Yishun To Get Exciting New Facilities In Facelift

Source : The Straits Times, July 26, 2008

Among them are a library and possibly a shopping complex linked to interchange

YISHUN might be showing its age but it is in line for a radical renewal that will smarten up existing facilities and add exciting new ones.

Details of the rejuvenation plan were announced yesterday, and include additions to the town centre, including the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital, a new library, covered walkways and possibly a new shopping complex integrated with the bus interchange.

IN THE WORKS: More outdoor and sporting facilities will be built in Yishun under the plan to remake the estate. Also on the cards is a new boardwalk to connect the town centre to the outdoor areas. -- PHOTO: HDB

A new boardwalk will also connect the town centre to outdoor areas like Yishun Pond.

The plan, Remaking Our Heartland: Enriching My Yishun, is part of a nationwide Neighbourhood Renewal Programme announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech last year.

Its aim is to enhance the value of homes and neighbourhoods through upgrading and estate renewal projects.

'Through this initiative, the Government will build the HDB heartland of tomorrow to match the rising expectations of our people and make Singapore our best home,' said National Development Minister Mah Bow Tan, who outlined the Yishun details yesterday.

'Give us another five years and you'll be able to see the change in Yishun.'

Residents are keen on the plan. Mr Jef Ng, 27, who has lived in the area for 13 years, told The Straits Times: 'It is high time Yishun got a facelift. We have always felt somewhat neglected, but these new plans sound really exciting.'

ADDING VALUE: The upgrading and renewal projects aim to enhance the value of homes and neighbourhoods in Yishun. -- PHOTO: HDB

Mr Mah also officiated at the launch of the first Home Improvement Programme (HIP) in Singapore.

The HIP allows flat owners to have certain essential improvements carried out at the expense of the Government, which will also subsidise some optional ones.

Owners can vote on the work they want done at their estates and in their flats. Essential improvements include mending weathered concrete and replacing waste pipes, while optional ones refer to upgrades of toilets, entrance doors, metal grille gates and refuse hoppers.

Owners co-pay between $550 and $1,375 if they choose any of the optional improvements, depending on flat size.

Exhibitions have been set up in Yishun Street 21 to give owners a better idea of their options under the HIP before they vote on their choice of improvements.

Polling closes on Monday. HDB needs a minimum support of 75 per cent from eligible residents before works can be carried out.

'I encourage residents to take some time to tour this HIP exhibition and the Enriching My Yishun exhibition at the town centre,' said Mr Mah.

'With feedback and participation, we can make Yishun an even more vibrant and exciting place to live and play.'

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Target 2009 and beyond

THESE are the enhancements Yishun residents can expect from 2009, based on the estimated date of completion:


By 2009

# Heritage Trail and Heritage Corner
This will raise awareness of Yishun's history.


By 2010

# Khoo Teck Puat Hospital
Built next to Yishun Pond, this will give patients access to a therapeutic garden.

# Family & Rowers' Bay
This capitalises on the water resources for leisure activities.

# Upgrading of park
The upgrade at Yishun Neighbourhood 6 will also include the first phase of a 7.5km-long cycle track around Yishun Ring Road.


By 2011

# Build-to-order (BTO) housing projects

The two separate BTO projects are Jade Spring@Yishun and Jade Spring@Yishun Phase 2.


By 2013

# A shopping complex integrated with the bus interchange

Tender for the project will be called in 2010.

# New road connecting Yishun to the Central Expressway

SOURCE: HDB