Projected Population Density Targets Incorporating Spatial Comfort Factors

1 Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance (a) whether the Government has a projected optimum population density for Singapore that takes into consideration spatial comfort and feelings of crowdedness; and (b) if not, why not.

Ms Indranee Rajah (for the Prime Minister): The Government takes a long-term approach towards land use and infrastructure planning, to ensure that we have sufficient land to meet our current and future needs and to provide a high-quality living environment for all Singaporeans. When developing our plans, we consider our changing demographic and socioeconomic trends, as well as the evolving needs and aspirations of Singaporeans, and how we can optimally respond to these with the physical space that we have. We do not plan around a single or optimum population density.

To ensure that our city remains liveable for all, we also incorporate urban design strategies islandwide, such as varying building heights and creating well-connected and pedestrian-friendly public spaces.