The 120km Transformation of Singapore’s Southern Coast

Hey there, fellow Singaporeans and anyone else who’s curious about the future of our sunny island! Have you heard about the massive transformation planned for Singapore’s southern coast? It’s one of the most exciting developments in recent years, and it’s something we should all be paying attention to. This isn’t just another urban development—this is about reimagining the way we live, work, and play, all along a stunning 120km stretch of waterfront.

Let’s get into what this all means and why you should be as excited about it as I am!

What’s the Greater Southern Waterfront Anyway?

So, you might be wondering, what exactly is this Greater Southern Waterfront (GSW) that everyone’s talking about? In simple terms, it’s a huge area—about 30km of coastline stretching from Pasir Panjang all the way to Marina East. That’s a whopping 2,000 hectares of land, twice the size of Punggol and six times bigger than Marina Bay!

The GSW was first introduced back in 2013, but it really caught everyone’s attention again during the 2019 National Day Rally when more detailed plans were revealed. And let me tell you, the plans are nothing short of ambitious. We’re talking about new homes, parks, offices, recreational spaces, and even a revitalized Pulau Brani. The transformation is going to be so significant that it’s expected to fully take shape only after 2040. But don’t worry, you’ll start seeing changes much sooner, especially within the next five to ten years.

The Big Picture: Why GSW Matters

Now, you might be thinking, “Another urban development, so what?” But the GSW is different. It’s not just about building more high-rises; it’s about creating a new way of living. Imagine having your home, office, and favorite hangout spots all within a short walk or bike ride from each other. Picture living in a community where nature is just as important as concrete, and where you can enjoy waterfront views every single day.

The idea is to create a seamless blend of residential, commercial, and recreational spaces. Think of it as a supercharged version of Marina Bay, but stretching all along the southern coast. And because it’s so big, the GSW will be developed in phases, starting with key areas like the former Pasir Panjang Power District, Keppel Club, and Mount Faber.

A New Playground: Pulau Brani and Sentosa’s Facelift

One of the most exciting parts of the GSW is what’s planned for Pulau Brani. If you’re not familiar with it, Pulau Brani is the little island that sits between Singapore and Sentosa. Currently, it’s home to the Brani Terminal, but once the port operations move to Tuas, this island is getting a major makeover.

Plans for Pulau Brani include turning it into a mini version of Sentosa. It’s going to be a mix of nature and entertainment, with zones dedicated to adventure recreation, eco-resorts, water displays, and even beach parties. There’s also talk of building a resort called “Downtown South,” which will be similar to NTUC’s Downtown East, but with a more futuristic vibe.

And don’t worry, Sentosa isn’t being left behind. The Sentosa-Brani Masterplan includes a $90 million facelift for Sentosa’s attractions, including a new multi-sensory walkway called Sensoryscape, which is set to be completed by 2022. This two-tiered walkway will connect Sentosa’s southern beaches to Resorts World Sentosa, and it’s going to be about the size of 5.5 football fields! Imagine strolling through a walkway filled with lights, sounds, and scents—it’s going to be an experience like no other.

Housing in the GSW: What’s Coming Up?

Okay, let’s talk about something that’s on everyone’s mind—housing. The GSW isn’t just about fun and games; it’s also about creating new homes for Singaporeans. And we’re not talking about just a few buildings here and there. There are plans for 9,000 new homes, including 6,000 BTO flats and 3,000 private units.

The first batch of these BTO flats will be launched in the next three to five years, and they’re going to be built on the site of the current Keppel Club. If you’re already dreaming of owning one of these flats, start saving up! A 3-room flat could cost anywhere from $400,000 to $500,000, while 4-room flats might go for $600,000 to $700,000. Given the prime location, these flats are likely to be in high demand, just like the Telok Blangah Beacon BTO project in 2021, which saw application rates of 5.8 for 3-room flats and a whopping 49.6 for 4-room flats.

But here’s a question that’s still up in the air: Will these new BTO flats fall under the Prime Location Public Housing (PLH) model? If they do, it means future owners will have to stick to a 10-year Minimum Occupancy Period (MOP) and face additional restrictions when reselling. This is all part of the government’s effort to keep these prime location flats affordable for a wider range of Singaporeans.

Our Condo Pick: Skyline Residences

Skyline Residences, located along Telok Blangah Road in District 4, is a freehold condominium, developed by Bukit Sembawang View Pte Ltd and completed in 2015, boasts an impressive range of features that make it an attractive choice for homebuyers and investors alike. But what truly sets Skyline Residences apart is its prime location, right on the doorstep of Singapore’s upcoming Southern Waterfront transformation.

A Prime Location with Strong Connectivity

One of Skyline Residences’ biggest selling points is its strategic location. Just a short 4-minute walk from Telok Blangah MRT station (CC28), residents enjoy excellent connectivity to the rest of Singapore. The condominium is also close to key amenities, including NTUC Fairprice outlets and Alexandra Retail Centre, making daily conveniences just a stone’s throw away.

