Singapore, a nation recognised for its innovative urban planning and land optimisation, is once again pushing boundaries with two significant projects: the development of the Bayshore housing estate and Long Island – a major land reclamation project with several objectives.
These two interconnected developments will reshape Singapore’s eastern coastline, creating a new sustainable waterfront living and recreation precinct. This article will highlight their plans and how they will contribute to the creation of Singapore’s next property hotspot with promising investment potential.
Bayshore Estate: A Waterfront Living Oasis
Bayshore is an upcoming housing estate bounded by Upper East Coast Road, Bayshore Road, and the East Coast Parkway. It occupies a 60-hectare site of reclaimed land that has been earmarked for residential development since the URA Master Plan 1998, envisioning it as a thriving enclave and an extension of Bedok town.
The estate will provide approximately 10,000 new homes, with 7,000 units (70%) allocated for public housing, offering a variety of options, including rental flats, to foster inclusivity. The remaining 3,000 units will be private housing.
Bayshore Estate will offer residents an urban waterfront living experience, featuring the following:
- Distinctive waterfront homes
- Well-connected neighbourhoods and vibrant streets with an array of amenities
- New parks and green spaces offering more recreational options
- A living environment that encourages active lifestyles and healthy living
- A smart and sustainable estate
Distinctive Waterfront Homes
Bayshore BTO Projects
The first two Build-To-Order (BTO) projects in Bayshore housing estate were launched in October 2024 under the new Plus Classification. These projects comprise 1,440 units of two-room flexi, three-, and four-room flats.
Units facing East Coast Park will have waterfront views, while those facing Bedok town will offer city views. Residents will enjoy these views through full-height windows. The flats will also have structural beams and columns kept to the edges for a “beamless” look, allowing homeowners flexibility in customising their unit layouts.
Well-Connected Neighbourhoods and Vibrant Streets
Transit Corridor
Most homes in the estate will be within a 5-minute walk of the upcoming Bayshore and Bedok South MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line. The Bayshore station was completed in 2024, while the Bedok South station is scheduled for completion in 2026.
Residents of Bedok Town can easily access the new public transport nodes in Bayshore housing estate through pedestrian paths converted from existing drains leading into Bayshore from Upper East Coast Road.
Bayshore Drive will be the central thoroughfare, lined with shops, eateries, supermarkets, health and medical facilities, sports and recreational facilities, and resting spots on both sides of a 400-metre “transit priority corridor”.
A network of cycling and walking paths, lined with greenery, will also be built throughout Bayshore estate. They will connect to the cycling network beyond Bedok, enabling cyclists to access the Round Island Route and the upcoming central green corridor from East Coast Park to Changi Beach.
New Parks and Green Spaces
A new 3-hectare central park stretching from the north to the south and interpersed throughout the estate will provide open lawns for families to enjoy picnics or take walks.
A new linear park at the edge of the estate will incorporate heritage elements like the seawalls that mark the old coastline. Playgrounds will have a rustic theme, and the estate will feature various walking trails.
A Smart and Sustainable Estate
A Car-Lite Housing Estate
Bayshore housing estate will be car-lite with smart infrastructure guided by sustainable design strategies.
Features such as solar panels on rooftops and a pneumatic waste conveyance system will be implemented. The estate will also be developed with consideration for wind flow, temperature, solar irradiance, and sun-shadow analysis to create a comfortable living environment.
The estate will also come with several walking trails that encourage residents to adopt an active lifestyle while interactive and educational play spaces for all ages will be provided within the housing precincts.
An Integrated Development
An integrated development will be built on the eastern side of the estate, connected to a bus interchange and Bedok South MRT station. It will feature residential units, retail, and dining options. However, it is still under planning and there is no current information on whether it will include both public or private housing.
Long Island: A Game-Changer for the East Coast
The Long Island project, first envisioned in the Concept Plan in 1991, will transform the East Coast by reclaiming approximately 800 hectares of land off the coast, potentially forming ‘islands’.
The objective is to protect the low-lying area from rising sea levels, strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience, enhance Singapore’s water self-sufficiency with a new reservoir, and create additional land to meet future housing development needs.
The project will take several decades to plan, design, and implement. This ambitious plan, twice the size of Marina Bay, aims to address the critical impact of climate change, especially the rising sea levels threatening the East Coast.
Coastal Protection
Long Island is designed to protect homes, businesses, critical infrastructure, and public spaces along the East Coast, such as Changi Airport and East Coast Park.
