Atas Neighbourhood Bukit Timah Seeing HDB for the First Time in Nearly 40 Years

Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) recently announced its plans to develop a staggering 15,000 to 20,000 new homes made up of HDB and private developments, over the course of the next two to three decades. These homes made up of both public and private housing will be invading Turf City and revitalising its landscape. The government feels that by creating more housing options in Bukit Timah, it will allow Singaporeans to fulfil their aspirations by living closer to their workplaces in the city.

Operated for a total of 66 years, the former Bukit Timah Turf Club was established in 1933 and has hosted both local and international high-profile racing events. In its heyday, the place attracted many Singapore and foreign dignitaries, even the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II ever graced the venue. The 98-hectare site was the main venue for horse racing in Singapore until it ceased operations in 1999 and was replaced by the Kranji Racecourse.

Let's slowly unravel some of these plans and see what the future of Bukit Timah looks like. This new estate aims to blend housing, heritage, nature, public spaces, and amenities all into an integrated living environment where it is inclusive for current and future residents.

Key Features

(Source: URA)

The redevelopment plans took into consideration a Heritage Impact Assessment and extensive stakeholder feedback. Such plans are to preserve and repurpose selected heritage buildings, mostly the ones that make the place iconic, such as the Grandstands. Up to 27 heritage buildings and structures, along with most of Eng Neo Avenue Forest and Bukit Tinggi will be preserved and integrated to be part of the new landscape.

Adhering closely to urban design guidelines, new developments that are near heritage buildings, green spaces, and existing low-rise housing areas will have lower building heights. A key icon of the neighbourhood will be the two historic grandstands with a new open space in remembrance of the original racetracks.

I'm always in support of the preservation of heritage buildings because even though we progress as a nation and keep up with the times, we shouldn't forget about the past and how we got there. Imagine future generations who have only heard stories about this iconic place. Even without having visited it, they could still experience the awe of standing in the Grandstands, marvelling at the grandeur of Singapore's first international horse racing track. How cool would that be?

(Source: URA)

About a third of the estate will be reserved for parks, open spaces, and natural greenery. The preservation of Eng Neo Avenue Forest and Bukit Tinggi is made in recommendations from the Environmental Impact Assessment and consultations with nature interest groups.

There are also plans underway to connect the two green spaces by implementing a 100m wide planted connection to allow safe passage for wildlife moving between the two areas. Certainly hope they do a better job this time and not repeat the mistake of the Kranji-Woodlands incident where the appointed contractor cleared out too much of the forested area. It's not that I want to bring up such unpleasant news but in a land-scarce country like Singapore, we should do a lot better in protecting green spaces. It was such heartbreaking news.

(Source: URA)

Bukit Timah Turf City is set to become even more convenient with two MRT stations nearby-one on the existing Downtown Line (DTL) and another on the upcoming Cross Island Line (CRL). Residents will be just an 800m or a 10-minute walk away from these stations. The area is also being developed as a car-lite zone, emphasising public transport, walking, and cycling. Car parking spaces will be reduced to make room for more greenery, amenities, and community spaces. Additionally, road improvements are planned to support both current and new developments in the area.

It's so lucky to be connected to two MRT stations running on two separate lines, it automatically boosts the connectivity of the area. With more cycling and pedestrian pathways, discouraging the use of cars, I'm sure the air would smell cleaner too.

That aside, I do hope that the public transportation is set up in time when the residents start moving in and avoid the same situation as Tengah residents who moved in and realised that they have to walk as long as 15 minutes just to access the nearest bus stop.

(Source: URA)

Designed with "10-minute neighbourhoods" in mind, meaning future residents will have easy access to shops, community and recreational facilities, and parks-all within a 10-minute walk from the nearby MRT stations.

With the redevelopment, the area will offer more inclusive and accessible housing. Each of the four new neighbourhoods will have its own unique character, featuring thoughtfully designed public spaces. Most public housing will be located near the two MRT stations, making it easy for residents to access public transport and nearby amenities.

Personally, I would definitely love to live there. Firstly, it's freaking Bukit Timah, it's a town that's a stone's throw away from the city with so many impressive-looking homes. Secondly, the plans announced by the government really make this new development very attractive. It will be a melting pot of lifestyle, culture and heritage all a part of my living environment.

It will also be pretty comfortable considering that the Bukit Timah Turf City redevelopment area of 176-hectare will house 15,000 to 20,000 homes, compared to the new town Tengah where 42,000 homes will be housed in just a 165-hectare site. Bukit Timah Turf City will definitely be considerably less dense due to some areas with height restrictions on buildings. All that said, this is still another two to three decade wait, we will cross the bridge when we get there.