A cluster of 44-year-old blocks located at Commonwealth Drive has been selected for the Selective En bloc Redevelopment Scheme (SERS), announced the Housing and Development Board (HDB) today.

This will bring the total number of sites under the SERS scheme to 72 since the scheme's implementation in Aug 1995.

730 units of replacement flats at Commonwealth Drive will be built to accommodate the flat owners affected by the SERS scheme.

The flats will be located near the Commowealth MRT Station, Tanglin Halt neighbourhood centre and HDB commercial amenities at the adjacent Commonwealth View precinct, said the HDB press release.

Construction is expected to commence end of 2009 and be completed by end of 2012 or early 2013.

The SERS plan will also include developments of 24 rental shops and 2 rental eating houses at Blocks 74 to 80 Commonwealth Drive.

Eligible tenants will be given an ex-gratia payment of $60,000 per tenancy, and a 10 per cent discount on their successful bids for other HDB rental commercial properties.

A comprehensive range of rehousing benefits for eligible SERS Flat owners has been mapped out to ensure a smooth transition. This includes compensation for their existing flats, assured allocation of new flats at the designated replacement site based on eligibility, and the purchase of replacement flats at subsidized prices.

The registration for replacement flats will commence around the third quarter of 2009 and eligible SERS flat owners will be notified by invitation.

To provide the residents a clearer picture of the SERS plan and its benefits, HDB will hold an exhibition from the 14th till the 20th of August.

HDB has also taken added measures by personally getting in touch with all SERS flat owners and commercial tenants. They will also be able to get further information by calling the following enquiry lines, 1800-866 3070 (for sold flats) and 1800-866 3073 (for commercial properties).