Residents’ hub opens in private landed estate in Lentor

SINGAPORE - Lentor residents now have a dedicated space for community activities with the launch of Our Residents’ Hub @ Lentor Estate at Fudu Walk Park on Dec 1.

The 30 sq m pop-up container room is the latest addition to a series of Our Residents’ Hubs across Singapore, and the first to feature a collaboration between a residents’ network and an active ageing centre (AAC).

This partnership aims to foster healthier, more active lifestyles among seniors in the private landed estate.

The launch was held as part of Yio Chu Kang Day 2024, under the theme Where Neighbours Become Family. It was attended by Senior Minister Lee Hsien Loong, Yio Chu Kang MP Yip Hon Weng and over 500 residents.

In an interview on Dec 1, Mr Yip said one in four Singaporeans will be aged 65 and above by 2030.

“In Yio Chu Kang estate, about 40 per cent (of the residents) are aged above 65 years old. The issue in a private landed estate, unlike in HDB or in condos, (is that) there isn’t physical space for active ageing centres to conduct activities,” he added.

There are 1,024 landed properties in Lentor estate, and about 30 per cent of the residents are above 60 years old, noted Mr Yip.

A People’s Association spokesman from its residents’ network division said there are three other Our Residents’ Hubs in Bedok, Bukit Timah and Joo Chiat.

However, the one in Lentor is the first collaboration with an AAC. For example, the one in Bedok is run in collaboration with Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.

“This is the first initiative in Singapore where an AAC is equipped with space and resources to serve seniors in a private landed estate,” noted Mr Yip in a press release on Dec 1.

“Through collaboration with the Ministry of Health, the People’s Association and our grassroots, we are bringing resources closer to the community, caring for our seniors but at the same time empowering them to thrive and take charge of their lives,” he said.

The hub will offer activities to enhance physical and social well-being, including exercise sessions, health talks and hobby-based interest groups.

It also features smart technology such as digital door access and smart switches, allowing flexible use beyond regular hours and supporting community-driven initiatives.

Lentor residents welcomed the pilot initiative, which will run till April 2025.

Madam Irene Koh, 72, who lives in a condominium beside Fudu Walk Park, said that even though she retired five years ago, she has not joined any grassroots activities. With the hub so close to home, she is keen to find out more about the programmes it will offer.

Some language classes would be good, she said.

Another resident, retiree Lam Chian Poh, 63, said he is interested in art and crafts programmes, and learning new skills that could be put to good use at home when things start to break down.

Madam Koh Ah Suan, 75, said she has been living in Lentor estate for more than 20 years, but she does not join any activities in the heartland as they are “too far” from her home.

“I will need to take two buses from Lentor or take a bus to Lentor MRT station and hop on a train to Ang Mo Kio,” she said.

With the hub just minutes from home, she is looking forward to signing up for some classes.

“Hopefully the programmes will be food-related,” said Madam Koh Ah Suan, pointing to her group of friends. “We all love to eat.”

The event also marked the opening of the Lentor Community Garden, promoting sustainable living and community engagement, and featured the Central Singapore Market, which showcased eco-friendly products and served as a platform for persons with disabilities to showcase their talents and earn a livelihood.