INDUSTRIAL LAND USE INTENSIFICATION IN SINGAPORE

Abstract

Land use intensification is a type of urban land use planning, in which land is utilized efficiently subject to existing constraints and resources. There is an urgent call for Singapore to achieve land optimization to remain competitive. Drawing from the existing research, data and complexities in this area, the content of intensification policies and implementation are presented. The objectives of the study are to understand the role of Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) plays in industrial land use intensification; to trace the measures of industrial land productivity; and to examine the costs and values of the three different types of factories through case studies. An overview of industrial land development in Singapore has clearly illustrated how land is being transformed and utilized over the past decades. It presents the government's land productivity efforts and the recent Industrial Land Plan for the 21s1 century. Contradictions to land use intensification were revealed in order to identify the problems of intensification programs. The case studies show an analysis of revenues and construction costs at different storeys for each development subjected to certain cost limitations that are unknown. The outcome of the case studies revealed that net revenue per square metre decreases as higher storeys are built; thus there is no incentive for developer to build at higher plot ratio. The issue of industrial land use intensification is still at a pioneer stage. More studies have to be made especially to the revision of industrial land cost and the design of factories. In this way, the drive by government towards land intensification can reap a better chance of success