What is the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)?
The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is Singapore’s primary land-use planning and conservation authority. Established in 1974, its origins can be traced back to the Urban Renewal Department, created by the Housing and Development Board (HDB) in the 1960s.
Guided by its mission to create an appealing city for residents, workers, and leisure seekers alike, the URA plays a vital role in meticulously planning and facilitating the physical development of Singapore.
What does the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) do?
Initially focused on land sales and urban renewal in the Central Area, the URA now has a wide range of responsibilities, including the following:
- One of the URA’s critical roles is land use planning. They develop a comprehensive framework integrating economic, social, and environmental considerations for sustainable development. This process begins with a Concept Plan to guide Singapore’s development over the next few decades.
The Concept Plan is reviewed every 10 years and translated into a Master Plan, a statutory guide for development over 10-15 years. The Master Plan provides specific land use and density details and is reviewed every five years.
Based on the plans outlined in the Concept Plan and Master Plan, land is allocated for development.
- Development Control (DC) is another significant function of the URA. It ensures that properties comply with the land use zoning, plot ratio, building height controls, and other guidelines specified in the Master Plan.
These controls safeguard the broader community’s interests while allowing property owners and businesses to develop their holdings.
- As the primary land sales agent for the government, the URA is responsible for making land available for various developments through the Government Land Sale (GLS) programme, which announces land sales for commercial, hotel, private residential, and industrial purposes every six months.
This programme offers opportunities for development and investment.
- Conservation is also a significant focus for the URA. They identify buildings and areas with historical, architectural, and cultural value that deserve conservation efforts.
Guidelines and principles are established to ensure the high-quality restoration of these structures, involving collaboration with owners, architects, engineers, and contractors.
- In urban planning and design, the URA formulates plans and policies to shape Singapore’s city centre into a distinctive, dynamic, and enjoyable place for everyone.
When envisioning the city centre, they carefully consider the relationship between buildings and streets, how people interact with them, and the overall urban experience.
- The URA promotes professional development in architecture, urban design, and planning excellence. They provide comprehensive real estate information to assist home buyers, developers, and investors make well-informed decisions.
Managing public parking lots in the Central Area, commercial and industrial areas outside HDB estates, and certain private residential estates are also part of their responsibilities.
