URA Draft Master Plan: Does your neighbourhood have its own unique charm?

Holland Village will get a complete makeover as part of a URA masterplan. In a bid to preserve the charm of some enclaves in Singapore, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has classified three neighbourhoods - Holland Village, Jalan Kayu and Sera
Holland Village will get a complete makeover as part of a URA masterplan. In a bid to preserve the charm of some enclaves in Singapore, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has classified three neighbourhoods - Holland Village, Jalan Kayu and Serangoon Gardens - as identity nodes. The agency revealed this, on Wednesday, Nov 20, 2013, as part of its 2013 Draft Master Plan. -- ST PHOTO: DESMOND FOO 

In a bid to preserve the charm of some enclaves in Singapore, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) has classified three neighbourhoods - Holland Village, Jalan Kayu and Serangoon Gardens - as identity nodes.

The agency revealed this on Wednesday as part of its 2013 Draft Master Plan.

The concept of identity nodes however is not new, with the URA identifying 15 such areas in 2002.

These areas, it said then, have unique streetscapes, architecture and activities that "hold a special place within the hearts of the local communities". By designating these areas as identity nodes, there will be a conscious effort to retain and enhance the area's character even as Singapore develops.

Do you think there are other neighbourhoods that should be classified as identity nodes? Leave your comments below or e-mail them to stnewsdesk@sph.com.sg.

Here are also the other areas that were already on URA's list:

1. Balestier

The Balestier area is filled with old Art Deco shophouses. It has recently seen a rejuvenation with a new mall and two brand-name hotels, Ramada and Days Hotel.

2. Tanjong Katong

Shophouses along Tanjong Katong Road have been planned for conservation and commercial activities at the first-storey shops will be allowed to continue. More parking spaces in this area have also been planned.

3. Jalan Besar

Shophouses along in the area have been planned for conservation.

4. Joo Chiat/East Coast Road

Shophouses along the Joo Chiat and East Coast Road stretch have been planned for conservation and commercial activities at the first-storey shops will be allowed to continue.

5. Anak Bukit

The two-storey shophouses along Cheong Chin Nam Road are to be retained. The URA has also proposed that the existing canal in front of Bukit Timah Shopping Centre and Beauty World be decked to create a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

6. Jalan Leban

The URA has proposed that the two new rows of two-storey shophouses be developed on the vacant state land at Jalan Leban.

7. Thomson Village

Additional carpark stations integrated with new developments at Thomson Village were proposed.

8. Springleaf

The URA proposed that the vacant land beside the Sembawang Hills food centre be converted into an interim park for outdoor dining and kiosks.

9. Coronation area

The current mix of shophouses nestled among the private houses will be retained.

10. Morse Road

Located at the foot of a 9km-chain of ridges at the south-western part of Singapore, the URA has proposed for Morse Road to be a starting point those who want to venture into the ridges.

11. Gillman Village

There are plans to make Gillman Village, which is also at the foot of the Southern Ridges, more attractive by introducing new buildings such as tourist souvenir shops.

12. Punggol Point/Coney Island

Seafood restaurants by the sea, a sea sports centre and "play and stay" places at Punggol Point were in the plans for Punggol Point. Coney Island will get new camping grounds and a new jetty.

13. Changi Village

Additional shophouse-type developments on the vacant state land were planned.

14. Pasir Ris

A seaside pier at Downtown East with shops, restaurants and entertainment attractions are being planned.

15. Pulau Ubin

Plans for the island included turning House No. 1, an existing landmark there, into an environmental education centre. This will be a base for nature trails and walking tours around the plantations.

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