District 4, where Skyline Residences is situated, is renowned for its proximity to iconic landmarks such as Sentosa Island, Vivocity, and the bustling Harbourfront area. This district is a magnet for both tourists and locals, offering a blend of recreational, shopping, and dining options. The area’s allure is set to grow even more with the Southern Waterfront transformation.

Riding the Wave of the Southern Waterfront Transformation

The Southern Waterfront is set to be Singapore’s next big thing, and Skyline Residences is perfectly positioned to benefit from this. The transformation will extend the city southwards, creating a vibrant mix of commercial, residential, and recreational spaces. As this development takes shape, properties in the vicinity, like Skyline Residences, are expected to see significant appreciation in value.

What does this mean for potential buyers or investors? The current price range for Skyline Residences sits between S$2,044 to S$2,477 per square foot (psf), with an average of S$2,191 psf. This is competitive, especially considering the area’s future potential. The rental yield is also a healthy 3.3%, making it an appealing option for those looking to generate rental income.

A Glimpse into the Future

As the Southern Waterfront transformation progresses, Skyline Residences stands to gain not just in property value but also in lifestyle enhancements. The development of new community facilities, parks, and mixed-use spaces will make the area even more desirable. Plus, the opening of Stage 6 of the Circle Line by 2025 will further boost connectivity, making it easier than ever to get around.

Our Condo Pick: Harbourlights

Harbourlights may not be the newest kid on the block, but this freehold apartment development has certainly stood the test of time. Completed in 1997, Harbourlights offers a unique blend of charm and convenience that continues to attract buyers and tenants alike. Also, situated along Telok Blangah Road in District 4, this development is poised to benefit from the ongoing and future transformations in the Southern Waterfront area.

Strategic Location with Unbeatable Accessibility

One of Harbourlights’ key strengths is its strategic location. Just a 4-minute walk from HarbourFront MRT station, residents enjoy quick access to both the North East Line (NE1) and Circle Line (CC29). This makes commuting a breeze, whether you’re heading to the city or exploring other parts of Singapore. In addition, VivoCity, one of Singapore’s largest shopping mall, is only a 3-minute walk away, providing residents with a wide array of shopping, dining, and entertainment options.

The development is also close to key amenities, including several Cold Storage outlets and shopping malls like VivoCity and HarbourFront Centre, ensuring that daily necessities are always within reach.

A Prime Opportunity in the Southern Waterfront

The upcoming Southern Waterfront transformation is set to inject new life into the surrounding area, and Harbourlights is perfectly positioned to reap the benefits. As the city extends southwards, this district will become a vibrant hub for commercial, residential, and recreational activities. For Harbourlights residents, this means an enhanced lifestyle with more amenities, green spaces, and improved connectivity.

Currently, Harbourlights’ prices range between S$1,732 to S$1,880 per square foot (psf), with an average of S$1,806 psf. Given the ongoing developments, these prices are attractive, especially for those looking to invest in a property with strong future potential. The rental yield stands at a respectable 3.1%, making it an appealing option for investors looking to generate rental income.

A Look at the Numbers

Harbourlights has seen steady price appreciation over the years, as reflected in its historical price trends. The highest recorded price for a unit was S$1,880 psf in August 2023 for a 1,270 sqft unit. On the flip side, the lowest recorded price was S$513 psf back in November 2003 for a 1,249 sqft unit. The development has come a long way since then, with its current average price still sitting 3.9% below its historical high.

Why Choose Harbourlights?

Harbourlights offers a unique opportunity for those who value both convenience and long-term potential. With its freehold status, strategic location, and the upcoming Southern Waterfront transformation, this development is a gem in District 4. Whether you’re looking for a comfortable home or a sound investment, Harbourlights is a name worth considering as the area continues to evolve and grow.

What About Connectivity?

Now, you might be wondering, “This all sounds great, but how am I going to get around?” Well, the GSW will be extremely well-connected. For starters, it will be served by multiple MRT stations, including those on the Circle Line and the upcoming Thomson-East Coast Line.

The new stations—like Marina South, Gardens by the Bay, and Tanjong Rhu—are expected to make commuting a breeze. And if you’re someone who prefers cycling or walking, you’ll love the continuous waterfront promenade that’s being planned. This promenade will link up various parks and nature reserves, making it easier than ever to explore Singapore’s green spaces.

There’s also a plan to create a funicular system at Mount Faber, which will carry visitors from the foothills to the hilltop cable car station. This will not only make Mount Faber more accessible but also provide a seamless connection to other parts of the southern coast.

Office Spaces: Is GSW the Next CBD?

Let’s shift gears for a moment and talk about work. The GSW isn’t just about residential areas—it’s also going to be a major hub for offices. In fact, there are already some big names like Google, Cisco, and Unilever with offices in the area, specifically in Mapletree Business City.

With more office spaces planned for the GSW, we could see even more big companies setting up shop here. This could potentially turn the GSW into a new Central Business District (CBD). Imagine living and working in the same area, with just a short commute between your home and office. It’s not just convenient; it’s a lifestyle change that gives you more time to do the things you love.

And who knows? The CBD might eventually extend all the way to Pasir Panjang, making the GSW a bustling hub of economic activity. It’s exciting to think about all the possibilities!