Greater Sentosa Master Plan: Phase One Underway with Infrastructure Upgrades

Singapore is embarking on the first phase of its ambitious Greater Sentosa Master Plan, a decades-long project to rejuvenate Sentosa and Pulau Brani into a leading leisure and tourism destination. Announced by Minister of State for Trade and Industry Alvin Tan on March 2, 2026, the initial phase focuses on significant infrastructure upgrades, including a new transport hub and the replacement of the Sentosa Express monorail.

Enhanced Connectivity and Infrastructure

A key component of the plan is the construction of a new transport hub designed to seamlessly link Sentosa and Pulau Brani, collectively known as Greater Sentosa. This hub will improve accessibility and pave the way for future lifestyle and hospitality developments. The existing Sentosa Express, a 2.1km monorail connecting VivoCity at HarbourFront to Sentosa, will be replaced to further enhance connectivity .

Coastal Resilience and New Landmarks

Beyond transportation, the rejuvenation efforts include strengthening coastal protection measures along Sentosa’s beaches. These measures aim to enhance the visitor experience while safeguarding the island against rising sea levels . New iconic landmarks are also planned, with the Imbiah Canopy set to grow a prominent feature atop Mount Imbiah, guiding visitors to heritage buildings and nature trails .

Orchard Road Refresh and Heartland Support

Alongside the Sentosa developments, efforts are underway to revitalize Orchard Road. The government will soon launch a tender to transform 37 Emerald Hill, the former site of the Singapore Chinese Girls’ School, into a mixed-utilize development with hotel concepts, lifestyle offerings and community spaces . A 3,000-capacity event space on Grange Road is also slated for completion in the fourth quarter of 2026, aiming to host international and local performances .

support for heartland enterprises will be increased, with enhancements to the Enhanced Visual Merchandising Programme and the Heartland Enterprise Placemaking Grant, raising support levels from 50% to 70% .

Visitor Numbers and Future Plans

Singapore welcomed 16.9 million international visitors in 2025, and anticipates between 17 and 18 million in the coming year . More detailed information regarding the Greater Sentosa Master Plan is expected to be released later in 2026.