Artist impression of a park in revamped Dawson estate SINGAPORE: Many residents at Dawson estate in Queenstown are thrilled at the prospect of living in a revamped township.
Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, in his National Day Rally speech on Sunday, revealed that the sleepy neighbourhood will be given a new lease of life.
He said that there is enough space to build some 10,000 HDB and private flats there.
The estate will also have new facilities and entertainment options.
For businessman Eric Toh, he hopes a rejuvenated Dawson estate will bring him more customers.
The owner of E.S. Electromart Superstore says his business has been manageable in the past three years, but he hopes to expand his customer base, 80 percent of which comes from the Dawson area.
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Residents in Dawson estate looking forward to new facilities
"Business will be better, if they make transportation more convenient.....more people will come," says Mr Toh.
For resident Annie Yeo, she hopes re-development means more convenience.
Annie, who has been doing much of her shopping outside Dawson estate, said she likes the idea of having bigger shopping malls nearby.
She also hopes a revamped Dawson area will help to push up the price of her flat.
Other residents say they like the idea of having more greenery in the estate.
"When we moved here, we missed the park.....at Clementi.....My husband like to jog at the park," says Jiennywati Nitisastro, who last stayed at Clementi.
Though many residents are excited about the future developments in Dawson estate, some hope that the tranquillity there will not be disturbed.
The two MPs in charge of the area say there will be feedback sessions for residents to have a say on what to be included in the upgrading project.
They add that planners need to be careful so as to avoid duplication.
"There have been other developments in regions like Buona Vista and Holland Village. They also serve different purposes and different activities are there. They have to take into consideration whether there could be an oversupply of such retail and commercial activities," says Baey Yam Keng, an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC.
"PM gave the big picture and as it is with details, sometimes there can be confusion. So when the details are released, it is important for grassroots leaders and the MPs to meet with the elderly and explain to them so that they know what are being provided for them," says Indranee Rajah, an MP for Tanjong Pagar GRC.
The HDB is also expected to conduct road shows on its upgrading plans around Singapore. - CNA/ir
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