SINGAPORE - A new five-storey Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre (NPC) will be built to replace the current centre, which has been operational since 2000.
Geylang NPC will move from its current three-storey building at 132 Paya Lebar Road to its new location in front of Block 42 Cassia Crescent. The new building is expected to be operational by mid-2019.
A groundbreaking ceremony for the new station took place on Sunday (Feb 4) and construction begins this month.
In a speech at the ceremony, Mr Lim Biow Chuan, Deputy Speaker Of Parliament, said that Geylang NPC's relocation was in tandem with its changing neighbourhood.
"As part of the Urban Redevelopment Authority Masterplan 2014, Paya Lebar Central will be developed into a bustling, integrated commercial centre with offices, retail and attractive public spaces flowing with activity," said Mr Lim, who is also Member of Parliament for Mountbatten SMC.
"These changes in landscape and population profile will give rise to greater demand for policing services. The strategic relocation of Geylang Neighbourhood Police Centre to Cassia Link, in tandem with the changes in the terrain, will thus allow the police to better keep our neighbourhood safe."
In a statement to the media, Superintendent Kwok Jiann Yrong said that the relocation of Geylang NPC "is a significant move in ensuring that we are able to meet the growing demand from future changes in terrain and population profiles".
The new centre will boost technology-friendly facilities. Residents will have the option to lodge their own reports, or deposit lost-and-found properties via the self-service lobby to reduce waiting times. For those who want to lodge a report over the counter, police officers will still be on duty to help.
Other NPCs with automatic self-service kiosks include the ones at West Coast, Radin Mas and Marsling.
The public reception area, located at the second level of the building, can be easily accessed with age-friendly facilities such as a ramp and lift.
Mr Lim added that the building has attained the Building and Construction Authority Green Mark Gold Award, which encourages the development of more environmentally friendly and greener buildings. The building includes features such as more greenery on the first storey and at the roof terrace.
Said Mr Lim: "I am confident that our officers will be better able to serve, and further enhance the sense of safety and security of the residents and stakeholders in this area when the new Geylang NPC begins operations in the second quarter of 2019."
