Singapore unveils ambitious master plan to double air, sea capacity
SINGAPORE's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has unveiled a master plan to double capacity at the city-state's airport, the busiest in southeast Asia, and relocate its seaport, build a new waterfront city and move a military airbase to create extra land for development.
Speaking in an annual National Day address, Mr Loong revealed that part of the plan involves moving the seaport to a new location in Tuas in western Singapore from 2027. That would free up land in Tanjong Pagar, next to the central business district, for a massive new waterfront city.
The government also plans to build a fourth runway at Changi Airport to facilitate the move of a military airbase in central Singapore to Changi after 2030 and free up 800 hectares (1,980 acres) of land for homes, factories and businesses.
Changi Airport currently operates two runways and can take over a third runway that is presently being used by the military. The fourth runway would be operated by the air force, allowing the military to close its airbase in the central region of Paya Lebar.
"This is how we can stay the hub in southeast Asia and create many more opportunities for Singaporeans," Prime Minister Lee said, citing competition from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
The government's long-term plan is seen as an attempt to counter a growing voter backlash against the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and quash rising discontent over an influx of foreign workers and expatriates who have been blamed for a host of problems, ranging from strained infrastructure to higher living costs.
SINGAPORE's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has unveiled a master plan to double capacity at the city-state's airport, the busiest in southeast Asia, and relocate its seaport, build a new waterfront city and move a military airbase to create extra land for development.
Speaking in an annual National Day address, Mr Loong revealed that part of the plan involves moving the seaport to a new location in Tuas in western Singapore from 2027. That would free up land in Tanjong Pagar, next to the central business district, for a massive new waterfront city.
The government also plans to build a fourth runway at Changi Airport to facilitate the move of a military airbase in central Singapore to Changi after 2030 and free up 800 hectares (1,980 acres) of land for homes, factories and businesses.
Changi Airport currently operates two runways and can take over a third runway that is presently being used by the military. The fourth runway would be operated by the air force, allowing the military to close its airbase in the central region of Paya Lebar.
"This is how we can stay the hub in southeast Asia and create many more opportunities for Singaporeans," Prime Minister Lee said, citing competition from Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.
The government's long-term plan is seen as an attempt to counter a growing voter backlash against the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and quash rising discontent over an influx of foreign workers and expatriates who have been blamed for a host of problems, ranging from strained infrastructure to higher living costs.