Will Long Island be Singapore’s second Sentosa?

An expert expects over 30,000 and 60,000 homes to be built on the 800ha land.

The government has begun technical studies to see if the reclamation of three tracts of land off East Coast Park is feasible. 

According to Minister of State for National Development of Singapore, Desmond Lee, Long Island will be potentially around 800ha, about twice the size of Marina Bay.

“This creates opportunities for future generations of Singaporeans. They could build homes, create jobs, develop services and amenities that they need, and add around 20 km of new coastal and reservoir parks, extending from the current East Coast Park. This would triple the length of the existing waterfront area along East Coast Park today,” Lee said.

Lee Sze Teck, senior director for Data Analytics at Huttons, said Long Island’s size is similar to Kallang/Whampoa, meaning there is potential to build between 30,000 and 60,000 homes with a good mix of commercial, recreational and greenery on the island.

“There will be a mix of low and high-rise developments. Some of the lower-level homes along the East Coast may potentially be blocked by developments on Long Island in the future,” Lee said. Flats in the area are also likely to be under the Prime or Plus model. 

Whilst there are similarities, the chances of Long Island becoming Singapore’s second Sentosa are “low,” said the Huttons expert.

“The Government wants to create an inclusive society allowing everyone access to good homes and not just for the rich,” the Huttons expert said.

Meanwhile, Huttons’ Lee said the density of activities and homes on Long Island will necessitate investment in transport connectivity. 

“There may potentially be a branch off from Thomson–East Coast Line (TEL) to Long Island or an LRT line over to TEL,” he added.

The government expects the study on Long Island’s reclamation to take around five years.

Apart from the study, Minister Lee said the government will also engage residents and stakeholders and collect more feedback and ideas from Singaporeans. 

“‘Long Island’ holds tremendous opportunities and possibilities for Singaporeans to come together and lead the way in showing what can be done and what is possible in dealing with climate change and rising sea levels,” Minister Lee said.