What is Office Space in Singapore?

What is considered Office Space in Singapore?

URA display

Role of URA Singapore

The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) serves as Singapore's planning authority, guided by the mission to transform Singapore into an exceptional city for residence, work, and recreation. In pursuit of this mission, URA meticulously plans and facilitates the physical development of Singapore, aspiring to build a vibrant, sustainable, and globally distinctive city. The planning decisions and guidelines implemented by URA carry lasting implications for the value of properties.

This development process involves URA harmonizing various, sometimes competing, needs to ensure a physical environment of high quality and appeal. The agency employs a framework of meticulous development coordination, proactive planning, and adaptable development controls that are attuned to business requirements. The outcome is an exemplary urban environment that is both conducive and responsive to the diverse activities and demands of a 21st-century global city.

URA engages in the formulation of long-term strategic plans and detailed local area plans for physical development. Subsequently, it coordinates and guides efforts to actualize these plans. The strategic and careful planning of land use has been instrumental in fostering robust economic growth, social cohesion, and ensuring that adequate land is reserved to sustain ongoing economic advancement and future development. As defined by URA, offices are establishments used for conducting business and administrative activities.

Some examples are Class II Office or Commercial School, such as:
- Bank
- Finance office, insurance company, stock exchange.
- Real estate housing agency.
- Contractors, transport office.
- Professional, consultant, architect, engineer, lawyer, accountant, advertising agency, research and marketing office.
- Employment agency, secretarial services.
- Astrologers/palmists.
- Security office.
- Political party office.

Commercial School: Premises used for the purpose of teaching, training or imparting of knowledge or skill. Some examples are:
- Tuition centre
- Language school
- Computer school
- Dress-making school
- Baking and cooking school
- Music school
- Dance school
- Acting school
- Speech and drama school
- Child development centre, or play school
- Art school.

Locations where a new office can be considered for approval:
- Shopping centres, commercial buildings, hotels and shophouses.
- Check Land Use Zoning in the Master Plan 2019.

Locations where a new office is unlikely to be approved:
- Non-commercial premises (e.g. residential premises, industrial premises).
- Units located along pedestrian routes or facing public roads at the first and basement levels of commercial developments (e.g. shopping centre, commercial buildings and hotels) in activity generating areas.
- Check Activity Generating Uses Plan in the Master Plan 2019.