Singapore's construction demand* increased by 16% year-on-year from $27.6 billion in 2010 to $32 billion in 2011. The increase was backed by strong public sector construction demand arising from the ramp-up in public housing projects and MRT Downtown Line Stage 3. For 2012, the total construction demand is projected to be between $21 billion and $27 billion, of which, about 60% is expected to come from the public sector.

In 2012, the public sector construction demand is expected to be contributing between $13 billion and $15 billion worth of construction orders. The support is expected to come from the continued strong public housing developments, as well as construction demand for institutional building and civil engineering projects. Major public sector projects likely to be awarded in 2012 include:

 

. JTC's Medical Technology Hub at Tukang Innovation Grove;

. Yale-NUS College at University Town; 

. Main contract for Ng Teng Fong Hospital with a community hospital at Jurong East; 

. Expansion of Kallang Paya Lebar Expressway (KPE) / Tampines Expressway (TPE) Interchange; and 

. Extension and Reconstruction of Newton Flyover.

 

The private sector construction demand may soften to between $8 billion and $12 billion in 2012 amid the global economic uncertainty and a slowdown in the Singapore economy. Private residential building construction demand is projected to drop to between $3.4 billion and $4.8 billion in 2012, in view of the current subdued property market sentiments. (Please refer to factsheet in Annex A for details on construction demand).

 

For 2013 and 2014, the average construction demand is projected to range between $19 billion and $27 billion** per annum. The public sector construction demand is likely to reach between $12 billion and $15 billion a year in 2013 to 2014, with about 60% of the total demand coming from building projects while the remaining 40% of demand will come from civil engineering projects.

 

The preliminary total construction output*** (progress payments made for work done) is estimated to be about $27 billion in 2011. Despite the likely moderation in construction demand in the years ahead, the high volume of contracts awarded in 2011 will translate into strong on-site construction activity at least over the next one to two years. Hence, the total construction output is projected to rise to between $29 billion and $31 billion in 2012 before moderating to between $20 billion and $28 billion per year in 2013 to 2014.

 

(Source: BCA)