URA taps private sector for ideas to redevelop Sembawang Shipyard

Singapore's urban planning authority is tapping private sector planners and architects to design a future seafront district in Sembawang Shipyard, which will help to meet the country's land needs in the medium to long term.

- Ng Keng Gene

Two professional bodies – the Singapore Institute of Architects and the Singapore Institute of Planners (SIP) – are collaborating with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) on plans for the shipyard, which was part of the Sembawang Naval Base that officially opened in 1938.

The institute of architects launched a competition on Nov 6 for its members to submit ideas for a masterplan and urban design strategies for the district, while SIP's core team has been working on a concept masterplan for the site since end-May, according to the planning institute's website.

When approached for more details about their involvement, both institutes declined to comment, citing confidentiality agreements they have with URA.

URA had said, when exhibiting its masterplan in 2019, that the shipyard can be "redeveloped into a mixed-use waterfront lifestyle precinct while taking into consideration its rich maritime history", when the shipyard's operations cease.

The masterplan, reviewed once every five years, guides Singapore's development in the medium term over the next 10 to 15 years. The next Draft Master Plan will be launched in June 2025.