Dozens of HDB blocks, precincts across Singapore to get S$95 million upgrade
Google Street View of an HDB block in Hougang.
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SINGAPORE: Several precincts across Singapore will get a facelift as part of the latest batch of improvements under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP).
A total of 23 projects have been identified, said the Housing and Development Board (HDB) on Saturday (Jun 1). These projects cover dozens of HDB flats in areas such as Hougang, Ang Mo Kio, Nee Soon, Clementi, Choa Chu Kang and Pasir Ris.
More than S$95 million (US$70 million) will be set aside for these projects, which are expected to benefit more than 15,600 households.Â
Introduced in August 2007, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme focuses on improvements at the block and precinct levels, for blocks built up to 1995.
Examples of possible improvements include new playgrounds, fitness corners, covered linkways, drop-off porches and seating areas at void decks.
“The improvement items for each project are tailored based on residents’ feedback on the features they hope to see in their neighbourhood,” HDB said.
The works are fully funded by the government and implemented by the respective town councils who will engage their own design consultants and building contractors as well as monitor the progress of the projects.
More than S$95 million will be set aside for 23 upgrading projects in neighbourhoods islandwide. This latest edition of the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme will benefit over 15,600 households. The Housing and Development Board says it will also increase the budget for these projects as well as eligible ongoing ones because of rising material and manpower costs.
Given rising costs, HDB will provide town councils with a bigger budget for the latest batch of projects as well as eligible ones that are ongoing.
The current NRP budget is S$4,700 per flat, comprising S$3,400 per flat for block-level and precinct-level works and S$1,300 per flat for repair and redecoration works.
The amount will be raised to S$6,100 per flat for these NRP projects.
Since 2007, more than S$1.5 billion has been set aside to fund 203 projects under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme.
With the latest batch of projects, all eligible blocks built up to 1995 have been selected, said HDB.
“Moving forward, NRP will be extended to blocks built up to 1999. This will benefit more than 100,000 additional flats,” it added.
HDB said details of the engagement sessions with residents to find out about what improvements they would like to see will be shared by the respective local advisers, grassroots leaders and town councils over the next few months.
