SINGAPORE:

In an exciting announcement, Minister for National Development Desmond Lee revealed that seventeen Housing Board (HDB) neighborhoods across Singapore will soon undergo significant upgrading works under the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme (NRP). The undertaking will cost a whopping S$165 million (approximately US$123 million), benefiting over 25,000 households.

This latest effort marks the 16th batch of upgrades in the NRP and signifies a progressive shift, as it will now include HDB blocks constructed between 1996 and 1999 for the first time. The selected neighborhoods span various regions, including Bukit Panjang, Sembawang, and Sengkang, ensuring a comprehensive enhancement across the island.

These tailored upgrading works are designed according to feedback from residents and may introduce amenities such as residents' corners, seating areas, covered linkways, drop-off porches, playgrounds, and landscaped spaces. The HDB, alongside the Ministry of National Development (MND), stated that the renovations aim to foster greater community interaction and cohesion among residents.

The government will fully fund these projects, with town councils taking charge of implementation. They will engage design consultants and contractors and oversee the project timelines to ensure efficiency and quality.

Since the NRP's inception in 2007, over S$1.5 billion has been allocated to 229 projects, with 131 already completed by March 2025. The upcoming improvements will focus significantly on enhancing accessibility for seniors, aligning with the Age Well SG initiative, which promotes senior-friendly amenities like therapeutic gardens, fitness trials, and navigational features within neighborhoods. To facilitate these enhancements, the budget per flat allocated under the NRP will increase from S$6,100 to approximately S$6,600.

Enhanced Lift Access Housing Grant Announced!

In a related development, the Lift Upgrading Programme, introduced in 2001, has retrofitted more than 5,000 older HDB blocks with lifts stopping at every floor, ensuring around 99% of HDB blocks now feature direct lift access. For blocks that are unable to qualify due to financial or technical constraints, the HDB has provided a Lift Access Housing Grant to assist residents in acquiring new or resale flats equipped with direct lift access.

Starting from this Sunday, the maximum grant will significantly increase from S$30,000 to S$80,000 for families and from S$15,000 to S$40,000 for singles. "We hope that this substantial enhancement will facilitate an easier transition for more households facing mobility challenges, allowing them to move into homes better suited for their accessibility needs," expressed Mr. Lee.

As Singapore continues to evolve and improve its living conditions, these substantial investments in community infrastructure not only uplift neighborhoods but also enhance the quality of life for thousands of residents. Stay tuned for more updates on the transformations happening in Singapore’s heartlands!