The Government is looking at three ways to stretch Singapore’s land options: going upward, downward, and seaward.

Lawrence Wong, Minister for National Development, detailed the three strategies in a blog post on 26 June 2019.

Strategy #1: Going upward

Mr Wong said that the vertical strategy is also about “optimising existing spaces” to “maximise the full development potential”. This was why the Government decided to relocate Paya Lebar Air Base located near urbanised areas to allow for new and higher developments in the surrounding area.

Strategy #2: Going downward, or underground

Singapore plans to go deeper underground, beyond 150 metres below ground to develop caverns, said Mr Wong, noting that there are already rock caverns in Jurong for oil storage.

Mr Wong shared that the Government is putting together a comprehensive 3D underground space plan, with Marina Bay, Jurong Innovation District and Punggol Digital District already included, and more areas to be added.

Strategy #3: Extending seaward

Singapore has reclaimed land in Tuas for a new terminal and is moving its existing ports in the south there. This will free up some 1,000 hectares of prime waterfront space, allowing the downtown area to extend beyond Marina Bay.

Mr Wong explained that reclamation is important as it protects Singapore against the threat of rising sea levels due to climate change. The government is studying the need for other infrastructure, including sea walls and pumping stations to protect against rising sea levels. “These are long-term investments but we are planning well ahead so that we can put them in place in a timely manner,” he said.