Earlier this morning, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) just dropped details of the Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025), which is essentially a blueprint for Singapore’s land use development for the next 10 to 15 years.
According to the URA, the proposals under the DMP2025 aim to create a more liveable, inclusive, and endearing Singapore, by offering Singaporeans from all walks of life with more choices for living, working, and leisure, as well as a deepened sense of identity and place.
We break down all the details and key announcements and highlight what it means for you.
Meeting higher demand for homes in more central locations
One of the key announcements of the DMP2025 is that the Government will steadily carve out more neighbourhoods and residential estates and introduce both public and private housing options to meet Singaporeans’ aspirations. This will involve creating new townships in both existing estates and new ones.
Image credit: HDB
For instance, one new township that was previously announced is Mount Pleasant, which will be carved out from the Toa Payoh, Balestier, and Thomson region. Mount Pleasant will see 1,500 new flats in Oct 2025 — the first of six planned housing projects for the estate.
Other new townships include where Turf City used to be, which will see over 20,000 HDB flats built, and where the Keppel Golf Course used to be, as part of the Greater Southern Waterfront transformation project. In addition, other previously announced residential districts include Pearl’s Hill near Chinatown and Marina South.
Dover-Medway
Image credit: URA
One of the first few exciting transformations in the pipeline will involve the Dover and one-north precinct, home to many offices and multinationals in the science and tech sectors.
As announced by the URA, a mix of private and public homes, as well as amenities and recreational spaces, will be built to create a vibrant hub that supports the lifestyle needs of both residents and workers. The initial phase begins in November this year, eventually leading to the launch of around 6,000 public and private homes, with more added over time.
Newton-Paterson
Image credit: URA
Another central precinct that will see substantial change is Newton, known for its rich history and heritage. The area will be divided into three clusters—Newton Circus, Scotts Road and Monk’s Hill—and over 5,000 new private residences will be progressively developed.
A significant addition is a new mixed-use development beside Newton MRT station and Newton Food Centre. This “urban village” will feature both residential and commercial units surrounded by greenery.
Additionally, a new integrated development will be built above Orchard MRT at Paterson Road, just behind ION Orchard. It will include 1,000 private homes, retail, F&B, and office spaces and will act as the heart of the Paterson neighbourhood.
This neighbourhood will also have cycling paths connecting Paterson Road to the “inner ring identity corridor”—a heritage route including Tiong Bahru Road, Scotts Road, Balestier Road, Lavender Street, and more.
Image credit: URA
Speaking of Monk’s Hill, did you know the area still features apartment blocks that were once municipal workers’ quarters during the colonial era? The area will honour this history by transforming into a linear park flanked by mature trees and heritage buildings. Newton-Orchard is finally getting a major refresh with new homes, parks, and mixed-use hubs.
Sembawang Shipyard
Image credit: Singapore Institute of Planners
Currently home to several shipyards, the URA has stated that operations are expected to cease by 2028. After that, the area will be progressively transformed into a mixed-use waterfront district that reflects its maritime heritage.
Much like the Greater Southern Waterfront, we can expect communal coastal walkways and waterfront living, although details are still limited.
Kranji Racecourse
Image credit: Racing and Sports
As you know, the Singapore Turf Club—home to horse racing since 1824—held its last race in October 2024, closing an iconic chapter in local heritage. Most expected the site to be used for housing—and they were right.
Under DMP2025, the site will become a housing estate with at least 14,000 new public and private homes, near the Kranji Nature Corridor. The estate will blend recreation and leisure with daily living, while retaining the rustic character of its green surroundings.
Paya Lebar Airbase
Image credit: URA
As you likely know, Paya Lebar Air Base will vacate the site in the 2030s, making way for a new district with up to 150,000 homes. This new town will feature green and blue spaces, good mobility connections, and a distinct aviation character that pays tribute to its history. The area is nearly 5 times the size of Toa Payoh.
The first redevelopment phase starts at nearby Defu, which will be turned into a “new-generation” neighbourhood where essentials are within a 10-minute walk.
More elderly-friendly homes & spaces
Image credit: HDB
It’s no surprise that we have an ageing population, with a higher proportion of seniors in our population in recent times. As such, the DMP2025 also outlines the Government’s plans on how to adequately meet the needs of our elderly folk and to support them through active ageing.
New housing estates will come with more assisted living options and Active Ageing Centres to support older residents. Think Community Care Apartments with on-site activities and care services, plus private assisted living units designed with senior-friendly features, wellness amenities, and a stronger sense of community.
New Integrated Community Hubs
Another initiative announced under the DMP2025 was that there will be new integrated community hubs coming to towns like Woodlands, Yio Chu Kang, and Sengkang.
After hearing feedback for more affordable and inclusive recreation, these hubs will be located near MRT stations and pack in sports facilities, healthcare services, retail, and leisure spaces all under one roof. Basically, they’ll be your new go-to spot for errands, workouts, and chill weekends.
On top of that, 6 new Sport-in-Precinct (SIP) projects are already in the works in Choa Chu Kang, Keat Hong, Ulu Pandan, Whampoa, Tampines North, and Pasir Ris East.
If you’ve never heard of SIPs before, they’re like fitness features built straight into the neighbourhood—think badminton courts on MSCP rooftops, running tracks weaving around HDB blocks, and sheltered multi-use courts right downstairs. The goal? Make staying active as easy as popping out for a cup of kopi.
Image credit: URA
Bigger and more connected network of cycling pathways
Image credit: Great New Places
If you’re a Westie or a Northie, you’ll know how tiring it can be having to travel halfway across Singapore just to hang out with your friends. The good part though, the new community hubs under DMP2025 are here to fix that.
By the 2030s, 8 in 10 households will be within a 10-minute walk of a train station — making it easier to get around while reducing our reliance on cars.
Singapore’s cycling network is getting a major glow-up—under DMP2025, it’s set to grow to 1,300km by 2030. That means it’ll be way easier (and safer) to walk, cycle, or scoot around town without needing a car.
One highlight? A brand new pedestrian and cycling bridge will connect Marina Centre to Bay East Garden by 2029, giving you a smoother route from the city straight to East Coast via the Round Island Route.
See the DMP2025 Exhibition for yourself
If you’re interested to find out more about the DMP2025 and see for yourself a visualisation of how Singapore’s urban landscape will evolve over the next decade and beyond, you can! The DMP2025 Exhibition is open to the public now until 29th November 2025 at the URA Centre Atrium from Mondays to Saturdays, and you can also sign up for guided tours of the exhibition hosted by URA volunteers. For more details, check out the URA’s website.
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Cover image adapted from: HDB
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