On June 25, 2025, Singapore’s Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) released the draft of Master Plan 2025, charting the nation’s development direction for the next 10 to 15 years. This plan, reviewed every five years, covers key areas such as housing, employment, transportation, climate response, and nature conservation.
In terms of housing, the draft proposes the construction of at least 80,000 public and private residential units across 12 housing areas island wide to meet the growing population and housing needs. Some of the new housing districts include Defu, adjacent to the redeveloped Paya Lebar Air Base, and the site of the former Sembawang Shipyard. The specific number of residential units for these areas is still under study.
Here’s a breakdown of the new housing areas in Singapore：
Newton: A Green Urban Lifestyle
The planned Newton neighbourhood, comprising three clusters in Newton Circus, Scotts Road and Monk’s Hill, will be a mixed-use urban village, with the new private homes to be introduced progressively.
A new Village Square anchored by a high-density, mixed-use development will be built next to Newton MRT station and Newton Food Centre, while Monk’s Hill Road will be converted into a park. A green corridor will also link Newton MRT station to Emerald Hill.
Paterson: Urban Lifestyle Hub at Orchard MRT
The Paterson neighbourhood will be transformed into a mixed-use hub with a new integrated development comprising retail and food and beverage offerings, offices and residences built above Orchard MRT station.
Meanwhile, the former Institute of Education site will be redeveloped into a mixed-use integrated precinct, offering approximately 1,000 private residential units. This development will feature a diverse mix of functions, including office and retail spaces, to meet the varied needs of living, working, and leisure, further enhancing the vibrancy and convenience of the city center.
The new plan also includes the introduction of cycling paths that will connect Paterson to surrounding neighborhoods such as Tiong Bahru and Balestier, promoting green mobility and improving connectivity between districts. This will provide city center residents with a more convenient and healthy urban living experience.
Dover-Medway: A Vibrant Community Integrating Research and Education
In the Dover-Medway area, approximately 6,000 new residential units will be added in the first phase. This area, close to one-north and Kent Ridge MRT, aims to create a vibrant community closely integrating research and education. With the future relocation of SIT and UWCSEA, the freed space will be transformed into new residences and green spaces, while ACS (Independent) will remain. This provides an option for professionals in technology, media, and biomedical fields working nearby to "settle close to work," further enhancing the innovative living ecosystem of one-north.
Mediapolis: Live Close to Innovation
Mediapolis will add up to 5,000 private homes, perfect for professionals in media, tech, and research. Easy access to one-north Park, Wessex estate, and the Rail Corridor — Enjoy the tranquility of nature in your spare time from work.
Former Racecourse: Nature-Inspired Living
The former Singapore Racecourse in the north will become a major housing area, offering around 14,000 public and private homes. Designed around a riverine concept, and close to Mandai Mangrove, Sungei Pang Sua, and the Rail Corridor, this new estate will appeal to nature lovers.
Sembawang Shipyard: Seaside Living with Heritage
After its closure in 2028, the Sembawang Shipyard will be redeveloped into a waterfront mixed-use district. The area will feature sea-view housing and public waterfront spaces. Some of the shipyard’s old buildings will be repurposed into community, cultural, or sports facilities continuing the charm of history.
PLAB & Defu: Building a New Town
The relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base（PLAB） will free up 800 hectares of land. A brand-new town will take shape, starting with Defu. The master plan includes wetlands, parks and rivers, with old airport features like parts of the old runway preserved as unique character. Height restrictions in surrounding areas may be lifted to allow for taller housing.
Summary
The URA Master Plan 2025 will introduce over 80,000 new homes across familiar and emerging districts. It’s not just about land development, but also a comprehensive lifestyle revolution -enable residents to enjoy a more natural, accessible, and community-oriented lifestyle.
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