Greener, better-connected neighbourhoods

The sitting People's Action Party (PAP) MPs for Holland-Bukit Timah GRC and Bukit Panjang SMC have assured local residents that they can look forward to new facilities, more greenery and better connectivity.

There will be a new polyclinic and hawker centre in Senja, a fresh community garden trail and nature park in Bukit Panjang and more covered pedestrian walkways and fitness corners, they said yesterday.

These are part of the Holland-Bukit Panjang Town Council's Town Improvement Plan for the next five years.

Also getting ready are new MRT stations on the upcoming Downtown Line 2, plus there will be a new slip road connecting Senja Road directly to the Kranji Expressway, and a new boardwalk and multi-purpose stage around Bukit Panjang's Pang Sua Pond for community activities.

Meanwhile, residents in Punggol can look forward to a one-stop amenity centre, as its foundation was laid yesterday morning. The centre, named Oasis Terraces, was designed with residents' feedback in mind after the Housing Board held focus group discussions with them.

THREE MORE

It is the first of four new-generation HDB neighbourhood centres which will be built over the next three years.

There will be one more in Punggol, and other two will be in Sembawang and Hougang.

National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan said at the foundation-laying ceremony that Punggol residents had expressed wishes for more family-oriented facilities and dining options in the area.

The centre, located next to the Oasis LRT station at Punggol Waterway, will contain 18,000 sq m of space for shopping and dining as well as for educational and enrichment centres.

It will also house the Punggol Polyclinic operated by SingHealth Polyclinics. It is scheduled to be completed in 2018.

"I am confident, that when completed, Oasis Terraces will be very popular with the residents. It will be a watering hole for the residents, right along the Punggol Waterway. Our vision of waterfront living in Punggol is taking shape," The Straits Times quoted Mr Khaw as saying.

The heart of the development will be a sheltered plaza, for community gatherings and bonding among residents.

An area on the roof of the development will also be set aside for a community garden.

This article was first published on August 23, 2015.
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