The Land Transport Authority (LTA) recently announced the appointment of Henning Larsen and partners as the Master Plan Consultant for the surface streets along the North-South Corridor (NSC). Henning Larsen’s proposal, themed Singapore’s Life Reserve – a Place for All, outlines the vision and design strategies to integrate active mobility, placemaking and greenery through people-centric spaces and experiences along the 21.5km Corridor.
After issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), LTA invited consultancy firms to develop a Master Plan for the surface streets along the NSC, focusing on landscape architecture, urban design, public space design, placemaking, and active mobility. Approximately 30 football fields’ worth of road space will be repurposed for active mobility, public spaces, and greenery. Three design teams were shortlisted to develop a preliminary Concept Master Plan, incorporating community and stakeholder input. Their proposals were evaluated by a 10-member Design Advisory Panel based on the quality, creativity, and effectiveness of their designs in integrating the Corridor with its surroundings to benefit the communities.
North-South Corridor – Creating a Distinctive Identity and Streets for People
Henning Larsen’s proposal adopted a people-centred approach that is inclusive and prioritises walking, cycling and public transport users. It involves integrating active mobility modes with how new public spaces throughout the entire Corridor are designed and experienced, complemented by lush greenery. Their proposal focused on reimagining the way people commute by:
- Fostering deeper connections among communities through shared spaces and activities;
- Enhancing connectivity to places with greener travel options to improve the overall commute experience, and
- Developing a unique travel experience along the NSC for diverse user groups.
Connecting Communities
Henning Larsen had envisioned the NSC as a linear corridor featuring four distinct character segments – from the North to the South – a 6km Community-Industrial segment, a 7km Ecological Loop, a 5km People’s Wellness Corridor, and a 3.5km Cultural-Heritage Segment. These four segments will collectively be lined with more than 20 public space nodes that reflect the unique characteristics of the adjacent neighbourhoods and destinations.
One preliminary idea was to create an iconic public space at the intersection between Rochor Canal Road, Sungei Road and Jalan Besar that would serve as a focal point connecting the three cultural districts in the area – Little India, Kampong Gelam and Waterloo Street, and education institutions such as LASALLE College of the Arts, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Singapore Management University in the vicinity (Annex B1). Part of Ophir Road next to Kampong Gelam could also be pedestrianised to create public space for landscaping and events, providing opportunities for celebration of heritage and culture. At the same time, this would improve walkability, enhance cycling experience, and strengthen connections to surrounding districts and streets.
Another preliminary idea would be the creation of a “Life Reserve” in Ang Mo Kio along the proposed Ecological Loop, featuring nature-based public spaces, cycling paths, footpaths and play areas lined with lush greenery. They connect the Corridor to neighbourhoods and destinations such as Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park. For the northern stretch of the NSC, Henning Larsen proposed to create public spaces beneath the viaduct at Gambas Avenue for recreation, including playground and art installations.
Henning Larsen’s proposal is a preliminary concept for the Master Plan. As they develop these concepts further in the upcoming months, they will continue to work with LTA and the relevant agencies to seek further feedback from the community, stakeholders, and members of the public through a series of public engagement sessions. Beyond the community’s needs and aspirations, the Master Plan will also consider other considerations, including the broader development plans, transport connectivity for the surrounding areas, and site layout and provisions.
The Master Plan is expected to be completed in 2026, and the repurposing of NSC’s surface streets will be implemented in stages from 2027 onwards.