Govt reviewing GFA guidelines, looking to speed up clearances for start of works; eyes night-time economy

The Singapore government is reviewing a range of rules and regulatory processes as part of efforts to reduce friction for businesses and create a more pro-enterprise environment.

For the property sector, these include a review of gross floor area (GFA) guidelines, as well as streamlining requirements that could allow property developers to start works sooner.

The government is also looking to further develop the night-time economy in parts of Singapore, including the downtown area.

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Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat gave the updates at the Singapore Corporate Awards on Sept 21, as he outlined ongoing efforts to give businesses greater flexibility, save time and costs, and respond more quickly to market opportunities.

Chee is also deputy chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on Pro-Enterprise Rules Review.

More design flexibility, heat resilience features

In response to industry feedback, Chee has asked URA to relook its GFA guidelines to give property developers more design flexibility for buildings, as well as to encourage building features that support heat resilience and thermal comfort.

The review is ongoing, and more details will be provided at a later date.

Marcus Chu, CEO of real estate agency ERA Singapore, said this is timely as “Singapore is entering a phase where we need to think not just about how much we build, but how effectively we use every parcel of land”.

Greater flexibility in how floor space is treated can allow developers to be more creative in how they design and use spaces — be it through better communal areas, greenery, shade, ventilation, connectivity or a more thoughtful mix of uses, Chu added.

This principle is already being reflected in Singapore’s urban development, such as with the rejuvenation of Marina Square. The 9.2ha complex’s partial redevelopment shows how greater development intensity can be accompanied by a broader mix of uses and public-facing spaces, rather than simply more floor area, Chu said.

“Similarly, the CBD Incentive Scheme has encouraged the transformation of older office developments into more diverse, mixed-use neighbourhoods with residential, hospitality, community and lifestyle uses,” he continued.

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Streamlining requirements on CoreNet X

At the same time, the government is continuing to take in industry feedback to further improve the CoreNet X platform, which digitalises building regulatory processes and consolidates over 20 regulatory touchpoints across multiple agencies.

CoreNet X became mandatory in October last year for projects with GFAs above 30,000 sq m (322,917 sq ft).

One area being reviewed is how to streamline upfront requirements at the Design Gateway stage, to speed up key clearances for activities such as the commencement of works.

“I know this is important for our developers, because you want to start selling your units as soon as possible,” Chee said.

“We want to help you achieve this goal, while ensuring that the subsequent steps of the entire construction process can also proceed smoothly down the line.”

The Building and Construction Authority will share more details with the industry when ready.

Plans to grow night-time economy

On the rejuvenation of Boat Quay, Upper Circular Road and Clarke Quay, the minister noted that following the one-year pilot, the authorities have formalised the measures.

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These include the lifting of pub, bar and nightclub use restrictions, and extending liquor licensing hours to provide room for new concepts and strengthen night-time vibrancy in those precincts.

“We intend to go further in developing the night-time economy in certain parts of Singapore, including the downtown area,” Chee added.

These plans would cover a wider range of night-time activities, including sports, music, arts and cultural performances, beyond the sale of alcohol.

“Sale of alcohol will still be part of our night-time economy, but I think it can be more diversified than just alcohol,” Chee said.

“We can have a range of different activities, cater to different groups of people, to enjoy the downtown area with their friends and families.”