Singapore begins preparatory works for Long Island coastal protection project

Singapore is set to begin preparatory works for the long-planned Long Island project, a major coastal protection and land reclamation initiative aimed at safeguarding vulnerable shoreline areas while creating new space for housing, recreation and water infrastructure.

In a statement issued on 30 March 2026, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) said the Government will progressively undertake early-stage works off East Coast Park, with efforts made to minimise disruption to visitors and nearby users.

Early works to support future reclamation

The preparatory phase will include the removal of seabed obstructions and the relocation of materials within the surrounding waters.

According to URA, these steps are necessary to support the eventual reclamation works and ensure the project remains on track.

While no specific start date has been announced, site investigation works in the waters off East Coast Park are expected to conclude by April.

Authorities emphasised that these preparatory efforts do not constitute land reclamation and will not lock in the final plans for Long Island.

“Agencies are working out the specific timeline and scope of preparatory works, which will be undertaken progressively to minimise the impact on users at the East Coast as far as possible,” URA said.

It added that further details will be released in the coming months, as engagement with stakeholders continues.

A project shaped by climate risks

The Long Island project is positioned as a long-term response to rising sea levels and increased coastal flooding risks.

Much of East Coast Park lies less than 5 metres above mean sea level, placing it within the projected range of sea-level rise by the end of the century under high-emission scenarios.

Recent flooding incidents have underscored these vulnerabilities.

URA cited episodes in January 2024 and January 2026, when seasonal high tides, combined with heavier rainfall and rising seas, led to coastal flooding in seafront areas.

These events have reinforced the urgency of implementing coastal protection measures in phases, even as detailed planning for the broader project continues.

Scale and vision of Long Island

The proposed Long Island will stretch from Tanah Merah to Marina East, comprising three reclaimed land parcels with a combined size roughly twice that of Marina Bay.

Once completed, the project is expected to create about 800 hectares of new land. Plans include residential developments, industrial facilities and a new freshwater reservoir, alongside approximately 20 kilometres of waterfront parks.

The reservoir will be formed between East Coast Park and the reclaimed land, with tidal gates and pumping stations regulating water levels to mitigate flood risks. These features will also support recreational uses such as canoeing and dragon boating, similar to the nearby Marina Reservoir.

The development could ultimately contribute to a continuous 120-kilometre stretch of accessible waterfront along Singapore’s southern coast.

Public engagement and evolving plans

Authorities stressed that the design of Long Island remains open-ended and will only be finalised after comprehensive technical studies and further public consultation.

Since November 2023, URA and partner agencies have engaged more than 14,000 participants to gather feedback and ideas.

According to the authority, there is broad agreement on the need for coastal protection and recognition of reclamation as a viable long-term solution.

Participants have also proposed integrating nature-based features, such as habitats for marine life and intertidal ecosystems, as well as implementing the project in phases to reduce disruption.

Many highlighted the importance of preserving East Coast Park’s recreational character, suggesting enhancements such as beaches, nature-friendly revetments and expanded leisure opportunities along the future coastline.

URA acknowledged the park’s significance as a shared social space and said planning efforts will aim to retain and enhance its recreational appeal.

Long history of planning

The Long Island concept dates back to Singapore’s 1991 Concept Plan, which outlined long-term land use strategies for the country’s development over several decades.

The idea gained renewed attention during the 2019 National Rally, when then Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted reclamation as a potential solution to protect the East Coast while creating space for a freshwater reservoir.

In November 2023, then National Development Minister Desmond Lee announced that technical studies for the project would span five years from early 2024.

Alternative coastal protection options, including a seawall up to 3 metres high, were considered but ultimately deemed less suitable due to their impact on waterfront accessibility and recreational use.

Concerns over environmental impact

Despite broad support for coastal protection, environmental groups have raised concerns about the potential ecological impact of the project.

The proposed site lies near sensitive marine habitats, including turtle nesting beaches, coral reefs and seagrass beds.

Conservationists have called for early and robust measures to safeguard these ecosystems throughout all phases of development.

They also warned that biodiversity hotspots in Singapore’s Southern Islands, located less than 10 kilometres offshore, could be affected if sedimentation and water quality are not carefully managed.

URA said it will continue to evaluate the feasibility of incorporating environmental considerations into the project, with findings from ongoing technical studies informing future decisions.