The East has a reputation for being the ‘best side’ of Singapore – touted mostly by people who stay in the region – because of its variety of food options (e.g. Bedok 85, the Katong and Joo Chait stretch of bars, restaurants, and eateries), outdoor spaces for exercise and recreation (e.g. East Coast Park), and recent developments like Jewel at Changi and the Downtown MRT line (DTL).
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Master Plan 2019 and the lineup of Government Land Sales (GLS) programme sites in the east side of Singapore are additional signs which suggest the region is growing with accessibility and reinvention in mind.
Want to find out how the east of Singapore will evolve over the next few decades? Read about the latest plans for the region below!
7 Biggest Changes Happening in the East Side of Singapore
| Upcoming changes to the east of Singapore | When we can expect these changes |
| Completion of the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) and Cross Island Line (CRL) | By 2025 and 2030, respectively |
| Expansion of Tampines cycling network | By 2026 |
| Expansion of Bayshore residential area | Across the 2030s |
| Development of Changi Airport Terminal 5 and Changi Aviation Park | Across the 2030s |
| 8,000 new homes in Tampines South | From 2033 to 208 |
| Relocation of Paya Lebar Air Base | Across the 2030s |
| Development of the Historic East Identity Corridor | Over the next 50 years |
1. Completion of the TEL and CRL and Expansion of Tampines Cycling Network
Singapore’s eighth MRT line, the CRL, is scheduled for completion in 2030. New MRT stations on the CRL on the east side of Singapore include Aviation Park, Loyang, Pasir Ris East, and Tampines North MRT stations.
While quite a few years remain before the CRL is completed, the TEL is further ahead. Seven stations such as Tanjong Katong, Marine Parade, and Siglap MRT stations will be open to passengers in 2024, while Stage 5 of the TEL’s completion will see Bedok South and Sungei Bedok MRT stations opening in 2025.
These developments will not just provide better connectivity to the city centre but are also expected to further transform the east side of Singapore into a hub for business and residential activities.
In addition, the cycling network in Tampines will be expanded, with up to 13km of cycling paths being added by 2026, bringing the total length of cycling paths in the neighbourhood to 30km. The new paths will connect Tampines Avenue 2 and 7 to Tampines East MRT station and Tampines Mall, respectively.
Want to live near the new MRT lines? Here are some Tampines condo unit listings on PropertyGuru:
- Arthur 118
- Meyer Mansion
- The Meyerise
- Azalea Park Condo
2. Expansion of Residential Bayshore Area
Designed to be a lifestyle waterfront estate with lush greenery, the upcoming 60-hectare (ha) residential estate of Bayshore will comprise a mix of public and private housing. An estimated 10,000 homes will be built, as well as a central park and green network, linking housing projects.
Around 31ha of forested area in Bedok will be cleared to build future Bayshore homes, which are projected to be ready from the mid-2030s.
Greenery will be a key feature of the precinct, with green spaces to be incorporated into all future housing, as well as a linear park with a pavilion and seawalls. The area will be rich in biodiversity with a wide variety of plant species, including 16 that are of conservation significance.
In addition, part of the main street will be a designated bus-only road equipped with foot and cycling paths to encourage mobility among residents.
Want to live near Bayshore? Here are some Bayshore condo listings on PropertyGuru:
- Bayshore Park
- Uber 388
- East Coast Residences
3. Development of Changi Airport Terminal 5
Changi Airport’s Terminal 5 will be the airport’s largest terminal when it is completed in the mid-2030s. The construction of Terminal 5 is expected to start in 2025 and will cost an estimated $10 billion.
When ready, it will be capable of handling up to 50 million passengers annually. The terminal will be connected to the existing terminals via an Automated People Mover (APM) system. It promises to be a high-tech terminal with state-of-the-art technology, including automated check-in, baggage handling, and immigration clearance systems.
Another noteworthy development is the new Changi Aviation Park, which is located adjacent to the airport. The park serves as an aerospace hub for new aviation-related industries and businesses in the sector.
These new developments are part of a greater vision to transform the east region of Singapore into a bustling lifestyle and business district, with the Changi East Urban District at the doorstep of Terminal 5, including offices, conference rooms, halls, hotels, and serviced apartments.
Want to live near Changi Airport? Here are some Changi condo listings on PropertyGuru:
- Sunhaven
- Double Bay Residences
- Melville Park
- My Manhattan
4. 8,000 New Homes to Be Built in Tampines South
Can the already saturated town of Tampines afford more new developments? Apparently so.
Some Tampines BTO projects launched in previous years are expected to be ready in 2023 and the next few years. There are also numerous community facilities under development, including a new polyclinic and a nursing home in Tampines North.
On the south side of Tampines, upcoming residential projects will take a little longer to come to fruition. In Tampines South, around 8,000 new homes are in the pipeline and will be completed in 10 to 15 years.
Want to live in Tampines? Here are Tampines condo listings on PropertyGuru:
- The Alps Residences
- Edelweiss Park
- Q Bay Residences
- Avila Gardens
5. Paya Lebar To be Further Developed into a Commercial Hub
Under the URA’s 2017 Business Improvement District (BID) programme, which engages private companies to enhance districts’ vibrancy, Paya Lebar is one of the neighbourhoods that has been selected for development.
The URA Master Plan for Paya Lebar, announced in 2021, involves turning the Paya Lebar Central precinct into a new commercial hub in Singapore. The precinct will have new community and cultural spaces, including a civic plaza, a park, and a community club, to provide more amenities for the residents and visitors.
Another change in the area is the redevelopment of the Paya Lebar Air Base, which will be relocated in the 2030s to make way for a new-generation town in the area. URA has announced plans to transform the site into green community spaces flanked by public and private housing while preserving the Paya Lebar Air Base’s history as a former airport and air base.
Want to live in Paya Lebar? Here are some Paya Lebar condo listings on PropertyGuru:
- Rezi 35
- Butterworth 8
- Dunman Place
- Simsville
6. Development of the Historic East Identity Corridor
The east side of Singapore has a rich heritage that is a real draw for residents and visitors. In order to ensure that the historic character of the area does not get diluted by new developments, the government is developing “identity corridors”, in line with the URA’s Heritage and Identity Structure Plan.
Five identity corridors will carve out areas that have a strong identity and character, enhance their appeal through various strategies, and boost walking and cycling infrastructure to enable residents and visitors to explore them better.
The Historic East identity corridor will stretch from the Kallang River to Changi, covering areas such as Joo Chiat, Katong, Geylang Serai, and Bedok.
A new festive plaza is planned near Geylang Serai, as well as a landmark archway and new cycling paths. Additionally, there are plans to upgrade the cycling and walking paths along the rest of the Geylang-Changi Road corridor.
Want to live near the new identity corridor? Here are East Coast condo listings for sale on PropertyGuru:
- Legenda @ Joo Chiat
- Coastarina
- The Sound
- Auralis
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