Works for Long Island to Begin Off East Coast Park in End-2026

The preparatory works will take place in two phases around Bedok Jetty, according to the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) and Housing and Development Board (HDB). Further details about the project were revealed on June 30, when a report detailing the environmental impact of the works was released.

The first phase, covering the sea space to the west of the jetty, will begin from end-2026 with an approximate area of 570 hectares spanning some 7 km in length. The second phase, covering about 155 hectares to the east of the jetty, will start after the completion of major international sporting events hosted by Singapore, including the SEA Games in 2029, to allow for water sports off East Coast Park.

The preparatory works include clearing seabed obstructions, constructing temporary sand bunds, and transporting sand for infilling at the site. An HDB spokesperson said these works had to be undertaken progressively near the reclamation site to ensure the timely completion of Long Island, which is expected to take decades to plan, design and implement.

Sport Singapore (SportSG) confirmed that the waters to the east of Bedok Jetty will remain available for sea sports activities until at least 2029. Some sea sports users will be displaced due to the reduction in sea space along the East Coast, with kiteboarding being the most affected, according to URA and HDB.

SportSG said the agencies will work with affected groups to continue their activities at alternative sites, including the sea space to the east of Bedok Jetty, as well as other locations like Changi, Pasir Ris, Sembawang and Sentosa. Harin Tallboy, president of the Kitesurfing Association of Singapore, said the space currently allocated for the sport is already a constraint, not a comfort.

Anglers will still be allowed to use nearshore fishing areas and Bedok Jetty, although the works could impact fish and reduce catch rates. Those who swim near the shore of East Coast Park will also be allowed to do so, as the works will take place at least 130 metres away from the shoreline. Land-based park users will experience minimal impact, apart from a potential rise in visible wind-blown dust.

The findings were based on the first stage of an environmental study by consultancy DHI Water and Environment that commenced in February 2025. Nature groups were consulted in March 2025 to refine the scope of the study.

The study anticipated minor impact on some terrestrial and marine biodiversity from the works. Some coral and seagrass beds closer to the site at locations like Marina East and eastern East Coast Park could experience short-term and localised impact from suspended sediments. However, most of the coral and seagrass in the vicinity, including Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, the likely source of Singapore’s coral diversity, will be largely unaffected.

Nesting areas to the east of Bedok Jetty will remain accessible to turtles during the first phase. Ongoing egg relocation efforts to Sisters’ Island will also support the survival of hatchlings. The area used for preparatory works will be clearly demarcated with silt screens or floating barriers. The second stage of the environmental study, which assesses the potential impact of the actual reclamation works, is ongoing.

Unveiled as part of the long-term plan for Singapore’s development in 1991, Long Island has evolved into a large-scale coastal defence against rising sea levels. The project will also create an additional reservoir and land for future needs. Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat said on social media that the project is part of Singapore’s efforts to “plan early and act decisively” to mitigate climate change.

Civil and environmental engineering assistant professor Chew Soon Hoe said the first phase of preparatory works will likely take at least three to four years, while the second phase could last for up to three years. Actual reclamation works involve much more than the placement of sand, noting that sand infilling alone does not produce land that is structurally ready for development.

URA and HDB said the next phase of public engagement for Long Island will begin from end-2026, building on ideas gathered from more than 14,000 people in the first phase. Topics to be discussed include potential recreational activities along the new coastline and the future reservoir. Government agencies have also been offering shorter tenancy extensions to businesses at East Coast Park to provide greater flexibility during the works.