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Image grab from Straits Times Interactive
HDB announced on Tuesday 23 November 2021 that 5,000 new Housing Board (HDB) flats will be built on the site of the former Police Academy in the Mount Pleasant area about the size of 46 football fields, with the first Build-To-Order (BTO) project to be launched within the next five years in consultation with various stakeholders to study heritage and environment impact due to the estate's proximity to Bukit Brown Cemetery, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and the densely forested surrounding areas, were conducted to assess the heritage and ecological value of the area.
According to National Development Minister Desmond Lee, this new BTO estate is still in the conceptual stage but its design will take inspiration from the heritage and nature in the area. The 33-hectare estate, around one-third the size of Bidadari, is bounded by Thomson Road and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), is close to Bukit Brown, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and towns such as Toa Payoh.
To pave the way for the development of public housing and a road network in the area, the Government would acquire a small part of the land at the Singapore Polo Club along Mount Pleasant Road. Its clubhouse, field and main horse stables would not be affected.
According to National Development Minister Desmond Lee, this new BTO estate is still in the conceptual stage but its design will take inspiration from the heritage and nature in the area. The 33-hectare estate, around one-third the size of Bidadari, is bounded by Thomson Road and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), is close to Bukit Brown, the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and towns such as Toa Payoh.
To pave the way for the development of public housing and a road network in the area, the Government would acquire a small part of the land at the Singapore Polo Club along Mount Pleasant Road. Its clubhouse, field and main horse stables would not be affected.
Four existing buildings that were part of the Old Police Academy, along with the parade square, will be retained and adapted into community spaces to serve future residents. These police buildings in and around the Old Police Academy will be conserved and integrated with future developments in the Mount Pleasant area. A part of the parade square will be retained as an open space within the new housing estate.
The estate will have a low-rise neighbourhood centre where amenities such as retail shops are located and will be designed to be open and green, and will feature community spaces.
Two out of the three streams in the area would also be fully conserved, with the third stream partially conserved, specifically the part which has richer biodiversity in this beautiful green oasis.
Residents will be served by the upcoming Mount Pleasant MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, which will open in tandem with the completion of the BTO projects.
The estate will have a low-rise neighbourhood centre where amenities such as retail shops are located and will be designed to be open and green, and will feature community spaces.
Two out of the three streams in the area would also be fully conserved, with the third stream partially conserved, specifically the part which has richer biodiversity in this beautiful green oasis.
Residents will be served by the upcoming Mount Pleasant MRT station on the Thomson-East Coast Line, which will open in tandem with the completion of the BTO projects.
Nearly 380 plant species were found in the forests nearby, close to half of which are native – and of these, half are of conservation significance. They were mostly located outside the proposed development area. Nearly 200 fauna species were recorded, with the highest concentration in the Kopi Sua Cemetery area. Overall, there are 14 species of conservation significance, 10 of which are birds.
As land becomes scarcer and needs continue to grow, balancing land use will become more complex.
The government will put out more information on their planning process and decisions and involve more Singaporeans - hoping Singaporeans will better understand the trade-offs involved we work together to develop strategies and measures to strike a balance in our nation's progress.
Bounded by Thomson Road and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Kiwi Lim from Huttons Asia believe this BTO project in Thomson / Whitley area will receive overwhelming response once it is launched due to the strong demand for flats in nearby areas. The area's rich heritage, green nature, beautiful environment on elevated ground and connectivity to the city and rest of Singapore will be very attractive to homeowners. The million dollar question is, will this upcoming BTO project be part of the PLH model of BTO flats?
As land becomes scarcer and needs continue to grow, balancing land use will become more complex.
The government will put out more information on their planning process and decisions and involve more Singaporeans - hoping Singaporeans will better understand the trade-offs involved we work together to develop strategies and measures to strike a balance in our nation's progress.
Bounded by Thomson Road and the Pan Island Expressway (PIE), Kiwi Lim from Huttons Asia believe this BTO project in Thomson / Whitley area will receive overwhelming response once it is launched due to the strong demand for flats in nearby areas. The area's rich heritage, green nature, beautiful environment on elevated ground and connectivity to the city and rest of Singapore will be very attractive to homeowners. The million dollar question is, will this upcoming BTO project be part of the PLH model of BTO flats?
From Straits Times article on 23 November 2021
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