Highlights from Singapore's Draft Master Plan 2025

Singapore’s urban landscape is set to transform with the release of the Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025), announced by National Development Minister Chee Hong Tat on 25 June. The plan outlines the addition of up to 80,000 new homes—a mix of public and private units—across 12 residential towns, with a strong emphasis on liveability, connectivity, and sustainability.

According to Catherine He, Head of Research at Colliers Singapore, the expanded housing options in central locations such as Newton, Paterson Hill, and Dover will provide more opportunities for Singaporeans to live closer to the city centre. These plans also help address growing housing demand while easing pressure on the nation’s transport system.

Here’s a breakdown of key developments by location:

🏠 Bishan: From Town Centre to Business-Lifestyle Hub

The Bishan town centre, near Junction 8 and the bus interchange, may be transformed into a landscaped pedestrian mall. URA is studying how this can integrate new office towers, a polyclinic, and vibrant public spaces. The plan includes pedestrian-friendly streets, skyrise greenery, and improved amenities, positioning Bishan as a dynamic sub-regional centre.

🏙️ Dover–Medway: A Hidden Gem in Greater One-North

Roughly 6,000 new homes—a blend of public and private housing—are slated for this area, which sits between Kent Ridge and One-North MRT stations (CCL).

While often overlooked, One-North is a fast-growing tech and media hub. As SIT and UWC campuses relocate out, the area is being gradually reshaped, complementing institutions like INSEAD and ESSEC already nearby.

For homeowners seeking proximity to lifestyle hotspots such as Holland Village—without the premium of District 10—this location presents strong upside potential. The site also links closely to Mediapolis, reinforcing its future appeal to professionals and investors.

🏗️ Newton: From Office Hub to Family Enclave

A total of 5,000 private homes are expected in this upcoming mixed-use precinct. Traditionally business-focused, Newton is being reimagined with a new "village square" beside Newton MRT (NSL & DTL), offering family-friendly amenities and retail.

Adding to this, a linear park along Monk’s Hill Road will link Newton MRT to Emerald Hill, improving walkability and reducing reliance on cars in an area long known for congestion.

This transformation signals Newton’s evolution from a commuter and investor hotspot into a green, vibrant residential enclave—a rare scale of redevelopment for a Core Central Region (CCR) location.

🏢 Orchard & Paterson: Vertical Village over Orchard MRT

Above Orchard MRT (NSL & TEL), a mixed-use vertical development is in the works, expected to deliver around 1,000 private homes along with retail, F&B, and office space. Situated on the former Institute of Education site, this is one of the last large plots of prime Orchard land being reactivated.

This project is part of a broader plan to reimagine Orchard Road as a balanced live-work-play district. Upcoming enhancements include:

• A pedestrianised stretch from Orchard MRT to Penang Road, with cycle lanes and shops on both sides.

• A new 500 m “Destination Park” connecting Istana Park and Dhoby Ghaut Green.

A planned pedestrian bridge linking Dhoby Ghaut Green with Fort Canning Park.

🌳 Kranji (Former Turf Club): Green Living on a Grand Scale

The site of the former Singapore Turf Club will become a “riverine estate”, offering around 14,000 homes—the largest single housing site under the Draft Plan.

Nestled within the Kranji Nature Corridor, this estate will feature interconnected greenery, blue networks, and access to Mandai Mangrove & Mudflat Nature Park.

Key ecological features include:

• An 11 km nature link with over 8 km of supporting trails

• Expansions at Sungei Pang Sua Canal and Kranji Reservoir

Integration with the 5th nature corridor, enhancing biodiversity connectivity between the Central Catchment and Mandai

Conclusion

The Draft Master Plan 2025 signals an ambitious and people-centric vision for Singapore’s future—one that prioritises housing affordability, urban greening, walkability, and heritage protection, while rejuvenating even the most central and mature estates.

As these plans materialise, they will not only reshape neighbourhood skylines but also redefine how Singaporeans live, work, and play for decades to come.