Work begins on URA Concept Plan 2011

938LIVE/Hoe Yeen Nie and Maggie Chong Channel NewsAsia 7 Aug 09;
SINGAPORE: The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore has begun work on preparing the next Concept Plan.

National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan announced at his ministry's National Day Observance Ceremony on Friday.

Concept Plan 2011 will be a major review of Singapore's long-term land use plans and strategies to cater to the changing needs of a growing economy and population.

Mr Mah said: "This is a very important exercise because from this concept plan we will derive some of the more detailed land use plans. We will determine what are the areas, in which areas will Singapore be concentrating on, how do we work, how do we play, how do we make this an even better Singapore."

URA will seek the public's views to ensure that the plans are in sync with the evolving lifestyles and aspirations of Singaporeans.

Mr Mah said a key focus of Concept Plan 2011 is to plan for sustainable growth.

The minister explained: "So that even as we grow economically, this has to be done in a way that is sustainable, that will make sure that our resources can be best used, not for just this generation but for the generations to come."

He said the Sustainable Singapore blueprint, which was launched in April, provides a good foundation, and the concept plan will build upon that.

Mr Mah added that keeping public housing affordable is also a priority.

"There's plenty of housing available. Old ones, resale ones, new ones under the BTO (Build-To-Order). It's like going to a supermarket, (there are) different types of housing available. Each one of them has its price, and you choose the one that you're able to afford," he said.

At the National Day Observance Ceremony, Mr Mah met some new citizens and he spoke of the need for them to make an effort to integrate.

Some new citizens said they were drawn to Singapore because of its emphasis on ability.

"It's because of the equal opportunities, and the system of meritocracy, and the open arms of the government for foreign talent. So long as you can contribute, I believe the Singapore government will welcome us," said Dr Wong Siew Heng, a new citizen who has lived in Singapore for 20 years.


- 938 LIVE/CNA/yb/ir

Mah: Sustainable growth for Singapore
URA's new Concept Plan to transform not just skyline but also create jobs
Jessica Cheam, Straits Times 8 Aug 09;

SINGAPORE'S transformation over the past 50 years has been remarkable but it will not stop here, said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan yesterday at his ministry's National Day observance ceremony.

The country's physical landscape will continue to evolve under the Urban Redevelopment Authority's new 2011 Concept Plan, and these 'new developments will not only transform our skyline, but will also create new jobs and opportunities for many', said Mr Mah.

Public consultation will begin soon to 'ensure that our plans are in sync with the evolving lifestyles and aspirations of Singaporeans', he added. 'Even as we continue to grow economically, we want to do so in a sustainable manner.'

He noted that the economic downturn has not impeded growth plans: The new downtown at Marina Bay is taking shape fast. The 'double helix' bridge and the art park will be completed by the end of the year while the new waterfront promenade, the Marina Bay Sands integrated resort and the first phase of Marina Bay Financial Centre will open their doors next year.

Meanwhile, public housing will continue to 'play a major part in the Singapore story'. The home ownership policies provide 'not only a roof over the head, but also a social security net for many Singaporeans'.

This support was strengthened this year by new initiatives such as the enhanced additional housing grant for first-time buyers, and the Lease Buyback Scheme to help elderly home owners monetise their flats, said Mr Mah.

As Singapore celebrates its National Day this weekend, 'it is important that all of us, all Singaporeans new and old, rally together as one united people', said Mr Mah, who also presented a cheque for $39,000 that his ministry raised for the President's Challenge.

The organisation recently set a Singapore record for the 'largest national map made of wish cards'.

The display measuring 2.8m by 6.5m featured over 6,000 cards with well-wishes and hopes for Singapore written by ministry staff.