HDB to revamp housing estates with series of upgrading initiatives
By Wong Siew Ying, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 19 August 2007 2227 hrs

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SINGAPORE: Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong outlined a series of plans to make public housing more attractive, appealing and affordable in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday.

These plans include giving a new shine to old estates and developing first-class living environment.

Mr Lee said the Punggol 21+ estate would give residents plenty to do and talk about after its makeover.

There are plans to dam the river mouths of Sungei Punggol and Sungei Serangoon, creating two reservoirs for water activities.

Apart from lush greenery, the area will also have lots of entertainment options like shopping malls and waterfront dining.

While it will take some years to develop the area, Mr Lee said facilities would be coming on stream by the end of the year, including the new Anchorvale Community Club in Sengkang, sports centre and a floating island.

"Even with the fun and buzz, (we are) retaining our image (as a) clean, green, safe island. This is Singapore. And it's quite important that we keep that brand recognition even as we acquire new attributes and new lifestyles," said Mr Lee.

Older estates will also be given a new lease of life, starting with the Dawson area in Queenstown.

Mr Lee said there is enough space to develop 10,000 HDB and private flats there, which are likely to be designed by award-winning local architects.

A new park will also be built above the Alexandra Canal.

But amidst the re-development, some old landmarks will be preserved.

A new Neighbourhood Renewal Programme will combine upgrading works between two or more precincts, resulting in economies of scale and better facilities.

The HDB will also roll out a new Home Improvement Programme aimed at upgrading features within a flat, starting with the flats in Tampines and Yishun.

Private home owners are also included in the larger scheme of things as a new committee will explore ways to give them more funds to enhance their living environment.


- CNA/so