The third National Climate Change Study predicts that by 2100, the mean sea level around Singapore could rise by up to 1.15m, and during extreme high tides coinciding with storm surges, sea levels could rise up to 4-5m.
The low-lying East Coast area, with about 30% of the land less than 5 metres above mean sea level, is particularly vulnerable.
Land will be reclaimed to a higher level to form a continuous line of defense against rising sea levels, with 12 outlet drains along the coast channelling water into a new reservoir equipped with two centralised tidal gates and pumping stations.
This system, similar to Marina Barrage, will keep out seawater during high tides and discharge stormwater into the sea during heavy rainfall.
However, the plan is yet to be finalised as the construction of the sea wall and 12 new pumping stations would take up a large amount of park space (equivalent to about 15 football field), resulting in extended periods of disruption to park users.
Enhanced Water Resilience
The new reservoir on Long Island will enhance Singapore’s water resilience by providing a new water supply source.
This will bolster its water security and aim to be self-sufficient when its water agreement with Malaysia signed in 1962, expires in 2061.
This reservoir will also act as a key component in flood risk reduction.
New Recreation and Lifestyle Opportunities
Long Island will add approximately 20 kilometres of new waterfront parks, effectively tripling the length of waterfront parks along the East Coast. These parks will be part of a 120-kilometre-long stretch of accessible waterfront space along Singapore’s southern coast, stretching from Pasir Panjang Terminal to Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal.
The project presents opportunities for waterfront living concepts and nature-centred solutions, creating multifunctional and climate-resilient spaces for homes, recreation, and nature.
Sustainable Development
Technical studies for Long Island will commence in early 2024 and are expected to take about five years to complete. These studies include:
- Site investigation and surveys
- Engineering studies
- Environmental impact assessments
These studies will examine the potential impact of reclamation and explore a combination of engineering and nature-based solutions to minimise environmental impact and disruption to existing uses.
Investment Potential: Why Bayshore and Long Island Are Singapore’s Next Property Hotspots
The development of Bayshore housing estate and the Long Island presents a compelling investment opportunity due to several factors:
Limited Supply, High Demand: Singapore’s land scarcity creates high demand for property. The new homes in Bayshore Estate, especially those with potential sea views, and the future development potential of Long Island will attract significant buyer and investor interest.
Prime Waterfront Living: Waterfront properties command premium prices. Bayshore Estate’s proximity to East Coast Park, potential sea views, and Long Island’s extensive waterfront parks will be a major draw.
Excellent Connectivity: The upcoming Bayshore and Bedok South MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line will enhance accessibility to the region. This improved connectivity further increases the attractiveness for residents and businesses.
Government Backing and Long-Term Vision: With strong government support for the development of Bayshore Estate and Long Island, its long-term commitment to developing this region will instil confidence in investors and signal a promising future.
Lifestyle and Amenities: Bayshore Estate’s amenities, the expanded East Coast Park, and the future parks on Long Island will create a highly desirable lifestyle. This focus on lifestyle and natural beauty will drive up demand and hence, property values.
Potential Challenges and Considerations
While the potential of Bayshore housing estate and Long Island is undeniable, potential challenges exist:
Long Development Timeline: Long Island is a multi-decade project. Investors should consider the long-term investment horizon before investing.
Potential Environmental Impact: Land reclamation can impact the environment. The government’s mitigation efforts through careful planning and nature-based solutions will be critical for the project’s sustainability and public acceptance.
Evolving Market Conditions: Property markets are cyclical. Investors should be aware of potential market fluctuations and adjust investment strategies accordingly.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future
The development of Bayshore housing estate and Long Island is a bold vision for Singapore’s future. They demonstrate the nation’s commitment to sustainable development, innovative urban planning, and improving its citizens’ lives.
Hence, they present a compelling proposition for investors seeking long-term opportunities in a high-growth, highly desirable location. The combination of waterfront living, connectivity, amenities, and government backing makes this precinct a prime candidate to become Singapore’s next property hotspot.
As the development progresses, it will reshape the eastern coastline and create a vibrant community for future generations.
Besides Bayshore and Long Island, you may also be interested in the following property hotspots in Singapore:
- Jurong Lake District
- Greater Southern Waterfront
- Woodlands Regional Centre
- one-north
- Tampines Regional Centre
- Tampines North
- Newton & Novena
