URA was constituted as a Statutory Board in 1974, when urban renewal was in full swing. The challenge then was to transform Singapore from a Third World country plagued by poor living conditions and a floundering economy into a modern metropolis. As the land use planning agency, URA was central to the drama of rebuilding the entire island – from planning new towns to house the population and redeveloping the city centre as our Central Business District, to reclaiming and developing Marina Bay for longer-term needs. Within a few decades, Singapore changed itself into a First World metropolis and a global economic hub. Citizens now have access to quality homes, jobs and conveniences, and enjoy a safe and clean living environment that is rich in greenery and heritage.