Mr Koh Cher Siang, Chairman, HDB
Mr Tay Kim Poh, CEO, HDB
Distinguished guests
Ladies and gentlemen

        Good evening. I am pleased to be here tonight at this special dinner to recognize HDB's partners for their contributions to our public housing programme.

Public Housing in Singapore

2.      Singapore's public housing programme is unique. It houses 81% of Singaporeans in quality homes. It has enabled 9 out of 10 of them to be proud owners of modern homes in estates that boast a comprehensive range of facilities and amenities. This is a contrast to the situation in many other countries where public housing is generally associated with slums and low quality housing.

3.      Our public housing achievement has not gone unnoticed. The latest in the string of international accolades is the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award 2008 conferred on HDB for the excellence of its Home Ownership Programme.

4.      When we reflect on the early beginnings of public housing, it is hard to imagine that HDB homes have become what they are today. To meet the acute housing shortage in the early 1960s, the HDB built very basic and spartan flats in large numbers quickly. Today, HDB flats are modern sky-rise apartments with features that come close to what private housing can offer.

Partnering Industry

5.       The quantum leap was made possible because we aim to provide the best home possible for Singaporeans - homes that are affordable and of good quality. Homes where Singaporeans can raise their families and sink their roots. It was also made possible because of the excellent partnership between HDB and its partners. Without the building and construction expertise or the creative contribution of design and architectural consultants from the private sector, we could not have taken public housing to where it is today. Tonight's event is therefore an affirmation and recognition of our partners for their outstanding achievements and contributions to public housing.

6.       This partnership has developed progressively over the years. The range of works and involvement has expanded, from construction of flats and design and architectural services, to involvement in downstream activities such as sales and marketing under the Design, Build and Sell Scheme (DBSS).

7.       Going forward, HDB will be building further upon this partnership that has served our public housing well. Tonight, I am glad to announce that we will be appointing the design consultants for the new generation public housing projects in Dawson Estate in our efforts to "Remake Our Heartland".

Remaking Our Heartland

8.       At the National Day Rally speech last year, the Prime Minister announced an exciting and ambitious plan to build the HDB heartland of tomorrow - endearing and vibrant homes that fulfil the rising expectations of our people. Three towns representing three age bands were selected to pilot and showcase the remaking plans. For old HDB estates, HDB is embarking to build a new generation of public housing where there are sizeable tracts of vacant land. Dawson Estate was picked to pioneer these innovative ideas.

9.       Last year, three award-winning local architectural firms were invited to translate key ideas and concepts for Dawson Estate into conceptual design proposals for three public housing developments. Their conceptual designs were shown to the public at the Remaking Our Heartland Exhibition last year and were very well received.

10.      In view of the favourable response, we have decided to appoint all three firms as the design consultants - SCDA Architects, WOHA Architects and Surbana International Consultants for the Dawson public housing projects.

11.      Tonight, two firms, SCDA and WOHA, will receive letters of appointment. The two sites that they have been working on are currently vacant and ready for development. The third company, Surbana, will receive the letter of appointment when the site of their design has been cleared and is ready for development.

12.      The participation of these firms will not only give HDB flat buyers greater variety and choice, it will also bring a livelier, more attractive buzz to Dawson.

Transforming Our Dawson

13.      The plans for Dawson do not end with the appointment of the three architectural firms. It is just the beginning. Let me briefly elaborate on what is in the pipeline.

Creating a Distinct Identity

14.      One of the key ideas for Dawson Estate is "Housing In A Park". To realise this vision, a Landscape Masterplan will integrate Dawson Estate's urban context with its natural setting, next to the Alexandra Canal Linear Park.

15.      HDB has appointed an award-winning local landscape architectural firm, Cicada Pte Ltd, to draw up a Landscape Masterplan interweaving all the three precincts. This will create a seamless, contiguous flow and a stronger, distinct identity for the entire Dawson Estate.

Preserving our Heritage

16.      Being one of the oldest HDB estates, Dawson has a wealth of history and memories to share. It is in fact the site of the first public housing estate in Singapore. The distinct identity for Dawson will therefore incorporate its heritage.

17.      To preserve its rich history, familiar icons will be retained and integrated with new developments, where possible. HDB will be collecting Dawson's memorabilia and pieces of its nostalgic past to weave into the new development. These can be any items relating to Dawson Estate, such as old photos, postcards, books or even old cinema tickets from the former cinemas in Dawson Estate. If you have such items, please contribute them so that you can help us retain and relive the fond memories of the past for our future generation. Such memories are what bind us as a nation and make this place special for Singaporeans.

Getting Involved

18.      The preliminary designs for Dawson Estates from the three architectural firms have been updated to incorporate feedback received since the exhibition last year. Before the design consultants finalise their designs, we would like to welcome the views of more Singaporeans, especially those who plan to buy a new HDB flat there. This journey to Remaking Our Heartland is about shaping our homes of the future. HDB is therefore holding an exhibition on the updates for plans for Dawson Estate at HDB HUB from tomorrow till 10th of August to seek further feedback.

Sale of Flats in Dawson

19.     I believe many Singaporeans are eager to know when the new generation flats in Dawson will be offered for sale. In March last year in Parliament, I said that construction of the new generation public housing estate in the Dawson area is expected to commence within three to four years. Tonight, I am glad to inform you that this project is on track.

20.      For the two sites designed by the consultants appointed tonight, HDB plans to launch the first batch of flats for sale in about a year's time. If all continues smoothly, construction could start six months thereafter and complete around 2014.

Yishun and Punggol

21.      Our efforts to "Remake our Heartland" are not just confined to the rejuvenation of the old estates. It covers all categories of HDB estates, including the middle-aged and new, to meet the changing needs of an ever-evolving community.

22.      Just last weekend, polling for the first precinct identified for the new Home Improvement Programme kicked off in Yishun. When polling closed on Monday night, all the nine blocks in the precinct voted for the programme. Overall, 94.1% of the eligible voters in the precinct supported HIP. Alongside this are numerous plans to remake Yishun, such as the transformation of the Town Centre, creating more outdoor recreational facilities, and preserving its history.

23.      HDB is also developing Punggol into a waterfront town of the 21st Century. HDB has invited the public to contribute ideas on the homes along the Waterway, and the kind of facilities and amenities that are desired. HDB has also organised a Waterway Landscape Masterplan Design Competition for professionals, which I understand has drawn much interest.

Conclusion

24.      In conclusion, there has been much progress in the Remaking Our Heartland efforts since the announcement in August last year. In time to come, equally exciting plans will be customized and offered to other estates.

25.      There will be challenges along the way, such as grappling with inflation and competing for resources amidst the global construction boom, while keeping HDB flats affordable. I am confident that with the same determination and cooperation shown by HDB and its partners, we can continue to forge ahead. Let us work together to make Singapore a great place to live, work and play.

26.      I wish you a pleasant evening.

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