The Singapore Makers Land (SML) Masterplan reimagines one of the city’s most prominent industrial districts into a new mixed-use waterside community grounded in sustainability, inclusivity, innovation, and wellbeing. Straddling both banks of the Kallang River—between the historic areas of Kallang and Kolam Ayer—this transformative vision positions SML as a future-ready neighbourhood that bridges industry and community, past and future, productivity and placemaking.
Driven by a dynamic open space and public realm strategy, the masterplan proposes an interconnected urban ecosystem where nature, people, and production coexist in a shared environment. Through a network of distinctive green and public spaces, SML delivers a people-centric and resilient model of regeneration—one that integrates ecological responsibility, industrial adaptability, and human experiences.
A New Urban Typology for Singapore
SML introduces a new kind of urban experience by dissolving traditional boundaries between resident and visitor, industry and consumer, work and play. The spatial strategy creates an experiential environment that blurs use zones through hybrid programming, layered connectivity, and a narrative-driven landscape that tells the story of Singapore’s industrial and cultural legacy.
Open space is not an afterthought but a structuring armature for the masterplan—designed to connect, activate, and celebrate community life. Nature-led solutions shape the identity of the district, while digital tools, art, and community programming ensure that every space remains adaptable, inclusive, and future-proof.
Urban Design & Open Space Objectives
1. Connectivity
The masterplan promotes seamless and multimodal mobility—encouraging cycling, walking, and informal transport through a highly legible public realm. It connects four MRT stations through an extensive 360km regional recreational network, making mobility accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable.
2. Identity
Every open space draws from the unique heritage, materiality, and urban culture of Kallang and Kolam Ayer. Design elements—from planting palettes to paving patterns—express the area’s industrial roots and social memory, offering a rich place-based experience.
3. Inclusivity
SML is envisioned as an inclusive public realm designed for everyone. Comfortable, safe, and culturally relevant spaces support multigenerational use and foster community cohesion, reflecting Singapore’s broader aspirations for social harmony.
4. Health & Wellness
Each open space offers diverse opportunities for physical activity and mental wellbeing. Whether through active play, riverside strolls, or immersive natural experiences, the design promotes healthier lifestyles in an urban setting.
5. Climate Responsiveness
The strategy embeds blue-green infrastructure across the landscape. Nature-based solutions—such as rain gardens, bioswales, SUDS, and canal greening—help mitigate climate risks, enhance biodiversity, and build community resilience.
6. Sustainability
SML is built on principles of circular design and ecological stewardship. By adapting and reusing existing structures, integrating local ecologies, and reducing energy and water footprints, the masterplan exemplifies regenerative urbanism.
7. Innovation
Technological integration shapes both the public realm and community engagement. Smart street furniture, interactive landscapes, and digital storytelling foster a sense of discovery while reinforcing SML’s identity as a future-oriented district.
8. Biodiversity
Aligned with Singapore’s vision of becoming a ‘City in Nature,’ the plan regenerates lost habitats and celebrates native flora and fauna. Naturalised riverbanks and restored ecological corridors create a green spine that breathes life into the urban fabric.
9. Activation
Spaces are designed to be alive—day and night, weekday or weekend. From riverfront markets to pop-up events, community gardens to outdoor galleries, SML fosters an active and adaptable lifestyle, accessible to all.
Singapore Makers Land: Kallang- Kolam Ayer Masterplan
Design Firm: Broadway Malyan Asia Pte Ltd
Client: JTC Corporation (Singapore)
Collaborators:
Planner: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) of Singapore & Housing and Development Board (HDB) of Singapore
Transport, Infrastructure & Sustainability Consultant: Arup Singapore Pte Ltd
Real Estate Advisory Consultant: Savills Singapore Pte Ltd
Photography / Image Credits:
All images courtesy of JTC Corporation (Singapore), and Broadway Malyan Asia Pte Ltd
Shortlisted in the 2025 WLA Awards – Concept Analysis & Planning