The Singapore government plans to build 15,000 to 20,000 public and private residences on the former Bukit Timah Turf Club site, marking the first large-scale public housing development in the area in nearly 40 years. To ensure that both environmental and cultural heritage are considered during the development, detailed environmental and cultural heritage impact assessments were conducted.
The assessment report noted that the old Turf Club, with its 66-year history, has significant cultural heritage value. Therefore, the report recommends preserving and repurposing meaningful buildings to give them new uses. After thorough consideration, the government decided to preserve and redevelop 27 buildings within the old Turf Club that hold historical and cultural significance. In the future, these buildings will be redesigned for various community activities and functions. For example, the space in front of the old Turf Club grandstand will be used for sports and recreational activities, covering an area twice the size of the Padang in front of City Hall. Additionally, various community facilities will be added to enhance residents' quality of life.
The Bukit Timah Turf Club area is rich in ecological resources, including 177 protected plant species and 25 protected animal species, especially in the forest areas of Eng Neo Avenue and Bukit Tinggi, which boast high ecological diversity. To protect these valuable natural resources, the authorities have decided to preserve most of these areas, ensuring that secondary forests and other natural green spaces are not affected by development. Overall, one-third of the old Turf Club space will be reserved for parks, open spaces, and natural green areas, ensuring harmony between new and old buildings and the natural environment.
shicheng.news
Transportation is a major concern for nearby residents. To address future traffic demands, the authorities plan to improve roads on Dunearn Road, Bukit Timah Road, and Eng Neo Avenue and are exploring the feasibility of opening a new exit on the Pan-Island Expressway to alleviate future traffic pressure. The Urban Redevelopment Authority proposes dividing the area into four neighborhood communities, each with new public spaces and cultural heritage buildings. Buildings near historical structures and green spaces will maintain lower heights, while those closer to MRT stations and other transportation facilities will be taller to optimize land use and transportation convenience.
Minister for National Development Desmond Lee stated that the authorities had consulted with nearby residents before planning, focusing on transportation issues. He emphasized that the government has conducted transportation assessment studies and will take measures to improve roads, ensuring that major roads like Eng Neo Avenue can handle the traffic flow resulting from the area's development.
The development plan for the old Turf Club will proceed in phases, starting with the area near Dunearn Road. The entire area's development is expected to be gradually completed over the next 20 to 30 years to ensure a smooth and orderly construction process. To help the public better understand the development plan and gather feedback, the authorities are holding a two-month exhibition at the URA Centre, explaining various aspects of the plan in detail.
The implementation of this project will not only bring a large number of new residences to the Bukit Timah area, alleviating housing pressure, but also preserve and enhance the cultural heritage and natural environment of the region.
