URA Unveils Comprehensive Draft Master Plan 2025 for Housing Expansion

SINGAPORE – The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has unveiled its Draft Master Plan 2025, detailing ambitious plans to introduce at least 80,000 new homes across more than ten areas over the next decade. Announced on June 25, 2025, this comprehensive blueprint aims to enhance urban living through a mix of public and private housing developments, alongside new office spaces and community amenities in various neighborhoods, including Dover, Defu, Newton, and Paterson.

The launch of the Draft Master Plan 2025 follows an extensive public engagement initiative, during which the URA gathered feedback from nearly 220,000 Singaporeans through exhibitions, dialogues, and surveys. National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat described this as URA’s most extensive public engagement to date, emphasizing that the resulting plan reflects a shared vision for Singapore’s future.

"The feedback we received has been invaluable in shaping the Draft Master Plan, which will guide our development strategies for the next 10 to 15 years," said Minister Chee. "This plan not only addresses immediate housing needs but also emphasizes the importance of creating vibrant community spaces."

Among the key developments outlined in the plan is the Dover-Medway neighborhood, which will feature around 6,000 homes and will be situated near educational institutions like the National University of Singapore and Singapore Polytechnic. The first phase of this development is set to commence in November 2025, with a Government Land Sales site in Dover Road slated to yield 625 private apartments.

In the Newton area, a new neighborhood is planned to integrate existing greenery and heritage elements, featuring approximately 5,000 new private homes anchored by a mixed-use development adjacent to Newton MRT station. URA intends to transform Monk’s Hill Road into a linear park, preserving mature trees and enhancing the neighborhood's identity.

Paterson will also see significant development, with plans for around 1,000 new private homes, including units in a mixed-use hub above Orchard MRT station, which will integrate retail and office spaces into the urban landscape.

Furthermore, URA has outlined plans for the Defu industrial area, which will be developed into a new town following the relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base in the 2030s. Essential services and amenities in this new neighborhood will be designed to be accessible within a 10-minute walk for residents.

The Draft Master Plan also highlights various initiatives to rejuvenate existing neighborhoods. In Bishan, new office and retail spaces will be introduced, accompanied by a new hawker center and a polyclinic. This area is being positioned as a sub-regional center, providing employment opportunities closer to residential zones.

Dr. Woo Jun Jie, a senior lecturer at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy, commented on the implications of the draft master plan. "This plan reflects a careful balancing act between meeting housing demands and preserving the character of existing neighborhoods. It recognizes the need for a sustainable approach to urban planning that accommodates both growth and community identity."

The URA’s Draft Master Plan is a critical component of Singapore’s long-term urban strategy, reviewed every five years. The current plan follows the one that was implemented in 2019 and will be showcased at The URA Centre until November 29, 2025, with additional exhibitions scheduled across the island.

As Singapore grapples with challenges related to urban density, climate change, and socio-economic shifts, the successful implementation of this master plan will require collaboration among government entities, stakeholders, and residents. Minister Chee highlighted the importance of collective input in shaping a future that addresses diverse needs and aspirations.

In conclusion, the Draft Master Plan 2025 represents a significant step forward in Singapore’s urban development strategy, aimed at creating an inclusive and sustainable environment for generations to come.