Understanding Long Island

Long Island refers to a series of reclaimed lands off Singapore’s East Coast, designed to potentially function as separate “islands” positioned away from the current shoreline. This innovative approach aims to address various national priorities, including coastal protection, flood resilience, water management, the creation of additional land for future development, and the introduction of new recreational spaces along the East Coast.

The idea of Long Island was initially proposed in the Concept Plan of 1991. Given the challenges posed by climate change, it emerged as a viable solution to safeguard the East Coast from rising sea levels, a concept highlighted by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the 2019 National Day Rally.

Since its inception, the plans for Long Island have evolved, incorporating public input to align with community aspirations. Residents have expressed the desire to maintain easy access to the coast and preserve waterfront views, which was emphasized during the community dialogue sessions organized by PUB’s Our Coastal Conversation in 2022.

What Opportunities Does Long Island Bring?

In addition to safeguarding the East Coast against rising sea levels, Long Island presents a wealth of exciting opportunities that will meet the needs and aspirations of future generations of Singaporeans. The plan includes the potential addition of approximately 20 kilometers of new coastal and waterfront parks, which would triple the existing length of waterfront parks in the region.

These new green and blue spaces will be designed to integrate recreational areas, waterfront living concepts, and nature-based solutions. This approach aims to create versatile, climate-resilient environments that cater to housing, leisure activities, and natural ecosystems, enhancing the overall quality of life in the area.

Emerald of Katong