The Kallang Alive Masterplan is set to transform one of Singapore’s most iconic districts into a vibrant hub for sports, recreation, and culture. This ambitious project blends modern design with the area’s rich heritage, sustainability goals, and technological advancements.
Designed by Pomeroy Studio in partnership with Sport Singapore, the masterplan focuses on creating a dynamic and inclusive environment.
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History of the Kallang district
The Kallang district holds a special place in Singapore’s history.
The area’s legacy began with the iconic Kallang Airport, opened in 1937, which stood as Singapore’s first purpose-built civil airport and was celebrated as one of the finest in the British Empire. This pioneering aviation hub laid the foundation for Kallang’s prominence, setting the stage for its subsequent evolution.
The sporting heritage of Kallang is equally significant. The former National Stadium, a landmark venue, hosted countless memorable sporting, cultural, and entertainment events that shaped Singapore’s national identity. Today, the modern Singapore Sports Hub continues this tradition, drawing national and international events to the area.
Beyond sports and aviation, Kallang’s industrial significance played a crucial role in Singapore’s development. The historic Kallang Gasworks, among other industrial sites, were essential in providing vital infrastructure, contributing to the nation’s progress.
Adding to Kallang’s unique character is the Kallang River, which has been a lifeline and a focal point for the area’s development. Historically, the river served as a vital transportation route, facilitating trade and connecting communities. Early industrial activity such as brick making, and timber industries also grew along the river. The historical landmarks scattered throughout Kallang, such as the Merdeka Bridge, further solidify its importance.
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However, as the area continued to develop, much of its historic significance became overshadowed by modern infrastructure. To bring back Kallang’s glory, authorities envisioned an integrated, sustainable, and technologically advanced precinct that enhances quality of life through sports, leisure, and community activities.
The masterplan and its highlights
The Kallang Alive Masterplan was conceptualised in 2019 by Sport Singapore as part of the government’s larger vision to rejuvenate the country’s sporting infrastructure. The plan aimed to address the ageing facilities and transform the district into a vibrant sports and lifestyle hub.
Following a competitive tender process, Pomeroy Studio, renowned for its expertise in sustainable and smart urban design, was awarded the project. The studio is known for its work on notable projects such as Bintan Lagoon Resort, Silk Leaf eco-home in the UK, and Garden City of the Future in Singapore. Their innovative approach to sustainable design further reinforced their suitability for the Kallang Alive Masterplan.
The masterplan is a cohesive, 360-degree vision of a sustainable future. Below are some of its important highlights:
Sports and community facilities
The masterplan envisions a dynamic precinct catering to people of all ages. The Youth Hub will offer cutting-edge facilities to promote youth engagement in sports, including a velodrome, speed climbing walls, and a BMX track. These spaces aim to encourage active lifestyles and foster a vibrant youth community.
The Kallang Football Hub will become the National Training Centre for Football, serving as the home of the ActiveSG Football Academy. This facility will not only cater to professional training but will also be accessible to the public, making football more inclusive for all Singaporeans.
Tennis enthusiasts can look forward to the Kallang Tennis Centre, which will feature sheltered and open courts. The centre will host both recreational games and international tournaments, catering to players of all skill levels. The centre first opened to the public in March 1978, and is all set to become the home of tennis in Singapore.
Celebrating cultural heritage
The Kallang Alive Masterplan pays homage to the district’s rich cultural history. The design incorporates a 400m circular walking and cycling loop, inspired by the original Kallang Airfield’s circular landing zone. This loop will connect major venues across the precinct, serving as a symbolic link between the past and the future.
Interactive light and art installations along the loop will narrate stories of Singapore’s aviation and sporting history, creating an immersive experience.
Green and inclusive spaces
A key feature of the masterplan is Benaan Kapal Green, a sprawling community park along the Geylang River. This green corridor will transform underutilised land into a vibrant public space, featuring walking and running trails, wetlands, lawns for sports activities, and a community centre.
The park will not only provide recreational opportunities but also serve as a seamless connector between different parts of the precinct. Its design will reflect the district’s shipbuilding heritage, blending nature, heritage, and community living.
Economic and commercial opportunities
The redevelopment of Kallang Theatre will transform the iconic structure into a multi-purpose hub for sports, entertainment, and lifestyle activities. Plans include a multi-purpose indoor arena for eSports and sporting tournaments, alongside a themed hotel, sports medical centre, hospitality suites, and office spaces.
This mixed-use development is expected to generate significant economic value, creating jobs and attracting both local and international visitors to the district.
Use of smart technology
Smart technologies will be integrated throughout the precinct to enhance the visitor experience. Climate-controlled walking and cycling loops will regulate temperature and humidity, creating comfortable environments for outdoor activities.
The Kallang Alive Masterplan aspires to be one of the world’s most sustainable sports precincts. The design integrates various green technologies, including solar panels, piezoelectric walkways, and kinetic pressure pads that generate renewable energy from foot traffic.
Interactive light installations and digital art displays will provide immersive experiences that celebrate Singapore’s cultural and sporting heritage. Passive cooling systems will minimise energy consumption, while the precinct’s buildings will follow green building standards. These measures align with Singapore’s broader sustainability goals and contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Kallang Alive: The future is here!
The precinct aims to attract up to 30 million visitors annually, significantly boosting tourism and local engagement.
Upcoming projects include the completion of the Youth Hub, featuring Singapore’s first velodrome. The redevelopment of Kallang Theatre into a mixed-use entertainment and lifestyle complex will offer a venue for e-sports, performances, and community events.
Additionally, the expansion of Alive Gateway and Loop will create a seamless pedestrian and cycling network, linking various precincts and promoting active mobility. Sport Singapore is conducting feasibility studies to optimise the design and functionality of these facilities, ensuring they cater to both high-performance athletes and the wider community.
While some sports like cycling and parkour will benefit from the new facilities, others such as netball and squash will be relocated to Toa Payoh Sports Centre as part of Singapore’s broader sports infrastructure strategy.
The entire Singapore is waiting to see how Kallang changes, and how it will impact our collective lifestyles. What are your thoughts about the redevelopment of Kallang? Ping us on our Facebook page and let us know!
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