Woodlands is being transformed into a ‘Star Destination of the North’ with almost 10,000 new dwelling units and three new MRT stations by 2019 to serve residents in the town. This will be joined to the future Johor Bahru – Singapore Rapid Transit System (RTS).
The Housing Development Board informed that the plan is part of the Housing Board’s programme, Remaking Our Heartland (ROH). The Minister for National Development, Lawrence Wong, announced the renewal plans for Woodlands, at the launch of the ROH exhibition for Woodlands on 16 April.
Remaking Our Heartland (ROH)
The ROH programme was first announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2007, it aims to transform the heartlands into distinctive and endearing homes for Singaporeans.
In 2007, Punggol, Dawson and Yishun as well as East Coast, Hougang and Jurong Lake in 2011 have been identified for renewal. The latest batch of towns to be renewed under the ROH programme are Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris. The plans focus on strengthening Character, Community, and Connectivity, HDB said.
Character
The proposals will build on the unique character and distinct features of each town to strengthen its identity.
Community
They will enhance community spaces and facilities to bring residents together through recreational and community activities.
Connectivity
The plans will improve connectivity networks in the towns, to enhance the walking and cycling experiences for residents.
Detailed ROH plans for Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris will be revealed on April 22 and April 29.
Six Star Attractions
The plans for Woodlands comprise several major improvements to transform the town into the ‘Star Destination of the North’, in keeping with its status as the northern regional centre and gateway to Singapore.
Six ‘Star Attractions’, in the form of new recreational and residential developments, will be introduced to revitalise Woodlands. The existing neighbourhood centres in Woodlands will also be enhanced to bring more greenery and better connectivity to the town.
The Woodlands Regional Centre, comprising Woodlands Central and Woodlands North Coast, is set to become an even more vibrant hub of activity, with better connectivity and new commercial and residential developments.
In Woodlands Central, a new Town Plaza will be built next to the Woodlands MRT station, in response to residents’ suggestion for a bigger community space. This will offer a convenient and vibrant community node for Woodlands residents to come together to participate in community events.
“The Woodlands Regional Centre will be a new hub for businesses, especially those with Malaysian and Asean linkages. This will create many more opportunities and jobs for Singaporeans. It will make Woodlands an attractive place to live, work and play,” said Mr Wong.
Star Attraction 2: WoodsVista Gallery
In response to residents’ suggestions for a direct connection from Woodlands Central to the Woodlands waterfront, a new scenic WoodsVista Gallery will be developed to connect the two areas. Set amidst lush greenery, the WoodsVista Gallery will be a 1.9-kilometre-long community link with dedicated cycling and pedestrian paths.
The Woodlands Town Garden located at Marsiling will be upgraded and expanded into a new ‘Discovery Playground’, where residents can enjoy the garden anew and learn about the history of the town. It will feature a new boardwalk, children’s playground, a heritage corner and a learning lane with storyboards to showcase the heritage of the town.
Next to the upcoming Woodlands South MRT station on the TEL, a new integrated healthcare complex will be developed. To be called the Woodlands Health Campus, it will comprise a new acute care hospital, community hospital and a long-term care facility.
Designed to integrate with a new park, the healthcare complex will open in phases from 2022, bringing healthcare facilities closer to home, and providing better support for elderly residents to age in place.
Star Attraction 5: Community Nexus
On the eastern side of Woodlands, residents can look forward to a new Community Nexus right next to the Admiralty MRT station. Located in this Community Nexus is the integrated development, Kampung Admiralty, which is expected to be completed in 3rd quarter this year.
It will house a range of facilities such as a medical centre, eldercare and childcare centres, a hawker centre, dining and retail outlets, as well as housing for the elderly. Together with existing facilities such as Admiralty Place Neighbourhood Centre and Woodlands Galaxy Community Club, the Community Nexus will serve as a one-stop hub of facilities for all ages.
The existing park connector that runs from the east to the west of Woodlands will be transformed into a ‘Social Corridor’, with lush greenery, community gardens and 3-Generation facilities along the park connector and MRT viaduct. Residents are invited to give their suggestions on how the community spaces can be used, during the exhibition, HDB said.
Beyond the six star attractions, the existing neighbourhoods in Woodlands will also be enhanced. These improvements include rejuvenating the neighbourhoods, enhancing the greenery, and improving connectivity within the town.
Residents can continue to look forward to improvements within their neighborhood and homes, through the on-going Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP) and Home Improvement Programme (HIP).
The cycling network will be enhanced progressively with new cycling paths that connect to the MRT stations. Ramps and lifts will also be implemented over time to improve barrier-free accessibility.
HDB invited residents to visit the Woodlands ROH exhibition and give their feedback on the plans, it said, the exhibition will be held at Woodlands Central (next to Woodlands MRT station) on 16 April 2017 (10 am to 9 pm), and from 17 to 30 April 2017 (9 am to 9 pm). Residents may also view the exhibition on the HDB InfoWEB and share their feedback online.
