Green parks, cycling paths for Bidadari, Punggol Matilda and Tampines North: HDB

SINGAPORE - Green landscapes and cycling networks will be part of the Housing Board's three upcoming heartland developments.

Get the full story from The Straits Times.

[[nid:357479]]

HDB media release:

Minister for National Development Khaw Boon Wan launched the HDB's "Future Homes, Better Lives" Exhibition this evening. The exhibition showcases the broad development plans for three new housing areas - Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda - and is part of HDB's efforts to consult and seek public feedback on the upcoming plans. It will be held from today to 15 September 2013 at the HDB Hub Atrium.

As the master planner and developer of Singapore's public housing estates, HDB is constantly on the lookout for innovative ideas to provide residents with a quality living environment. In line with HDB's Roadmap to provide well-designed, sustainable and community-centric towns, we also consciously provide for community spaces to encourage interaction and cultivate strong community bonds.

The plans for Bidadari, Tampines North, and Punggol Matilda, will capitalise on their individual distinctive character to bring about a unique identity and living experience. They will build on each estate's history, distinctive local flavour and features.

Five key ideas will guide the development plans of the three areas, namely:

a) Distinctive housing districts with unique identities

b) Green housing districts with community gardens and abundant greenery

c) Vibrant community spaces to encourage community activities

d) Rekindling memories to form new ties and communities

e) Promoting a healthy lifestyle with well-connected cycling and pedestrian networks

The implementation of these new urban design concepts will add to the vibrancy of the Singapore housing landscape. They will characterise our next generation of public housing as we move forward in the next decade. We would like to encourage the public to visit the exhibition and share your feedback and thoughts on the development plans with us.

Bidadari Estate

Located in the central region of Singapore, Bidadari is bounded by Bartley Road to the north, Upper Serangoon Road to the west, Sennett Estate to the south and Mount Vernon Road to the east.

It is well-served by Woodleigh and Bartley MRT stations on the North-East Line and the Circle Line respectively. Bidadari Estate will be a tranquil urban oasis, where residents can relax and connect with family and friends in a garden-like setting.

HDB envisions it to be "A Community in a Garden".

Some of the plans for Bidadari Estate include:

a) A 10 ha Bidadari Park with a lake that will form the new green lung for the estate;

b) Six distinctive neighbourhoods, each with unique identities through the use of varied building forms that respond to the different characteristics of Bidadari;

c) Public spaces for community gathering and events within a garden-like setting;

d) A mixed-use Market Square commercial cluster, together with commercial and social communal facilities pavilions to serve the needs of residents;

e) A pedestrianised Upper Aljunied Road transformed into a Heritage Walk with mature trees and which captures fond memories of Bidadari's heritage;

f) A seamless pedestrian and cycling network to make travelling within Bidadari more pleasant and convenient.

[[nid:357479]]

Tampines North

Tampines North is envisioned to be a new "green shoot" and extension of Tampines Town. The vision for Tampines North is "Tampines in Bloom: Budding Communities within a Green Tapestry".

Guided by this vision, Tampines North will capitalise on its existing greenery and proximity to Tampines Town to create an attractive living environment, through five key strategies.

These strategies are designed around a striking 'leaf' concept and include:

a) A 7.5 ha meandering Boulevard Park that will form the green spine for Tampines North, providing a scenic and seamless connection between Sun Plaza Park in the south to Sungei Api Api in the north;

b) A "Blossoms Walk" within the Boulevard Park to create a local yet distinct identity;

c) A 10 ha Quarry Park which could connect to Pasir Ris Town in the future;

d) A seamless pedestrian and cycling network that will weave through the various housing districts, enabling residents to cycle and walk around Tampines North with convenient links to the main activity spine; and

e) A new distinctive landmark mixed development comprising both commercial and residential uses, and integrated with a bus interchange.

[[nid:357479]]

Punggol Matilda

Under the Phase 2 master plan for Punggol New Town unveiled in Oct 2012, Punggol will feature seven distinctive eco-town districts, each with a unique identity and character.

Capitalising on its proximity to the waterfront and taking inspiration from its heritage, the Matilda district of Punggol is set to be an attractive waterfront housing district with many flats commanding waterfront views.

Planning for Matilda was inspired by the 'verandah' feature of the old Matilda House and its surrounding lush greenery. Hence the vision of Matilda District - Verandah by the Waterfront".

Some of the new plans for Punggol Matilda include: a) New housing forms with integrated landscaped decks that provide "door-step" accessibility to the precinct amenities;

b) A Community Street leading to the waterfront, designed as an urban verandah with "living rooms" as rest points for residents to sit and chat;

c) Leafy walkways to provide seamless sheltered connectivity between the residential precincts and the waterfront promenade; and

d) A vibrant waterfront shopping mall, as well as recreational amenities and parks for community events.

[[nid:357479]]

Moving forward 11The exciting developments for the three housing areas are slated to take place within the next few years.

The first project in Punggol Matilda with the new housing form will be launched in the BTO exercise in Sep 2013, followed by Tampines North in the second half of 2014 and Bidadari in 2015.

More details will be made available closer to the actual launches.