HDB to hold discussions with residents on revamping Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Pasir Ris

HDB flats in Toa Payoh. The Housing Board will be conducting focus group discussions with about 500 residents and stakeholders of Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Pasir Ris, ahead of the towns' revamps. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
HDB flats in Toa Payoh. The Housing Board will be conducting focus group discussions with about 500 residents and stakeholders of Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Pasir Ris, ahead of the towns' revamps. -- PHOTO: ST FILE
New Developments at Pasir Ris Town Centre. -- PHOTO: HDB
More Recreational Spaces for Woodlands Waterfront. -- PHOTO: HDB 
Rejuvenation of Toa Payoh Town Centre and Town Park. -- PHOTO: HDB

SINGAPORE - The Housing Board will be conducting focus group discussions with about 500 residents and stakeholders of Toa Payoh, Woodlands and Pasir Ris, ahead of the towns' revamps.

The three towns are the third batch under HDB's Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme, which aims to rejuvenate towns and estates here.

Punggol, Yishun and Dawson were the first towns selected for the programme in 2007, followed by East Coast, Hougang and Jurong Lake in 2011.

There will be two discussion sessions for Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris, while Woodlands will have four sessions. The sessions will start in June. This is the first time that HDB will be gathering feedback from residents and local community stakeholders of the towns at an early stage.

The early consultation would provide HDB with a better understanding of residents' experiences and views about their towns, and allow it to get ideas from them to build a better living environment in their towns, said HDB in a statement on Friday.

The discussions will cover issues such as how connectivity networks can be improved, and how public spaces can be enhanced to promote interaction among residents.

At an HDB event at HDB Hub on Friday, National Development Minister Khaw Boon Wan singled out Toa Payoh as holding a special place in the hearts of many Singaporeans.

"This year Singapore turns 50 and so does Toa Payoh town. Its development runs parallel to the progress of Singapore. From a backward swampland, Singapore's first new town fully planned and built by HDB, is today bustling and thriving," said Mr Khaw, referring to the town's history and name, which means "Big Swamp" in Hokkien and Malay.

In commemoration of the town's jubilee anniversary, an electronic photo book and exhibition on Toa Payoh's heritage was launched.

Those interested to participate in the focus group sessions can sign up by June 1 at http://heartland.hdb.gov.sg/roh3_public_consultation.html

Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.