The reclamation will involve three new land tracts elevated above the current coastline, stretching from Marina East to Tanah Merah. The enclosed waterbody created in the process will eventually serve as a freshwater reservoir, further bolstering Singapore’s water supply.

As part of this project, Minister Lee emphasized that Long Island would provide opportunities for housing development, job creation, and the establishment of necessary amenities. Additionally, the elevated land will be equipped with two large tidal gates and pumping stations to mitigate flooding risks along the eastern coast.

This land reclamation strategy is consistent with Singapore’s historical approach to increasing usable land, which has seen the country expand its land area by nearly 25% over the last 60 years. Minister Lee noted that since 1960, Singapore has grown from 581.5 square kilometers to 725.7 square kilometers by reclaiming land.

The Marine Parade estate, one of the first fully reclaimed areas, serves as a testament to the success of this approach, currently accommodating around 46,220 residents. Long Island’s design will also prioritize flood protection by positioning infrastructure further away from existing residential areas.

In addition to the reservoir—Singapore’s 18th—the project will enhance recreational opportunities, allowing the public to engage in water activities such as canoeing and dragon boating. Furthermore, approximately 20 kilometers of new coastal and reservoir parks will be developed, tripling the existing waterfront area along East Coast Park.

The project is anticipated to take several decades to plan and implement, beginning with detailed technical studies that will last about five years. These studies will encompass extensive engineering and environmental assessments, as well as soil investigations to ensure the feasibility of the reclamation profile.

Public consultations will be held to gather feedback and suggestions from residents and stakeholders regarding the project.

Originally conceived in the 1991 Concept Plan, the idea for Long Island was revived during the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s long-term plan review exhibition in June 2022. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong highlighted the need for significant investment to protect Singapore from rising sea levels, with land reclamation being a crucial strategy.

The Population White Paper of 2013 projected an increase in land mass to 766 square kilometers by 2030 to accommodate a growing population, with further reclamation efforts planned for various areas, including Marina East and Changi East.

Historically, land reclamation efforts in Singapore have included significant projects, such as the Marine Parade housing estate, which began in 1966 and utilized both local and imported materials. The financial costs for recent reclamation projects range from S$270 to S$850 per square meter, depending on various factors, including the nature of the project and material costs.