SINGAPORE (EDGEPROP) - Around 800ha across three tracts of land could potentially be reclaimed off East Coast Park in future decades, providing space for new homes and amenities. Dubbed “Long Island”, the land would be about twice the size of Marina Bay, says Desmond Lee, Minister for National Development and Minister-in-charge of Social Services Integration.

Speaking at a habitat enhancement event at East Coast Park held on Nov 28, Minister Lee notes that the project would create opportunities for future generations of Singapore. “They could build homes, create jobs, develop services and amenities that they need, and add around 20 km of new coastal and reservoir parks, extending from the current East Coast Park,” he adds.

The proposed Long Island will integrate coastal protection measures with future reclamation plans for the area, in view of the long-term impact of climate change which includes rising sea levels. “Mean sea levels around Singapore are projected to rise by up to 1m by the end of this century. When high tides coincide with storm surges, sea levels could rise by up to 4 to 5m above mean sea level. This is a very serious problem, because around one-third of our island is below 5m above mean sea level, and at risk of being inundated by the sea,” Minister Lee explains.

The concept of Long Island would “project coastal projection seawards”, allowing the existing East Coast Park to be retained largely in its present state, Minister Lee says. It will also create an enclosed waterbody, which will become a freshwater reservoir over time, adding to Singapore’s water supply while also being a space the public can use for water activities.

Technical studies will be carried out to assess the feasibility of the project, with the studies expected to take around five years. At the same time, residents and stakeholders will be engaged to provide feedback and ideas on the project. Given the scale of the development, full planning and implementation of Long Island “will take decades”, Minister Lee says.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director of data analytics at Huttons Asia, estimates that at 800ha, Long Island would be similar in size to the Kallang-Whampoa estate and could potentially house between 30,000 and 60,000 new homes with a good mix of commercial, recreation and green elements.

“It is highly likely that the allocation for public housing will be more than private housing on Long Island,” Huttons' Lee says, adding that the HDB flats will likely be launched either under the Prime or Plus model.

He continues: “The chances of creating a second Sentosa are low as the government wants to create an inclusive society allowing everyone access to good homes and not just for the rich.” He also views that the project will prompt further investment into transport connectivity, with the potential for an MRT or LRT extension to branch off from the Thomson-East Coast Line to Long Island.

In any case, the future developments on Long Island will likely benefit present private developments along the East Coast, the majority of which are freehold, Huttons' Lee concludes. “It may even increase the potential for en-bloc in the future."