The Committee for Planning and Development of Bandar Seri Begawan, which is chaired by the Minister of Home Affairs, first mooted the idea of preparing the Bandar Seri Begawan Development Master Plan to provide direction for its future growth and foundation as a 21st Century capital city of Brunei Darussalam.

The emergence of new growth centres such as Gadong, Kiulap, Kiarong, Mile One, Bunut, Telanai, Batu Bersurat, Serusop and Jaya Setia has had an impact on the strategic role of the Central Business District (CBD). The rapid development by both, the government and the private sector also has had a considerable impact on the pattern of development within Bandar Seri Begawan. Increase in population is causing an impact on need for developable land for housing, schools, commerce and other sectors. At the same time as the city continues to grow there is a need to create new job and a diversified economy.

The development master plan will incorporate and review existing land-use patterns, planning schemes, government and private sector projects, and where applicable, all existing development plans within the new boundary of Bandar Seri Begawan Municipal Area and related plans like, the Bandar Seri Begawan Central Area and Gadong Improvement Plans, Kampong Ayer Improvement Plan, Kampong Ayer Hill Park and Subok Ridge Heritage Park.

Like many other great cities, Bandar Seri Begawan should continue to develop and evolve as a capital city in a progressive and sustainable way.