The metamorphosis of Yishun from an ageing town into a vibrant sanctuary is well on its way.
One of three pilot towns to be rejuvenated under HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) plan, which was launched in September 2007, Yishun has since undergone many transformations, starting with the town centre.
- Realising the Vision for New Estates
- Rejuvenating Communities in Middle-Aged Estates
- Regenerating Old Estates
Visitors to Yishun’s Northpoint Shopping Centre are already enjoying an expanded retail and dining mix with the completion of extension works adding 68 new shops, and the opening of the new Yishun Public Library.
Next to be developed will be a three-storey lookout tower, designed to be Yishun’s very own iconic landmark. Resembling a butterfly in flight, and set amidst the lush landscaping of Yishun Pond, it will have a 94-metre winding ramp leading to a viewing deck with a panoramic view of the Town Centre, and an 84-metre overhead bridge spanning across Yishun Central and ending in the lush greenery of the existing Yishun Park.
The lookout tower - a future iconic landmark of Yishun
The Project Director for Yishun ROH, Senior Architect Tan Hwee Yong was happy that “the majority of residents are very satisfied with the current progress of the remaking plans.”
“They are excited about the pond and lookout tower, and the naming exercise for the tower has got the residents really enthusiastic about the remaking plans for Yishun,” he said.
native forest and the wetlands,
which attract wildlife, as well as
the air-conditioned bus terminal,”
said Mr Rafie of Block 212 Yishun
Street 21, who has lived in Yishun
for the past 20 years
HDB has received more than 1200 suggestions of a name for the lookout tower. Popular ones included “Butterfly Tower”, “Yishun Tower”, “Northern Tower”, and “Nee Soon Tower.” Residents also applauded the special efforts to bring the exhibitions closer to them.
Yishun Pond itself will be transformed into a health-promoting, inter-generational garden with ecological-friendly features. A promenade, a child-friendly play pond and flower and nature trails will be created, with wetlands and a native forest of indigenous trees to attract wildlife and enhance biodiversity.
Other upcoming developments comprise a new hospital - the Khoo Teck Puat Hospital - a heritage corner and trail, the upgrading of the pedestrian mall at Yishun Central 1, and a shopping complex integrated with housing, bus interchange, and town plaza.
All the above exhibits were on display at the Yishun ROH update held from end June to July 2009. The exhibition kicked off together with the topping-out ceremony for the new hospital, before moving on to Northpoint Shopping Centre and various Community Clubs/Centres in Yishun.