer to handle the entire site, potentially yielding 4,000 high-end homes along with space for retail concepts. However, in light of current market conditions, industry experts like Alan Cheong from Savills Singapore suggest this approach may be risky under the present cooling measures.

A recent master developer site bid in Jurong Lake District was rejected due to a low offer, raising eyebrows about the appetite for large-scale developments. Cheong believes the central location of Kampong Bugis lends it a strategic advantage, but developers may favor a piecemeal approach to reduce risks.

Opportunities Beyond Kampong Bugis

Beyond Kampong Bugis, the draft master plan earmarks several prime locations for new housing. An upcoming 0.8ha residential plot next to the Aurea condominium and new developments alongside the iconic Old Kallang Airport signal a booming lifestyle hub.

McKinsey reports anticipate up to 2,000 private homes from 6ha of land in Tanjong Rhu and vast 34ha in Marina East, bringing life to the riverfront.

A Green Future Awaits!

URA promises a green and lively development along the Kallang River, featuring landscaped terraces and retail spaces to foster a vibrant riverside atmosphere. The agency aims to create exciting recreational and lifestyle elements while preserving the site's unique heritage.

As soil remediation efforts continue at Kampong Bugis, a new era of urban living by the water's edge is on the horizon. With towering office buildings and hotel developments expected near the former airport, the entire Kallang area is set to flourish. Stay tuned—Kampong Bugis might just be the next must-see hotspot in Singapore!