A rejuvenation plan is underway for the Tanjong Pagar GRC and Radin Mas SMC regions in Singapore, promising to introduce a series of upgrades including green spaces, sheltered walkways, and pedestrian-friendly streets. This five-year plan was recently unveiled at the Redhill Market by Melvin Yong, the chairman of the Tanjong Pagar Town Council and Radin Mas Member of Parliament. The initiative is part of the Remaking Our Heartland Programme and aims to revitalize all six divisions of the Tanjong Pagar town, including Buona Vista, Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru, Moulmein-Cairnhill, Queenstown, Henderson-Dawson, and Radin Mas.
Key Upgrades for a Sustainable Environment
The revitalization plan is designed to create a more sustainable and walkable environment for residents by introducing additional green corridors and pedestrian-friendly streets. These enhancements will be strategically located near key amenities like markets, hawker centers, and community centers to cater to high pedestrian flow. Moreover, the introduction of sheltered walkways and ramps will improve accessibility throughout the town, making it easier for residents to move around comfortably.
Improved connectivity is also a key focus of the plan, with upgraded roads and enhanced public transport nodes set to enhance accessibility to other parts of Singapore. Sustainable transport options are being promoted through the installation of more electric vehicle charging stations and additional bicycle racks. By the end of this year, all 156 Housing and Development Board (HDB) car parks in Tanjong Pagar town will be equipped with EV charging points, encouraging residents to opt for eco-friendly modes of transportation.
Efforts to reduce energy consumption are also underway, with plans to switch to LED smart lights that are more energy-efficient, install Elevator Energy Regeneration Systems to cut elevator energy consumption, and optimize electricity usage across the estates. By 2030, up to 58,000 solar panels will be installed on HDB rooftops in Tanjong Pagar town, with surplus energy being fed back into the power grid. The town is also set to introduce more specialized recycling facilities for e-waste and used cooking oil, alongside innovative initiatives like food digesters that convert food waste into compost.
Community-Centric Approach and Expected Upgrades
Melvin Yong emphasized the importance of building shared spaces to accommodate the increasing number of residents in the area, highlighting the significance of connectivity and community engagement in the planning process. The town council aims to work closely with community groups and residents to ensure that their inputs are valuable in shaping the town’s development.
Exhibition panels at the Redhill Market showcased the expected upgrades in various divisions, including the introduction of new facilities and amenities. For instance, the Tanjong Pagar-Tiong Bahru division will witness upgrades to its basketball court, amphitheater, and communal plaza, while Radin Mas is slated for renovations at the Redhill Market and Telok Blangah Rise Market. Queenstown will see the addition of more parks and recreational spaces, alongside improved signage for better navigation within the estate.
Preserving Heritage Amidst Modernization
As the town undergoes modernization, efforts will also be made to preserve its heritage. Melvin Yong emphasized the importance of retaining each neighborhood’s unique heritage, with plans to transform Bukit Merah into a “living museum” through heritage-related projects. The town council aims to refresh mature HDB blocks and enhance community spaces to facilitate interaction and bonding among new and longtime residents.
Over the next five years, key upgrading programs such as the Repair and Redecoration Programme, Home Improvement Programme, and Lift Enhancement or Replacement Programme will continue to be implemented to enhance the quality of living in Tanjong Pagar town. Ultimately, the rejuvenation plan seeks to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and vibrant environment for residents, fostering a sense of community and belonging in the heart of Singapore’s urban landscape.
