Preparatory works for ‘Long Island’, Singapore’s large-scale critical coastal protection strategy, will commence from end-2026. The Housing & Development Board (HDB), the appointed reclamation agent for ‘Long Island’, will implement measures to mitigate the impact of preparatory works on the environment and community, based on findings from an Environmental Study. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) also reiterated the Government’s commitment to continue engaging stakeholders on the planning and design of ‘Long Island’ before finalising reclamation plans.

Preparatory works to be carried out progressively, with measures to minimise disruption

2 ‘Long Island’ is a critical coastal protection measure to safeguard lives and livelihoods, as rising sea levels increasingly affect low-lying coastal areas, including Singapore’s East Coast. Given the scale of the project, preparatory works are essential to lay the groundwork for the future land reclamation for ‘Long Island’. This is to support the timely implementation of ‘Long Island’ to respond to climate risks and meet our national needs.

3 The preparatory works will take place in the waters off the East Coast, and primarily involve the removal of seabed obstructions, followed by the construction of temporary sand bunds and sand infilling. The works will be at least 130m away from the shoreline and will be clearly demarcated by silt screens and/or floating barriers.

4 The preparatory works will be conducted in phases. The first phase will start in end-2026 and will be carried out in the waters west of Bedok Jetty. The first phase will cover an area of approximately 570 ha, and it will span around 7km in length from east to west, and up to 1km wide from north to south.

5 The second phase of preparatory works will be carried out in the waters to the east of Bedok Jetty, and will cover an area of approximately 155 ha. To facilitate the continued use of part of the sea space fronting East Coast Park for water sports and the hosting of major international sporting events, including the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in 2029, the second phase will only commence after the completion of these events. More details on the commencement date of the second phase will be shared when ready.

6 Members of the public can continue to access the beaches along East Coast Park throughout the preparatory works. Beaches will remain open and accessible for near-shore swimming, while all exercise paths and tracks will remain accessible for jogging and cycling. However, sea users are advised to maintain a safe distance from the marine vessels deployed for the works and the designated work area which will be cordoned off to ensure public safety. Safety advisories will be put up at East Coast Park and on agencies’ websites¹.

East Coast Park map

Mitigation measures to guide sensitive implementation of preparatory works

7 HDB commissioned an Environmental Study for the preparatory works to study the potential impact of works on the environment and the community. The Environmental Study identified mitigation measures that should be adopted to address the potential environmental impact. As part of the Environmental Study process, HDB consulted the nature groups on the scope of study.

8 The Environmental Study identified the following key findings and mitigation measures for the preparatory works:

a) No significant changes to water quality, which will continue to meet the prevailing marine water quality criteria;

b) Slight localised changes to the currents and waves near Bedok Jetty, which are expected to have minimal impact on existing water-based activities. Near-shore activities such as swimming can continue along the entire stretch of the East Coast;

c) Up to minor visual and ambient air quality impact from sand infilling operations are expected, with intermittent sediment plumes and dust. To minimise impact, silt screens will be deployed to contain the sediment plumes and dust levels will be closely monitored;

d) Up to minor impact on some terrestrial and marine biodiversity as there are some coral and seagrass beds found near the site of the preparatory works that may experience short-term and localised impact from the sediment plumes. However, the majority of coral and seagrass in the vicinity, including Sisters’ Island Marine Park, are largely unaffected.

e) Some sea sports users will be displaced, due to reduction in sea space along East Coast. The impact will be mitigated by the phasing of preparatory works, with kiteboarding being the most affected, and minor to moderate impact on other sea sport users. Agencies will continue to work closely with affected sea sport users to explore alternative sites to continue their activities within the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty in the interim, and elsewhere in Singapore.

9 An Environmental Monitoring and Management Plan² (EMMP) will be put in place to closely monitor environmental conditions throughout the preparatory works, including water quality, suspended sediment levels, noise and dust.

10 The Environmental Study report is available for public feedback for four weeks from 30 June 2026. Agencies will thoroughly evaluate the feedback received and incorporate suitable suggestions, before finalising the mitigation measures that will be adopted.

Detailed plans and design for ‘Long Island’ to be further developed through subsequent technical studies and continued public engagement before the start of reclamation works

11 The area that is used for preparatory works is not reflective of the future land profile of ‘Long Island’. Agencies will continue to develop detailed plans for ‘Long Island’, including its final reclamation profile which will continue to be refined through ongoing technical studies and upcoming public engagements.

12 The main reclamation works for ‘Long Island’ will be undertaken later, and will only commence after agencies have completed the relevant technical studies, determined mitigation measures, and reviewed and incorporated feedback from further public engagements. The technical studies will cover further environmental and engineering assessments for the actual reclamation profile and works, and are expected to be completed over the next few years.

13 As this project will span a few decades, agencies will continue to engage Singaporeans and stakeholders to shape the plans and design for ‘Long Island’ at various stages of the planning process in the years ahead. Drawing on ideas gathered from more than 14,000 people to date, agencies will begin the next phase of public engagement from end-2026. This phase will build on collective aspirations for ‘Long Island’ to strengthen Singapore’s flood resilience, support sensitive and sustainable development, and preserve flexibility to meet the evolving needs of current and future generations. To shape a shared vision for ‘Long Island’, agencies will invite Singaporeans and stakeholders to explore key topics, including potential recreational activities along the new coastline and within the future reservoir.

14 More information on ‘Long Island’ and the upcoming preparatory works can be found at go.gov.sg/long-island.

¹ Safety advisories can also be found on go.gov.sg/long-island and www.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/east-coast-park.

² The EMMP outlines the mitigation measures, monitoring requirements, roles, and responsibilities required to manage and mitigate environmental impact, ensuring that the project's environmental impact remains within the levels predicted in the environmental assessment.

Preparatory Works for 'Long Island' Project to Commence From End-2026; Measures to Be Implemented to Mitigate Impact on the Environment and Community