The massive renovation plan was recently unveiled by the Singapore government, with an allocation of S$95 million for the refurbishment of 23 HDB estates island-wide. This announcement was made by Minister for National Development Desmond Lee during a community event in Clementi. The renovation will span 11 towns, including Jurong-Clementi, Chua Chu Kang, Pasir Ris-Punggol, Aljunied-Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Jalan Besar, Marine Parade, Yishun, Sembawang, Tanjong Pagar, and West Coast, benefiting an estimated 15,600 households.
This renovation project is tailored to meet the community’s functional needs, aiming to improve residents' living environments. The plan includes installing resident resting areas, fitness zones with jogging tracks, and covered walkways among various public facilities. This initiative represents the latest round of Singapore’s Neighborhood Renewal Program since its inception in 2007. Since the program's launch, the government has invested S$1.5 billion in refurbishments across 203 locations. As of April this year, 120 HDB estates have been completed, benefiting approximately 172,000 HDB units, with ongoing renovations at 83 other sites.
In addition to this large-scale renovation plan, the government also addresses the unique needs of some earlier-renovated HDB estates, such as Ang Mo Kio, Toa Payoh, and Queenstown, which house a higher number of elderly residents. The government plans to introduce more elderly-friendly facilities in these communities. Minister Lee emphasized the need to continually drive and meet the special housing needs of the elderly in Singapore, a rapidly aging society.
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Simultaneously, the affluent district of Bukit Timah will undergo significant redevelopment under the Turf City Development Plan initiated by the Urban Redevelopment Authority. This high-end residential area will see the construction of 15,000 to 20,000 residential units, including HDB flats, over 176 hectares (about 246 football fields), which is currently used primarily for leisure and recreational activities.
To preserve the area's historical and cultural heritage while minimizing environmental impact, the government is conducting a thorough assessment of the plan. The existing grandstand will be retained, with a new space in front of it for sports and recreational activities. Once the project and HDB construction are completed, Bukit Timah will no longer be perceived as an exclusive enclave for the wealthy but will become a new residential district integrating cultural history, green ecology, and modern amenities.
To enhance convenience for residents, the government will introduce the concept of “10-minute neighborhoods,” ensuring that residents can reach various amenities within a 10-minute walk. To support this goal, two new MRT stations are expected to be integrated. Despite the future increase in housing supply in this area, the prime location and comprehensive facilities are anticipated to generate strong market demand, leading to intense competition for home purchases.
These renovation and redevelopment plans reflect the Singapore government's commitment to improving the quality of life and advancing societal progress. Through continuous updates and optimizations of living environments, Singapore is moving towards a more inclusive and sustainable future. The government’s series of initiatives not only improve living conditions for residents but also demonstrate forward-thinking urban development planning.
The HDB renovation plan and the Bukit Timah redevelopment project in Singapore thoroughly consider the diverse needs of society, ensuring that everyone from young families to elderly residents can find a suitable living space in these new communities. As these projects are progressively implemented, Singapore’s urban landscape will be revitalized, and residents' quality of life will be significantly enhanced.
