Now known more for its industrial estates and HDB homes, the Jurong Lake District is gearing up for its reincarnation as Singapore’s second Central Business District – a development the Government hopes can kick-start the country’s next phase of economic transformation. While the financial heart of the country is in the CBD south of the Singapore River, its ambition is for Jurong to become a second nucleus, anchored by sectors such as maritime services, energy and IT.
The draft masterplan of the Jurong Lake District envisions green areas and sustainable homes and businesses. The key strategies are:
- A vibrant, lively CBD, with adaptable spaces for the new economy. JLD is envisioned as a lively, vibrant mixed-use business district with a live-in population and an attractive street life for both locals and visitors.
- Green and blue spaces and places for people. 16 hectares of new parks and open spaces will be added. Including the 90ha Jurong Lake Gardens, there will be over 100ha of extensive greenery and open spaces. All new developments will feature skyrise greenery that will form a ‘green carpet’ in the sky, creating a unique identity for the district.
- A car-lite, commuter-centric JLD. JLD is planned to be seamlessly connected within the district and to the rest of Singapore by public transport. Roads will be prioritised for public transport. The network of cycling and shared paths will be expanded for pedestrians and active mobility users.
- Sustainable district-level systems. Sustainable district-level infrastructure will be implemented to reduce energy usage, save manpower and create a better quality living environment.
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Source: The Straits Times, 26 August 2017
The draft masterplan will being exhibited at Westgate Mall from 8 – 17 September and guided tours are available by NTU Heritage Club volunteers! More information aobut the exhibition can be found here.