SINGAPORE - About 240 community care flats in Queensway will be launched in November’s Build-To-Order (BTO) exercise.
The assisted living public housing project will be the second of its kind to be launched, following the first such project launched in Bukit Batok in February 2021.
Those keen to check out the design of these flats may do so at an exhibition at HDB Hub in Toa Payoh from Friday until March 31, 2023.
3D models of the community care block, as well as a flat unit, are on display, along with a mock-up of the communal space in the block and a showroom of a flat with a floor area of about 32 sq m.
The upcoming community care flats will be part of the Queensway Canopy BTO development, which will also comprise three- and four-room flats.
This is unlike the Bukit Batok community care block, which will not be accompanied by other flat types and is slated for completion in 2024.
Locating various flat types together was done deliberately to encourage and promote inter-generational bonding, said Senior Minister of State for National Development Tan Kiat How on Thursday, after touring the exhibition display.
In a joint statement, the Ministry of National Development, the Ministry of Health and the Housing Board noted that the new community care flats would be situated within the Health District @ Queenstown, a programme that will support residents in leading healthier and more productive lives.
They said the new project’s proximity to Alexandra Hospital means medical and healthcare services can be incorporated into care services for residents.
Besides benefiting from senior-friendly fittings in their homes – such as wheelchair-friendly doors – residents living in community care flats will also have to subscribe to a basic service package, which includes services such as 24-hour emergency monitoring and basic health checks. The package will cost residents about $2,000 per year.
An on-site community manager will also help to connect residents with relevant care service providers, and assist with simple household fixes. Those who require more services such as meal delivery can opt in for them, at additional cost.
Asked about the small flat sizes, HDB said the flats were “intentionally designed to be slightly smaller, to encourage residents to spend time at the communal spaces to interact with other residents”. Such spaces will be included on every floor of the community care block.
The block will be located beside a social and wellness hub, which has an active ageing centre and an ActiveSG gym that will be designed to be senior-friendly.
The hub will have rooftop gardens with community gardening plots, which the authorities said would help promote active living.
Besides being located next to the Rail Corridor, Queenstown Canopy will also be within easy reach of other amenities, such as Alexandra Village Food Centre and Queensway Shopping Centre.
Those who wish to apply for community care flats must be aged 65 and above. They will choose from leases that begin from 15 years, and selected leases have to last residents till they are at least 95 years old.
HDB said it will continue to monitor demand for community care flats as it makes future plans for them.
Visits to the exhibition in HDB Hub require an appointment, which visitors may book online at https://str.sg/wVvL
