Big makeover plans for Pasir Ris, Toa Payoh and Woodlands

Woodlands HDB town does have some potential for further growth especially with the development of amenities, MRT lines, factories, business parks, and educational institutions, among others.

More recreational spaces will be introduced along the Woodlands waterfront. (Photo: HDB)

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has finalised plans to revitalise Pasir Ris, Toa Payoh and Woodlands. It is now set to showcase its proposals to the residents of the three towns later this month to gather more suggestions, reported Channel NewsAsia.

“The finalised plans take into account the local context and specific requirements of each town, so as to strengthen their identity,” said HDB, adding that the plans focus on enhancing the community, character and connectivity of each town.

For instance, Pasir Ris Town Centre will get a new town plaza, while more family-oriented spaces and recreational facilities will be established in Pasir Ris Park and Beach.

A new town plaza will rise in Woodlands Central, where residents can hold more major activities. The Woodlands Waterfront will also be transformed into a more verdant promenade with “interesting landscaping, pocket greens and more shaded areas”.

Meanwhile, the authorities intend to install more greenery, shelters and rest areas within sections of the pedestrian mall at Toa Payoh town centre.

“We’re going to improve and enhance many more community spaces and facilities to let the residents bond and interact with each other,” said Choo Chin Hua, Physical Planning Director, HDB.

To gather more suggestions, HDB will hold an exhibition for each town that will run for two weeks. It will begin in Woodlands on 16 April, Toa Payoh on 22 April and Pasir Ris on 29 April.

Following their approval, the rejuvenation plans are expected to be completed within the next five to 10 years and would benefit over 500,000 residents.

The plans to revitalise the three towns were first announced in 2015 under the Remaking Our Heartland programme, which aims to turn public housing estates into “distinctive and endearing homes for Singaporeans”.

Other towns identified for a makeover include Jurong Lake, Hougang and East Coast in 2011, as well as Yishun, Dawson and Punggol in 2007.

But for Pasir Ris, Toa Payoh and Woodlands, this was the first time that HDB invited the residents to participate in the early stages of planning. Overall, 11 focus group discussions were held involving around 400 residents and community stakeholders between the ages of 17 and 81.

 

Romesh Navaratnarajah, Senior Editor at PropertyGuru, edited this story. To contact him about this or other stories, email romesh@propertyguru.com.sg