Zumba by the Woodlands Waterfront? This dream may soon come true for Mdm Siti Mariam with the plans to transform Woodlands into the “Star Destination of the North” under HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme.

Having lived in Woodlands for 18 years, the waterfront park is a favourite hangout spot for Mdm Siti and her family. They were delighted to share their ideas on how it could be made even better when they were invited to participate in HDB’s focus group discussions for the ROH plans in 2015. Together with many other residents, they gave suggestions on the improvements they hoped to see in Woodlands.

Mdm Siti Mariam and her family shared what they love about Woodlands and contributed ideas to turn it into the “Star Destination of the North”.

Last month, at the Woodlands ROH exhibition, Mdm Siti was thrilled to see her suggestions featured among the six “star attractions” to renew the town. The Woodlands Waterfront will be refreshed with a new rustic park and nature promenade. It will also be much easier to visit the Waterfront with the new scenic 1.9km “WoodsVista Gallery” connecting the park directly to the heart of the town.

Walking, jogging and cycling between Woodlands Central and Woodlands Waterfront will be a breeze with a new 1.9km WoodsVista Gallery.

Involving residents from the start

Residents know their town best and this is why public consultation has been a vital element of HDB’s ROH programme since it was launched in 2007. In drawing up the renewal plans for Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris, HDB engaged residents and stakeholders right from the start to ensure the plans benefit as many residents as possible.

A total of 11 focus group discussions were held with around 400 residents and community stakeholders from the three towns. Residents from age 17 to 81 participated enthusiastically in the sessions. Following the feedback and suggestions gathered, the ROH plans were refined and showcased for public feedback through a series of exhibitions from April to May this year.

Woodlands residents hoped that the
town will be enhanced with more greenery.

Toa Payoh residents suggested
improvements to the cycling paths to
make the daily commute easier and safer.

Plans focus on strengthening Character, Community and Connectivity

While the plans have been tailored to suit the needs of each town, one common thread runs through them. The renewal plans focus on strengthening the character, community, and connectivity of each town. Here are some highlights of the plans:

Housing in the Woods in Woodlands North Coast

Characterised by its hilly terrain, the northern part of Woodlands will feature new housing developments with lush greenery and views of the Admiralty Park and the Straits of Johor, bringing nature one step closer to residents.

“Housing in the Woods” will leverage on hilly terrain of Woodlands North Coast, to create HDB homes with abundant greenery and views of the Admiralty Park and the Straits of Johor.

More community spaces for Toa Payoh residents

More community spaces will be added in Toa Payoh to bring residents together. Building on the charm and rich heritage of this mature town, the ROH plans for Toa Payoh will include a good spread of new community facilities throughout the town for residents to mingle and linger.

The Pedestrian Mall, stretching from the Toa Payoh Public Library to the open plaza fronting HDB Hub and Courts furniture store, will feature lush landscaping, more seating spaces, and sheltered rest areas, to provide a more conducive environment for community interaction.

New Central Greenway to connect Pasir Ris Town Centre to the park and beach

Embracing a car-lite Singapore, Pasir Ris town will see a new Central Greenway with elevated cycling and pedestrian paths. This will connect residents directly from the town centre to the Pasir Ris Park and Beach in under 10 minutes. The park and beach area will also be refreshed with more recreational facilities and play spaces, so residents can enjoy the sun, sea and sand right at their doorstep!

A new Central Greenway in Pasir Ris will offer residents direct and seamless access from the Pasir Ris Town Centre to Pasir Ris Park and Beach.

A better home awaits

The ROH plans will benefit over half a million residents in Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris. Residents can look forward to the plans being progressively implemented over the next five to 10 years. Those who missed the exhibitions can view the e-exhibitions on the HDB InfoWEB (www.hdb.gov.sg/ROH).