Rochor Centre demolition to begin on 26 June

The government announced in 2011 that it would acquire Rochor Centre to make way for the North-South Corridor.

The demolition of Rochor Centre will commence on 26 June and is set for completion by April 2019, announced the Land Transport Authority (LTA) on Wednesday (20 June). This is in preparation for the construction of the North-South Corridor (NSC).

The demolition of the iconic rainbow-coloured estate will start from the top floors, with the structure progressively brought down floor-by-floor using machinery.

More: Demolition Of Rochor Centre May Affect Surrounding Properties

“For the convenience of pedestrians during the works, temporary sheltered walkways have been erected at alternative routes around the site. There are also signages at public access areas to redirect pedestrians,” said LTA.

It noted that the work area was enclosed by the contractor with dust screens and noise barriers to minimise the impact of dust and noise. A water spraying system will “also be used to suppress airborne dust particles during the demolition”.

It also requires the contractor to monitor and comply with the permissible noise level stipulated under the prevailing regulations.

“LTA will continue to work closely with the contractor to monitor and minimise inconvenience to the public,” it said.

Works to construct the section of NSC near Rochor Centre will follow after the completion of the demolition works and site preparatory works, LTA added.

The government announced in November 2011 that it would acquire Rochor Centre to make way for the NSC, reported Channel NewsAsia.

Told to move out by end-2016, residents of the estate were offered relocation benefits similar to those given under the Selective En Bloc Redevelopment Scheme.

Aside from the opportunity to move to a new 99-year leasehold flat, the residents were given an acquisition package comprising compensation and rehousing benefits.

As part of the package, they were assured of a replacement home at Kallang Trivista.

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