Woodlands residents are set to benefit from the formation of six “star attractions”, under new plans outlined by the HDB. Speaking at the launch of the Remaking Our Heartlands exhibition, Mr Lawrence Wong, the Minister of MND (Ministry of National Development) announced that the plans would revitalise the area, and would be in the form of both residential and recreational developments.
Woodlands is one of the Remaking Our Heartlands programme (ROH) ’s third batch of estates, coming on the heels of Punggol, Dawson, Yishun, East Coast, Hougang and Jurong Lake, all of which have been rejuvenated in the scheme. Focussing on building up the character, the community and the connectivity of the town, the plans will come to fruition over the next five to ten years, with six particular projects taking centre stage.
The largest and most ambitious of these involves the Regional Centre of Woodlands – the area comprising of Woodlands North Coast and Woodlands Central, which Mr Wong said would be turned into a hub of vibrancy and activity that would become a centre for business, particularly for companies focussed on or at least linked with Malaysia and other ASEAN countries. Two housing developments are also planned for the area, one at the fringe of Woodlands Central, and the other along the north coast, where it would make full use of the elevated terrain and impressive vistas.
There will be a push to improve connectivity in the area, with the opening of a 1.9km cycling and pedestrian link connecting the waterfront to Woodlands Central. The WoodVista Gallery as it will be called also takes advantage of its location alongside Admiralty Park which will be fully reopened after redevelopment works, later this year.
The existing Woodlands Town Garden is going to be expanded and transformed into a Discovery Playground. The park, in Marsiling, will offer residents not just the chance to relax and enjoy the pleasant surroundings, but also the opportunity to learn about the town’s history surrounding them.
Another new attraction will be a one-stop centre for residents of all backgrounds and ages called the Community Nexus. Situated right beside the Admiralty MRT station, the centre will be home to many facilities and amenities designed to serve the community.
Another of the proposals will develop the existing park connector that currently runs the length of Woodlands. This new Social Corridor will feature three-generation facilities, community gardens and lush greenery, making it a destination in itself.
Last but not least is the Woodlands Health Campus, an integrated healthcare complex that is due to be built next to the Woodlands South MRT Station, which is itself still being built. Due to be opened in phases from 2022 onwards, the complex will include a community hospital, a long term care facility and an acute care hospital, in what will form a wellness haven for the region.
Further to these ambitious plans, the HDB also announced that it will be enhancing the greenery along the town’s major roads, creating a connection of green spaces and corridors that will connect the existing and soon to be developed green areas of the region.
With so many upcoming developments in the northern region of Singapore, perhaps it is time to invest in a residential property in that area as well.
Below are some new launch condo,
- Forest Woods
- Hilbre28 (Hilbre28 @ Hillside Drive is a 999 leasehold development)
- Kingsford Waterbay
Upcoming new launches
