Underground Space Utilization in Singapore - Part 1

Most of the cities exploit the underground space for dirty and noisy uses like sewer system, transport systems etc. But a few cities have gone a step further and started extensive use of underground space for pedestrian passages, underground storage facilities, shopping mall, office spaces etc. Singapore is one of such cities which is constantly pushing for new innovative use of underground space and already boasts an extensive of use of underground space (see picture below).

Underground space utilization in Singapore

And is further looking for possibilities of creating underground transport hubs, pedestrian links, cycling lanes, utility plants, storage and research facilities, industrial uses, shopping areas and other public spaces. In order to facilitate such projects, Singapore parliament recently amended laws to say that by definition, the state owns underground space more than 30 meters below the surface and the law enabled the state to buy out plots of surface land  so that the ground underneath it can be accessed. These law changes indicate Singapore government's serious foresight about future underground usage plan.

Another school of thought is that it is not just because they need space for people, but it is also because it generates revenue for the economy. Income from land sales alone account to more than US$10 billion for the past few years.

Either way, Singapore is geared to make maximum utilization of its underground space. Now the question is how are the policies developed for such growth? What are the cities that we could look upon for "template"? How Singapore's needs differ from them? I will cover in the next post.