Alvin Tan on balancing housing, greenery and heritage needs for Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks

The government proceeds with great care in its housing development plans when a site has significant ecological or heritage value. Minister of State for National Development Alvin Tan highlighted this approach as he explained how these principles are applied to both Sunset Way and Gillman Barracks, which have been earmarked for residential use. Responding to parliamentary questions on Tuesday (Aug 4), he said the government is studying the environmental and heritage findings, listening to public views and examining how the proposals can be improved before the detailed plans are finalised. After the formal consultation period closes on Aug 6, it will conduct further engagements with stakeholders and closely review the study findings and feedback. It will also publish a report summarising the agencies’ responses to the feedback and any amendments made to the original set of plans. Mr Tan pointed out that the challenge is balancing housing, greenery and heritage needs responsibly within Singapore’s limited space. Singapore must be clear about why it needs to build, deliberate about where it builds and take great care over how it builds, he added.