23,000 more Households in Singapore to Benefit from Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP)
MND and HDB have selected the 3rd batch of NRP sites. It comprises 13 sites benefiting about 23,000 households. This is nearly twice the number of NRP sites in Batch 2, which contained 7 sites (12,600 households). The 13 NRP sites, costing $86.1 million, will be announced by the respective local Advisers over the next few months.
Status Updates On Selected Precincts
2. Since the NRP was introduced in Aug 2007, a total of 32 sites have been selected, including those in the 3rd batch. Of these, 18 sites have been announced and 10 have carried out public consultation. The NRP has received strong support from the residents, with support levels averaging around 89%. Some of the improvement works under the NRP include new covered linkways, drop-off porches, children’s playground, fitness corner and new letter boxes. The actual improvement works implemented will vary from site to site, reflecting the residents’ preferences.
3. The NRP site to be launched at Tampines this evening is the largest so far. Located at Tampines Street 91/Ave 5, the project will benefit 3,352 households. Extensive consultation with residents on the NRP plans have been organised, culminating in the launch of the “Shape Your Neighbourhood@Tampines N9″ exhibition this evening. During the 3-day exhibition organised by the Tampines Town Council, residents of Tampines Neighbourhood 9 will get to give their views on the NRP proposals presented by three finalists of a design competition organised by the Town Council.
Cornerstone of NRP – Engagement Of Residents
4. A key feature of the NRP is the active engagement of residents in shaping their living environment. Residents will be invited to actively participate in the design process by giving feedback and deciding collectively on the improvements for their neighbourhood at public forums, e.g. Town Hall meeting, dialogue sessions, block parties, etc. This will help create a stronger sense of ownership and provide improvements that better meet residents’ needs.
5. Such engagements also encourage a higher level of interaction and participation among residents. As key stakeholders, residents can decide the ‘look and feel’ of their neighbourhood and whether they prefer to preserve, improve or change the character of their living environment. For example, residents played a key role in shaping their own living environment at the Circuit Road NRP precincts. Additional drop-off porches, linkways and elderly fitness stations were incorporated into the final design proposal based on requests by the residents during the NRP public consultation.
Background of NRP
6. The NRP was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong during the National Day Rally in Aug 07. It is part of HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) initiative and a key component to renew middle-aged towns such as Yishun and Tampines. The NRP was formulated in response to feedback from residents during the Forum on HDB Heartware, chaired by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education Ms Grace Fu, for more active consultation on the improvements to be provided in their neighbourhood. Blocks built up to 1989 that have not undergone Main Upgrading Programme (MUP), Interim Upgrading Programme (IUP) or IUP Plus are eligible. The budget is $3,400 per flat and will be fully funded by the Government.
7. The NRP focuses on block and neighbourhood improvements and is implemented on a ‘neighbourhood’ basis, i.e. to two or more contiguous precincts. The NRP allows improvements to be done more comprehensively to the neighbourhood, with better coordination and integration, and ensures that improvements across neighbouring precincts complement each other.
8. Upon announcement, a Working Committee (WC) is formed to oversee the project till its completion. The WC is chaired by the Adviser or his representative and includes the Design Consultant, the Town Council, grassroots leaders from the Citizens’ Consultative Committee (CCC), Residents’ Committee (RC) members and residents. The WC’s role is to gather residents’ feedback on the improvements residents prefer, explain the benefits of NRP and garner support for the design proposal. The NRP will proceed if at least 75% support from the residents is obtained.
Topics: Economy, Governance, housing, Neighbourhood Renewal Programme, NRP, Singapore
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