In 1977, the government – spearheaded by the Ministry of Environment – began the mammoth task of cleaning up Singapore River. By the end of 1983, the river’s environment had improved dramatically, and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) would undertake the responsibility of formulating comprehensive redevelopment strategies for derelict areas around the river. Works undertaken to redevelop Singapore River included dredging the river, rebuilding the river walls along the entire stretch of Singapore River and the construction of a 6km long promenade along both banks of the waterfront.
Today, Singapore River has been reborn. Transformed from a working waterway to an attractive waterfront environment for housing, recreation, entertainment and commercial new developments have generated renewed activity, while conserved buildings lend charm and preserve the memory of the river’s past. Under URA’s supervision, the river continues to be developed with a mix of residential and commercial uses, while standing poised for another chapter in its long and colourful history.