SINGAPORE – Excitement is brewing among the residents of Jalan Besar GRC as their community gears up for a monumental transformation over the next five years. Thanks to a newly launched masterplan aimed at creating a greener and more eco-friendly environment, families can expect their neighborhoods to flourish with smart LED lighting and an abundance of trees.

Minister for Digital Development and Information, Josephine Teo, unveiled the ambitious plan on April 6. At its core, sustainability will play a pivotal role in the town council's vision from 2026 to 2030, establishing Jalan Besar as a leading model for environmental stewardship as part of the broader Singapore Green Plan 2030.

In a bid to foster intergenerational interactions, the plan promises to create a wealth of shared spaces for residents of all ages. This includes renovated neighborhood parks, vibrant children’s playgrounds, fitness corners tailored for adults and seniors, and pedestrian-friendly streets designed to encourage community engagement. The enhancements will span both public and private estates, ensuring widespread access for residents in the area.

The masterplan outlines over 100 exciting initiatives geared toward inclusivity and community cohesion. Notably, the historic group representation constituency will see significant upgrades, such as way-finding features—including clear motifs and color-coded zones—targeted specifically to assist residents with dementia and other mobility challenges.

Planting the seeds for community gardening, the upcoming gardens will be designed for inclusivity, featuring elevated planter boxes that are accessible to all, including individuals with mobility difficulties. The addition of wheelchair-accessible paths and enhanced barrier-free options, such as ramps and assistance aids, will further ensure inclusiveness.

The town council is placing a strong emphasis on nurturing connections between younger and older residents, blending the historical essence of Jalan Besar's oldest Housing Board flats with a modern twist, as new Build-To-Order estates continue to emerge in the vicinity.

Significantly, the masterplan development process included extensive engagement with the community, gathering insights from over 3,000 residents through detailed street interviews. According to Mrs. Teo, expressing gratitude for community input, “This plan is not just the town council's endeavor; it truly belongs to the residents themselves.”

Furthermore, the town council highlighted numerous improvements implemented in Jalan Besar over the last five years, benefitting more than 53,000 households. Some of the remarkable upgrades include 62 new and renovated lifts which serve over 4,500 homes, enhanced markets and hawker centers, and the installation of solar panels on 439 residential blocks—an exciting leap towards sustainability.

Major contributions from other government entities further enriched the area, including the opening of six new MRT stations along the Thomson-East Coast and Circle lines, and the construction of the Kallang Bahru Underpass. The upgraded Golden Mile and Beo Crescent markets are now more than just shopping destinations—they are cleaner, friendlier environments that elevate the experience for both customers and stallholders alike.

Lastly, an impressive 78 residential blocks have been upgraded under the Home Improvement Programme, positively impacting over 8,200 homes. This comprehensive masterplan signals a new dawn for Jalan Besar, promising a vibrant, interconnected, and sustainable community where elderly residents and families thrive. Stay tuned as this transformation unfolds, and witness a future where everyone can call Jalan Besar home!