10.4ha of forest in Woodlands to be cleared for industrial and mixed-use developments

Some 10.4ha of forest in Woodlands is slated for clearance from 2026 to build industrial and mixed-use developments for an upcoming precinct highlighted during the recent National Day Rally.

- Ang Qing Correspondent

The vegetation, about the size of 15 football fields, will be cleared to support new industrial developments that tap the Johor Bahru-Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS) Link, which is expected to start operations in end-2026.

This was revealed in an environmental impact assessment published online on Aug 20 by site developer JTC Corporation (JTC).

It told The Straits Times that the works for Woodlands Gateway will ensure that the land is suitable for construction, with essential infrastructure such as roads, drains and utilities. JTC also said the project will become an employment, commercial and manufacturing hub, which will support manufacturing companies with operations in both Singapore and Johor.

JTC said site preparation, such as soil investigation and surveys, are planned to commence in 2025, ahead of any works. Works at the site are scheduled to be completed by 2035, according to the report.

During the Aug 17 National Day Rally, Prime Minister Lawrence Wong elaborated on plans to revitalise the northern regions of Singapore like Woodlands.

These plans include flexible industrial spaces around the RTS station that support businesses seeking to take full advantage of the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone, as well as new homes along the Woodlands waterfront.

The 27.7ha project site studied for the environmental impact assessment is next to Woodlands North MRT station and bound by Admiralty Road West and North Coast Avenue.

Apart from forested land, the site also has the premises where the British Naval Police were once housed. The premises were repurposed for the now-defunct View Road Hospital, and then a foreign workers dormitory that ceased operations in 2011.

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) previously said it is studying how the building can complement the project.