Committee of Supply 2025 debate, Day 4: Desmond Lee on ‘enduring commitment for an endearing home’

Singaporeans can look forward to more flats in attractive locations such as Mount Pleasant, as the government presses on to increase supply to meet demand, said National Development Minister Desmond Lee. He told parliament on Wednesday (Mar 5) that the first of six Build-to-Order (BTO) projects in Mount Pleasant will be launched in October this year. It will be a sizeable development, with approximately 1,500 units of two-room Flexi- to four-room flats, including public rental flats. It will be near the future Mount Pleasant MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. There will be an eating house and a supermarket within the precinct. The new estate will be inspired by the area’s rich heritage, with six conserved buildings from the Old Police Academy. Mr Lee said the government has taken major steps to ensure that public housing in attractive locations like Mount Pleasant remains affordable. As part of efforts to reduce the “lottery effect” - through the New Flat Classification Framework categorising BTO projects into Standard, Plus and Prime - the Mount Pleasant project will either be Plus or Prime. In July 2025, another two BTO projects under the New Flat Classification Framework will be launched. One is next to Alexandra Peaks and the other is along Tanglin Road. One of the blocks in Alexandra Peaks will also house public rental flats, giving lower-income households access to public rental options in prime areas. Mr Lee stressed that the government is committed to keeping public housing affordable, accessible and inclusive. "This is our enduring commitment for an endearing home,” he said.