INTERIM LAND USE IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Over the years, Singapore is faced with a situation whereby there is quite a substantial amount of premium unsold vacant land or urban voids as defined in this thesis. Recently much effort has been put into encouraging more interim use for such urban voids so that land in Singapore can be optimized and exploited to reap economic benefits. Thus, there is a need to understand the implications of urban voids in order to contribute positively to the design of our urban environment in the near future. It is the objective of this thesis to identify and analyze the reasons for the occurrence of urban voids, the impacts they cause and finally a proposal of innovative interim uses for the urban voids will be given learning from key success factors of foreign case studies. An investigation into the feasibility and the impact of tenure on investment decisions will also be conducted through surveys and interviews. In view of the findings of the research, a flexible tenure is proposed for these urban voids while highlighting concerns that must be addressed. Moreover, frequent discussion sessions between the private developers and the State should be conducted to exchange new ideas continuously so as to achieve a win-win situation.