Home to iconic skyscrapers and colonial architecture, Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) is a global hub for finance and business services in Asia, and home to more than 100 banks, over 37,000 international companies, and many local financial institutions.
The CBD is located in southeastern Singapore and occupies part of the Downtown Core. It is bounded by Marina Bay to the East, Raffles Place to the North, Tanjong Pagar to the West, and Anson to the South.
Moving forward, the government has plans to enhance the appeal of the CBD. In line with the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Master Plan and the Singapore Green Plan 2030, the Downtown Core will be developed into a sustainable, car-lite 24/7 global hub that will include more green spaces, residences, lifestyle amenities, and transport connections.
Upcoming Changes to Singapore’s CBD
| Upcoming changes to Singapore’s CBD | Summary of changes |
| Sustainable initiatives for the CBD | More green spaces and green architecture, more green amenities like Electric Vehicle (EV) charging points and bicycle parking, better public transport links, cycling paths, and pedestrian networks |
| More mixed-use developments in CBD | More shops, eateries, and lifestyle amenities |
| Redevelopment of older areas | Rejuvenation of older areas with new projects |
| Three new Circle Line (CCL) MRT stations | Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road MRT stations are to be completed in 2026 |
| Robinson Road to be transformed into a transit-priority corridor | More space for buses, cycling paths, and pedestrian walkways |
| Marina East and Straits View to be transformed into a mixed-use precinct | More shops, eateries, lifestyle amenities, green spaces, and water bodies |
| Anson and Cecil to be transformed into Dynamic Urban Neighbourhoods | More shops, eateries, amenities, and public spaces |
| Greater Southern Waterfront to be transformed | 6,000 upcoming BTO flats, private residential property, and more commercial and recreational amenities |
1. A More Sustainable City
Given the acceleration of the climate crisis, the government plans to improve sustainability island-wide via the Singapore Green Plan 2030. The CBD will play a part in these efforts to turn Singapore into a more sustainable city.
New developments in the CBD will take into consideration the need to incorporate green spaces and green architecture into the landscape, as well as eco-friendly amenities such as electric vehicle charging points.
The government also hopes to extend its car-lite aspirations to the CBD, as evidenced by ongoing efforts to improve public transport links and enhance cycling and pedestrian networks. Developments will also be urged to offer facilities such as bicycle parking, shower rooms, and lockers to encourage the use of more sustainable transportation methods.
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2. More Mixed-use Developments and Rejuvenation of Older Areas
As part of its 2019 Master Plan, the URA introduced the CBD Incentive Scheme (CBDI), which aims to encourage developers to convert older, existing buildings in the CBD to mixed-use developments. This initiative will introduce a greater variety of amenities, pivoting the CBD from a business hub to one with a multitude of lifestyle options.
Meanwhile, the URA’s Strategic Development Incentive (SDI) Scheme aims to rejuvenate urban environments in strategic zones across Singapore through the redevelopment of older areas and precincts by offering more Gross Floor Area (GFA) to developers who present suitable projects.
All applications under the schemes require developers to meet minimum sustainability criteria, for example through the provision of EV charging points, indicating more eco-friendly amenities in time to come.
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3. Enhanced Connectivity
The CBD already enjoys excellent connectivity but looks set to benefit from a further boost with the continued development of transport infrastructure in the area, in accordance with the government’s efforts to create a car-lite environment.
The recent opening of the Maxwell and Shenton Way MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line (TEL) has already improved connectivity between the CBD and the rest of the island.
The Circle Line 6 extension, which closes the loop for the existing Circle Line, will introduce an additional three new MRT stations: Keppel, Cantonment, and Prince Edward Road MRT stations. Slated for completion in 2026, the extension will place all developments in the Downtown area within a 10-minute walk of an MRT station.
Want to live near the upcoming Circle Line MRT stations? Here are some condos in the area with units for sale on PropertyGuru:
4. New Cycling Paths and Pedestrian Areas
In Nov 2022, 6km of new cycling paths from Clarke Quay to Bayfront and Tanjong Pagar were launched, bringing the total length of cycling paths and park connectors in the area to about 21km.
Moving forward, Robinson Road could potentially be transformed into a transit-priority corridor to allow more space for buses, cycling paths and pedestrian walkways.
Want to live near the future Robinson Road pedestrian area? Here are some condos in the area with units for sale on PropertyGuru:
5. A Mixed-use Precinct With More Amenities and Facilities
In line with plans to turn the CBD into a mixed-use precinct, Marina East and Straits View will be the next targets in the creation of a “live-work-play environment” incorporating surrounding green spaces and water bodies.
Several areas have also been earmarked as potential new Dynamic Urban Neighbourhoods. The Anson and Cecil subzones, which are new residential areas, have been identified for their potential to become livelier neighbourhoods. In the coming years, more shops, eateries and amenities, as well as open spaces for community events and relaxation, will be added to these areas.
Want to live near Anson and Cecil? Here are some condos in the area with units for sale on PropertyGuru:
6. Sea Change At the Greater Southern Waterfront
The Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) area will experience a significant transformation in the coming years, with new residential, commercial, and recreational opportunities in the works, including the development of a mix of BTO flats and private properties to cater to a range of budgets and lifestyles.
Transport connectivity will also be improved in the area, with the Circle Line being extended to connect Harbourfront to Marina Bay, and the TEL being extended to link the GSW to the rest of Singapore.
Want to live near the Greater Southern Waterfront? Here are some condos in the area with units for sale on PropertyGuru:
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