New Educational Facilities

Big changes are on the horizon for residents of Sembawang GRC, with the announcement of new educational facilities and improved access to public transport expected by 2029. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung unveiled these plans on March 23 during the grand opening of the Bukit Canberra integrated sports and community hub.

Among the highlights of this announcement is the construction of additional pre-schools to accommodate the growing population. According to Minister Ong, two new pre-school centers will emerge from ongoing Build-To-Order (BTO) projects: Canberra Vista and Sun Sails, each boasting 300 places for eager young learners. In addition, a larger venue in East Canberra will provide 400 more pre-school spots. "In the coming two years, we will add 1,000 pre-school places in Sembawang town," he emphasized, aiming to support the community's educational needs.

New Primary School

A new primary school is also in the works for East Canberra, pending approval from the Ministry of Education. If successful, residents can look forward to the new school opening its doors by 2029, contributing to the educational landscape in the region.

Improved Transport Accessibility

In an effort to improve transport accessibility, Minister Ong announced plans for a high sheltered linkway over Sembawang Way, facilitating a more convenient route to the nearby Sembawang MRT station. Construction is expected to begin shortly, with completion projected by the end of 2026.

Community Facilities and Amenities

At the opening event, Minister Ong, along with fellow Sembawang GRC MPs, participated in activities at the newly installed facilities, including the Forest Gym – reportedly the largest outdoor ActiveSG gym in Singapore. This obstacle course features state-of-the-art designs for fitness enthusiasts and families alike. Nearby, the Canberra Cove water play area continues to attract children and families, featuring two play areas: a spacious wading pool and interactive water fountains.

More amenities are set to launch soon within Bukit Canberra, including a dog run, a new public library at the former Admiralty House, and lush community gardens. Moreover, with the anticipated relocation of Sembawang Shipyard to Tuas in 2026, the area will open up significant waterfront land for future developments. This includes 8,000 BTO flats and an additional 2,000 private housing units in the promising new Sembawang North estate.

Heritage and Community Vibe

Sembawang is also rich in heritage, with the backdrop of its iconic black-and-white bungalows. Recently, 20 of these beautiful homes have been opened for commercial use, paving the way for restaurants, chalets, and retail shops.

Minister Ong proudly highlighted the unique charm of Sembawang, from its lush natural landscapes to its close-knit community vibe. He emphasized the importance of preserving the town's distinct characteristics as new developments unfold. "We have many kampung folks still living here. The vibe here is different, and we aim to develop the town while taking care of its special characteristics," he remarked.

A Thriving Future

Sembawang is not just evolving but thriving—residents can expect an enhanced quality of life with exciting developments on the way!