New residential estate in Sengkang could have 10,000 homes
A proposed plan for a new residential estate adjacent to the Tampines Expressway (TPE) in Fernvale North, Sengkang, suggests the potential construction of approximately 10,000 homes. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) is in the process of preparing an 18.9-hectare site bordered by Jalan Kayu, Fernvale Street, the TPE, and the upcoming Sengkang West Drive for housing development. The proposed amendments to the URA master plan, unveiled on April 29, outline provisions for parks, a place of worship, and a health and medical facility within the estate.
The proposed development aims to address the housing demand in the area while offering commercial and recreational amenities, social and community facilities, improved park accessibility, and enhanced road connectivity for current and future residents. Situated near the Seletar Aerospace Park and an evolving industrial area in Seletar West, the estate enjoys proximity to essential amenities such as two LRT stations, Thanggam and Kupang, and the Sengkang Riverside Park.
The suggested adjustments in plot ratio for the land parcels range from 3.9 to 4.2, indicating the permissible intensity of development. Analysts anticipate a mix of housing types including Build-To-Order (BTO) flats, condominiums, and executive condos to cater to diverse housing needs. Ms. Christine Sun of OrangeTee Group suggests pent-up demand for BTO flats in Sengkang, considering the absence of public housing launches since 2019. She foresees the large land parcel accommodating this demand and potentially facilitating upgrades to private housing for long-term residents.
Eugene Lim from ERA Singapore emphasizes the strategic location of the site in supporting the workforce for nearby hubs like the Punggol Digital District and Seletar Aerospace Park. He anticipates population influx to support the development of adjacent industrial and commercial areas.
In addition, the recent completion of the Seletar Link Flyover and the forthcoming Sengkang West Drive signify improvements in transportation infrastructure, complementing the anticipated rise in traffic due to new developments in Punggol. Local MP Gan Thiam Poh welcomes the development, acknowledging the demand for housing expressed by residents seeking to live closer to family or upgrade to larger homes. He notes the accessibility provided by nearby LRT stations, linking future residents to amenities within Sengkang.
Meanwhile, in Bukit Panjang, plans to repurpose the former site of Greenridge Secondary School for residential development aim to address housing demand in the area and enhance access to amenities and public transport. Analysts estimate the potential yield of approximately 700 flats or 1,000 private apartments, with a likelihood of the project being a BTO initiative given the limited supply of new flats in the estate. Mr. Lim suggests a focus on larger units such as four- and five-room flats due to the prevailing shortage of such options in the area.
