The URA Draft Master Plan 2025 (DMP2025) outlines a bold new era for urban transformation across Singapore. With its focus on decentralised hubs, housing close to jobs, and sustainable growth, it is poised to reshape how people live, work, and do business.

But beyond beautiful maps and architecture jargon, what does this mean for companies and workers in Singapore? From hiring strategies to career choices and industry opportunities, here’s how to make sense of the URA Master Plan through a workforce lens.

What Is the URA Master Plan 2025?

The URA Master Plan is a statutory land-use plan that guides Singapore’s physical development over the next 10 to 15 years. Updated every five years, the latest 2025 version includes:

• More than 80,000 new homes in areas such as Dover, Defu, Sembawang, and Newton
• Expansion of regional business hubs such as Punggol Digital District and Jurong Lake District
• Revitalisation of brownfield sites like the former Sembawang Shipyard and Tanjong Pagar Railway Station
• Emphasis on live-work-play neighbourhoods and green, sustainable urban design

What This Means for Companies

1. Growth Opportunities Beyond the CBD

Businesses can expect increased footfall and rental value appreciation in emerging hubs like Jurong, Tampines, and Punggol. These districts will see a mix of residential and commercial spaces that bring jobs closer to homes — enabling businesses to decentralise and tap into neighbourhood talent pools.

2. Talent Strategy Will Need to Evolve

As more workers settle in decentralised areas, hybrid and flexible work arrangements may become more common and expected. Companies that adapt by offering satellite workspaces or flexible scheduling will be better positioned to attract and retain talent.

3. Green and Sustainable Roles Will Rise

The push for green corridors, energy-efficient infrastructure, and heritage preservation will spur demand for sustainability consultants, urban planners, energy engineers, and community engagement professionals.

4. Infrastructure, Retail & Logistics Set to Boom

The influx of 80,000 new homes and accompanying amenities will fuel demand for construction, logistics, retail, and F&B staff — especially in newly developed or repurposed areas like Defu, Bayshore, and the Greater Southern Waterfront.

What This Means for Singapore Workers

1. Jobs Closer to Home = Better Work-Life Balance

With more mixed-use developments near homes, workers can expect reduced commute times, better lifestyle options, and more access to neighbourhood employment — especially in retail, healthcare, education, and public services.

2. More Career Opportunities in Development and Planning

This nationwide transformation brings increased demand for surveyors, engineers, facilities managers, and project coordinators across both public and private sectors.

3. Upskilling in Sustainability and Digital Infrastructure Is Key

Workers with skills in green building, digital planning tools, and circular economy principles will be in greater demand. Now is the time to upskill in data analytics, ESG compliance, and climate-resilient design.

By the Numbers

• 80,000 new homes planned across 10+ key estates
• 35,000 uncompleted private homes and 5,000 ECs projected to be completed from H1 2025
• Jurong Lake District expected to contribute over 100,000 new jobs as Singapore’s second CBD
• Vacancy rate of private homes holding at 6.5%, signalling healthy long-term demand
• High potential for commercial developments around Paya Lebar Airbase, Bayshore, and Kallang

 

❓ FAQs – URA Master Plan 2025

Q1: What is the URA Master Plan?

It’s a long-term planning document by the Urban Redevelopment Authority to guide Singapore’s land use and urban development.

Q2: How does this affect my business?

You may see new opportunities in emerging regional hubs, potential for rental cost savings outside the CBD, and access to talent in growing residential districts.

Q3: How does it impact job seekers?

More employment hubs mean jobs will be closer to home, especially in logistics, retail, real estate, and urban services.

Q4: Which sectors are most impacted?

Construction, engineering, real estate, urban planning, logistics, and sustainability sectors will see higher demand.

Q5: Should I upskill? If so, in what areas?

Yes — focus on sustainability, digital infrastructure, green architecture, and community development to remain competitive.

 

Reeracoen: Your Partner in Future-Focused Hiring

At Reeracoen, we help companies and professionals adapt to the fast-evolving needs of Singapore’s workforce and business landscape. Whether you’re hiring for expansion into a new regional hub or seeking career moves in urban development, we can help.

👉 For Employers: Find skilled talent across urban planning, logistics, green jobs and more
👉 For Candidates: Explore exciting job roles shaping Singapore’s future neighbourhoods

 

 

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References

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) – Draft Master Plan 2025 Overview

URA Media Room – Draft Master Plan 2025 Public Engagement and Highlights

Business Times – “Singapore’s Next Chapter: New Models for Regional Hubs and Industrial Estates”

Stacked Homes – “URA Master Plan 2025: 80,000 New Homes and New Precincts”

Economic Times – “New Housing in Dover, Defu, Newton and Paterson”

99.co – “URA Master Plan 2025 Explained”

LinkedIn – URA Singapore: Economic Gateways Post

Wikipedia – Jurong Lake District

Wikipedia – Tampines Urban Development