Land use: Views from the ground

THE Urban Redevelopment Authority set up two focus groups in August last year to gather feedback on long-term land use in Singapore. One studied land allocation, while the other looked at identity issues against the intensive use of land. The groups, which drew members from all walks of life, submitted their final reports last December.

'The most important thing is that they've decided to have no more new golf courses...The only thing is this part where they say Pulau Ubin and other nature areas will be 'kept for as long as possible'. So it means that in future, these areas may still be used. We'd like to have some form of legal process where people can debate the use of the reserves, rather than start using them if, suddenly, there's a need.'
,b> - Dr Hum Tee Yeow, 36, an engineer in a petrochemical firm,a member of the focus group studying identity-versus-intensive use of land

'A lot of things that we said have been taken up - about two thirds, which is not a bad score.' - Nominated MP Simon Tay, co-chairman of the same focus group 'One thing which really interested me is that they have adopted high-density living, especially the Manhattan-style housing in downtown. It's a new lifestyle, you live in really high-rise buildings, overlooking the ocean, at the same time having the city view.'
- Architect Tham Tuck Cheong, co-chairman of the land-allocation focus group

'The process of public participation is unparalleled...The URA has taken a back seat to let the public discuss. It did not impose (its views) or insist on things, but listened and made all the logistics possible for us to interview and discuss with various authorities, so this Concept Plan comes with a very good cross-section view.'
- Architect and planner Tan Shee Tiong, member of the land-allocation group