Singapore Raises The Bar On Innovative Housing Design
SMS Grace Fu gave an update on the Remaking Our Heartland plans for Punggol.
These include the completion of almost 18,000 residential units and a recreational coastline that is progressively taking shape.
While the developments will transform Punggol’s landscape, it is also important to foster the town’s identity by heightening awareness of its rich heritage, she said.
Speech by Senior Minister of State for National Development and Education Ms Grace Fu at the Punggol Remarking our Heartland Exhibition at HDB Hub 22 June 2010.
Distinguished guests, Ladies and gentlemen, Good morning:
I am happy to join all of you today at this exhibition to showcase the Remaking Our Heartland plans for Punggol.
It has been close to 3 years since we first announced the Remaking Our Heartland, or ROH plans for the pilot towns – Punggol, Yishun and Dawson. Since then, much work has taken place to bring the ROH plans to fruition.
The plans for Punggol were planned at the onset to be comprehensive and cover all aspects of its development. Besides building up its critical mass of residential developments, the key ROH plans for Punggol include the development of its town centre, its 4.2km waterway and recreational coastline for residents. Together, these key pieces will transform Punggol’s landscape and help to define it as Singapore’s newest town – a lush green home embraced by waters.
Update on Punggol ROH Plans
Allow me to provide a brief update to everyone on where we are today with the Punggol ROH Plans.
Building up Critical Mass and the Town Centre
First, HDB has forged ahead with its plans over the last 3 years to build up critical mass in Punggol.
This year, HDB launched three BTO projects – Punggol Crest, Punggol Waves and Punggol Emerald – adding about 2,200 flats to the town.
More BTO projects will be launched this year, offering a wide choice of flat types to suit a variety of preferences and budgets.
As of 1 June 2010, HDB has completed almost 18,000 residential units in Punggol, with another 9,400 under construction.
Subject to demand, HDB is on track to complete 35,000 flats by end-2015. This will make Punggol similar in size to Toa Payoh in about 5 years’ time.
As Punggol’s population attains critical mass, new facilities can and will come on board. The first mixed commercial-cum-residential development site at the Town Centre will be launched in the second-half of 2010.
Activating the Recreation Coastline
Apart from accelerating residential and town centre developments, Punggol’s recreational coastline is also progressively taking shape. Along Sungei Punggol to the northwest of the town, the Punggol reservoir was completed last year while the Serangoon reservoir was completed in the 2nd Quarter of this year. This will be followed shortly by the completion of the Sengkang Floating Island in the 3rd Quarter of this year.
At the southeast of Punggol, the Lorong Halus Wetland along Sungei Serangoon will also be ready in the 3rd Quarter of this year. This will be followed by the completion of a pedestrian bridge linking Serangoon Reservoir to the Lorong Halus Wetland in the 4th Quarter of the year.
To the northeast of Punggol, the completion of the Punggol Promenade is also on the cards next year, followed by the rustic park at Coney Island in 2012.
Bringing Waters Closer to Residents (Punggol Waterway)
In addition to enhancing the extensive water frontage around the town, Punggol’s vision of waterfront living centres on the 4.2 km Punggol Waterway running through the heart of the town. When completed at the end of this year, the waterway promenade will be integrated with social communal spaces and provide residents with many waterfront and recreational activities to choose from.
Raising the Bar on Innovative Housing Design
The waterway is the setting of an exciting new public housing project. In November 2009, the Minister for National Development unveiled the winner of the Punggol Waterfront Housing Design Competition for the first waterfront housing development along the Punggol Waterway. The winning design by Group8asia and Aedas displayed the immense potential of waterfront living in Punggol.
Future residents of this first waterfront development can look forward to ‘Green Living by the Waters’, which leverages on the attractions of the waterway and promenade. The special design for the project was inspired by Asia’s terraced rice fields. Its staggered building form means that many residential units will get to enjoy vantage views of the Punggol Waterway and the lush courtyards.
In addition to our efforts to develop Punggol into the first eco-town in Singapore, this project will also offer residents an eco-friendly housing experience. In line with the project’s emphasis on energy conservation, there will be large courtyards and openings to promote natural ventilation and airflow to flats and common areas. Solar panels will also be introduced to offset electrical consumption at the common areas.
This will be a premium housing project that targets a niche group of buyers who are prepared to pay more for its signature attributes – prime location along the waterway within walking distance to Punggol MRT station, groundbreaking design with vantage views and eco-friendly features. HDB will be launching this project with 2 other BTO projects in Sengkang later this month. These projects will provide choices for flat buyers with different budgets and preferences.
Conclusion
What I have described above is the hardware of Punggol. For a new town like Punggol, it is important to foster the town’s identity by heightening awareness of its rich heritage, which dates back to the early days of Singapore. Punggol’s grassroots leaders are working together with Government agencies to develop educational panels along the waterway, highlighting various aspects of Punggol’s developments, both past and present.
For example, the panels along the Heartwave Wall, near Punggol MRT station, will depict the story of Punggol’s evolution and its significant development milestones. The Heritage Trail along Punggol Road will showcase the history of the road, together with a focus on the flora and fauna of old and present Punggol. I am glad to see so many parties come together for this worthy cause.
In conclusion, I hope that all of you are as excited as me about the upcoming developments for Punggol. They will mark an important milestone in HDB’s town planning and the evolution of public housing design. I hope Singaporeans especially Punggol residents, Grassroot Leaders and Advisers will continue to give HDB your support and guidance in this.
Thank you.
Topics: Asia, Central Provident Fund, clean eneergy, design, eco town, energy, environment, flat, flat buyers, Governance, government, Grace Fu, green, HDB, HDB estates, HDB flats, Home Ownership Scheme, Housing Development Board, nation building, news, people, planning, public housing, public housing programme, Punggol, Punggol Crest, Punggol Emerald, Punggol Waves, Raffles City Convention Centre, RCA, renewable energy, residents, ROH plans, Singapore, solar energy, solar PV, Sustainable Development Model, Toa Payoh, urban solutions
Print This Article in Plain Text
|
|
Latest Headlines
- Osama Bin Laden Dead?
- Florida To Share $1 Billion For Gulf Coast Restoration Efforts
- Texas Prays For Rain During Extreme Drought Conditions
- Governor Christie Takes Action To Reduce Diesel Emissions, Improve Air Quality
- Governor McDonnell Outlines Draft Transportation Improvement Program
- Alaska Energy Bill Passes Legislature
- Illinois State Building Receives ENERGY STAR Award
- Homeland Security Begins Using National Terrorism Advisory System
- U.S. Outlines New Health Insurance Options For Graduating College Students
- Electrolux Expands In North Carolina, To Create 200 Jobs In Charlotte
- Virginia Storm Victims To Receive Tax Extension
- U.S. Expands Broadband Investment For Rural Areas To Accelerate Job Creation
- U.S. To Invest $130 Million For Advanced Energy Research
- Michigan Passes “I’m Sorry” Bill
- Kentucky Sells Two State Aircraft To Save Taxpayer Dollars
