Prime Minister Lawrence Wong has unveiled ambitious plans to reshape northern Singapore into a dynamic hub for living, industry, and leisure, as part of his National Day Rally 2025 address. The redevelopment will focus on Woodlands, Kranji, and Sembawang, aiming to combine modern infrastructure with heritage preservation and green spaces.
Woodlands: Gateway to Johor and enhanced connectivity
Woodlands, described by PM Wong as Singapore’s northern gateway, will see the expansion of the Woodlands Checkpoint to five times its current size. The upgrade is designed to ease congestion at the Causeway and shorten waiting times. The new Johor Bahru–Singapore RTS Link, opening late next year, will allow seamless transfers and joint immigration clearance, with the Singapore terminal connected directly to Woodlands North MRT station.
Around the RTS station, flexible industrial spaces will be built to support businesses linked to the recently signed Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Residential development will include the launch of 4,000 HDB flats in the new “Housing by the Woods” precinct near Admiralty Park, with further housing planned along the Woodlands waterfront.
Kranji: From Turf Club to green living estate
The 130-hectare former Turf Club site in Kranji is set to become a new residential hub with around 14,000 homes. Enhanced by the upcoming Sungei Kadut MRT interchange and surrounded by nature spots like Mandai Wildlife Reserve and the Rail Corridor, the area will feature a neighbourhood centre and community amenities. PM Wong described it as “a new housing development combining urban living with our rich natural heritage,” expected to take shape over the next decade.
Sembawang: Heritage meets waterfront living
The historic Sembawang Shipyard, dating back to 1938, will be preserved while being transformed into a waterfront lifestyle destination. Plans include homes, dining, shopping, and community spaces along the promenade, with parts of the shipyard potentially repurposed for sports, concerts, and public gatherings. Spanning an area three times the size of Ang Mo Kio Town Centre, the project aims to create a vibrant northern destination that honours the region’s maritime heritage while reimagining it for modern living.
The northern redevelopment represents a long-term vision to integrate residential, industrial, and recreational spaces, strengthening connectivity with Johor and creating a sustainable, vibrant future for Singapore’s northern corridor.