Indranee Rajah on closure of Singapore Turf Club

The decision to close the Singapore Turf Club (STC) was a difficult one, made by the Government to better meet Singapore’s future needs in light of demand for more land for housing and declining spectatorship for local horse racing. The land use for the site will be updated to include housing as part of the latest review of the Urban Redevelopment Authority’s Draft Master Plan. Second Minister for National Development Indranee Rajah said this in Parliament on Monday (Jul 3) in response to MPs’ questions on the closure of STC. Ms Indranee said the site will be holistically developed to meet the increasing demand for housing, including public housing, as well as leisure and recreation. This is part of a larger overall plan for the northern region. URA will consider how the site can be developed to create a distinct identity for the precinct, building on its proximity to major parks and nature areas. The Government is studying potential uses for the site, including the number of homes that can be injected. Details will be revealed once the relevant studies and assessments have been completed. Ms Indranee said the handover of STC’s land and assets is scheduled to be completed by March 2027. She elaborated on efforts to assist workers, including the more than 400 who are employed by horse trainers, as well as what will happen to the approximately 700 race horses which will have to be rehomed, and the impact of STC’s closure on equestrian activities in Singapore as a whole. *Audio issues inherent from source