Bahru can explore alternate options like a new sports facility in Kolam Ayer, another venue in Whampoa slated for completion by the end of 2025, and ActiveSG swimming complexes in Serangoon, Geylang East, and Jalan Besar.
The government is also continuing to develop and rejuvenate infrastructure to meet Singapore’s diverse sporting needs, with a 30 percent increase in ActiveSG facilities sence 2013. The Farrer Park Town Play Field and Punggol Regional Sport Centre are among the upcoming additions.
Land Use and Redevelopment Plans
Eugene Lim, ERA Singapore’s key executive officer, believes that redeveloping the sites makes sense for better land use, especially since they are close to the city centre. He also noted that the Kallang Basin Swimming Complex and St Wilfred Sport Centre are relatively old compared to newer facilities.
Geylang Bahru requires rejuvenation, as many buildings were constructed in the 1970s. New housing in the area is expected to be popular due to its proximity to the Geylang Bahru MRT station and the Geylang Bahru Market and Food Centre.
Lim predicts that the new Build-To-Order projects will likely be Plus flats due to their proximity to the city. With nearby sites having a plot ratio of 2.8, potential high-rise flats could reach up to 36 storeys, offering a mix of two- to four-room HDB flats.
The St Wilfred facility in Whampoa will shutter on Oct 1.
St Wilfred Sport Centre’s location near St george’s Road, where many HDB flats were built in the 1980s, is also a factor. Its proximity to the city center and a 10-minute walk to Boon Keng MRT station could place new housing in the Plus category.
Plus flats, located near amenities like MRT stations, have stricter resale conditions, including a 10-year minimum occupation period and a subsidy clawback.
Mr. Nicholas Mak,chief research officer at property search portal Mogul.sg, agrees that closing these facilities makes sense given the existing and upcoming sports facilities. He believes the Kallang Basin redevelopment provides an chance for the government to develop the area with a mix of HDB flats and private homes, intensifying land use in the rather aged area.
The St Wilfred area can also be redeveloped to ensure better land utilization, he added.
the Future of Sports and Housing: A Multifaceted Approach
Following the closure of older sports facilities, like St wilfred Sport Center, Singapore is embarking on a dynamic period of urban renewal and infrastructure advancements. This strategic shift aims to optimize land usage, enhance resident accessibility to contemporary amenities, and address the growing demand for both housing and recreational facilities. The evolving landscape underscores a broader commitment to a livable and sustainable city-state. This involves more than just building new sports facilities; it’s about creating vibrant communities.
The redevelopment of areas like Kallang Basin and St Wilfred is not merely about replacing older sports centers with newer ones; it’s also about integrating essential infrastructural elements to meet modern urbanization needs. This integrated approach benefits both homeowners and recreation enthusiasts. These strategic housing and recreational plans reflect singapore’s dedication to providing a top-tier quality of life for all its residents.
Community benefits and Accessibility
One of the primary goals of these initiatives is to increase accessibility to both residential and sporting options. The strategic placement of Plus flats near MRT stations, as noted earlier, is a crucial aspect of this strategy. This ensures residents enjoy convenient transit options, integrating housing into a more cohesive infrastructure network. Simultaneously, the development of new sports amenities in locations like Serangoon, Geylang East, and Jalan Besar, facilitated by ActiveSG, guarantees that Singaporeans across all regions can access excellent fitness choices.
- Enhanced Connectivity: Proximity to MRT stations improves residents’ daily commutes and access to various amenities such as retail and dining options.
- Diverse Housing Choices: A mixture of housing types, including Plus flats, caters to diverse income levels, supporting a more inclusive community.
- Superior Leisure Options: the inclusion of state-of-the-art sports centers throughout the island enhances the recreational portfolio, improving overall well-being and quality of life.
The Role of ActiveSG and Government Investment
The proactive investments of the Singapore government in active living initiatives are crucial to the success of the integrated urban planning scheme. The sustained growth of ActiveSG highlights the government’s commitment to supporting a wide range of fitness options and enhancing community engagement through sports. these programs are not only about establishing physical infrastructure but also about cultivating a mindset of health and wellness among Singaporeans. Since 2013, with an increase of 30% of facilities, ActiveSG has shown to be vital to supporting active living facilities that will be essential for the future.
The government’s strategy balances the needs of sports enthusiasts and prospective homeowners. These efforts also create environments where residents can build active, healthy lifestyles.
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