Integrated Approach To Land Use And Transport

Source : The Straits Times, Forum, Sep 7, 2007

I REFER to the letter, 'Mini-CBDs in satellite towns to ease traffic jams' (ST, Sept 3), by Mr Tan Thiam Soon, who suggested creating satellite business districts to alleviate traffic congestion in the city area.

The idea of providing a network of commercial centres outside the Central Business District (CBD) was first outlined in the 1991 Concept Plan. The development of such a network of regional, sub-regional and fringe centres helps to reduce congestion in the city centre by bringing jobs closer to homes and provides alternative locations for businesses that do not require a city centre location for their operations.

Nevertheless, we also need to provide office space within the CBD to support the growth of the financial and business services sectors that require a city centre location. This will further strengthen our position as an international financial centre.

Since the 1991 Concept Plan, we have begun developing other commercial centres outside the CBD. The Tampines Regional Centre is a vibrant office and retail-cum-entertainment hub, where many financial institutions have located their backroom and support operations.

Fringe Centres, such as the one at Novena, are bustling with a variety of commercial and residential developments. One-North at Buona Vista, one of the planned sub-regional centres, is also shaping up well as a 'commercial, and R&D hub' integrated with social and recreational amenities.

We plan to open up another Regional Centre in Jurong East and a Sub-Regional Centre in Paya Lebar to serve the western and eastern parts of Singapore. There is also potential for further growth at Woodlands Regional Centre.

Bringing more jobs and activities through a network of commercial centres outside the CBD will ensure easy access to goods and services and also minimise the need to travel. These commercial centres are often integrated with MRT stations and bus interchanges wherever possible.

We also plan for the distribution of other employment centres such as industrial estates and business parks throughout the island.

Transport planning is thus an integral part of land use planning and it is essential to ensure convenient access to goods and services and to minimise the need for travel.

Much focus has also been given to providing good public transport. Extensive rail networks have been planned to serve high-population areas. We have also planned for higher-density developments around rail transit stations to give convenient access without creating excessive congestion.

Lim Eng Hwee
Director (Physical Planning)
Urban Redevelopment Authority