When it comes to reimagining a power station, hotels, theme parks and towers built from old shipping containers are hardly the first ideas that come to mind. However, these were just some of the creative entries proposed to redevelop the Pasir Panjang Power District, as part of the Government's plans to transform the Greater Southern Waterfront.

The “Power-Up Pasir Panjang” exhibition, held at the URA Centre from 13 January to 7 February 2020, showcased the most exciting ideas submitted for a competition organised by the Singapore Land Authority (SLA) and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Held from April to June 2019, the competition called for ideas to reimagine the area in the next 15-20 years, and saw professionals, students and even members of the public come together to submit ideas under two topics: the first, a master plan for the whole Power District; the second, ways to re-purpose Power Station A.

Altogether, 79 submissions were received across the Open, Tertiary and Professional categories, with 10 proposals eventually selected for their originality, creativity, and appreciation for the heritage of the Pasir Panjang area. Some interesting ideas included building two new towers that would pay homage to Power Station A’s two demolished chimneys, as well as an idea to use the existing turbine hall as an exhibition space for creative professionals.

Chief Executive of SLA, Mr Tan Boon Khai said: “We are excited by the creativity and originality in the entries submitted. They gave us a glimpse into the potential as to how we can make this iconic building even better. We look forward to realising this potential through the transformation of the iconic property into an exciting and attractive destination for all.”

Following the ideas competition, SLA and URA will now seek professional opinions on the feasibility of the winning ideas through a “Request for Information” exercise that will facilitate detailed discussion with developers and possible future users of the location.

The Pasir Panjang Power District, which was the size of 21 football fields, was built around the two original buildings of the first power station, oil tanks, and several outlying buildings. However, Power Station A ceased operations in the mid-1980s and Power Station B in the late 1990s, as more modern power stations at Senoko and Pulau Seraya were built. Some of the features of the modern-day Pasir Panjang district included Masjid Ahmad, a mosque originally built in 1934; the Pasir Panjang Wholesale Centre, which was opened in 1983; “Reflections@Bukit Chandu”, which was an interactive war memorial that commemorated the Battle for Pasir Panjang during World War Two; and Haw Par Villa, which was originally named ‘Tiger Balm Gardens’ and opened in 1937.

Given the iconic nature of this State property and the surrounding area, one cannot help but look forward to plans that would both transform and preserve the unique heritage of the Pasir Panjang Power District.