In an exciting development, Singapore’s Housing and Development Board (HDB) is set to transform the serene Bayshore region into a bustling residential hub. This massive project involves the construction of 7,000 Housing Board flats, marking a significant extension of the vibrant Bedok town. The first two Build-To-Order (BTO) projects are scheduled for sale in the second half of 2024. Let’s dive into the details of this remarkable transformation.
1. The Bayshore Expansion
The Bayshore expansion is a colossal undertaking that will see the creation of 10,000 homes on a 60-hectare site. This reclaimed land stretches between Upper East Coast Road and East Coast Parkway, offering residents picturesque waterfront and city views.
2. Diverse Housing Options
Among the 7,000 new flats, 3,000 units will be designated for private housing, providing a wide range of choices for prospective residents. The remaining 4,000 units are part of the HDB project, designed to cater to the public housing needs of the region.
3. First Two BTO Projects
The initial BTO projects are expected to comprise around 1,400 two-room flexi, three-room, and four-room flats. What sets them apart are the full-height windows, offering residents stunning waterfront views of East Coast Park or captivating city views of Bedok town.
4. Housing Classifications
HDB has classified these BTO projects under the ‘Plus’ category, indicating their prime location, proximity to transport nodes, and nearby amenities. Starting in the second half of 2024, these flats will come with stricter resale conditions, including a mandatory 10-year minimum occupation period.
5. Minister’s Vision
National Development Minister Desmond Lee expressed his enthusiasm for these new projects, as they mark the first public housing developments in East Coast since the construction of HDB flats in Marine Parade. The aim is to create more inclusive neighborhoods by offering various housing typologies, including rental flats.
6. Project Timeline
The Bayshore estate is set to be fully developed by the mid-2030s. A unique feature of these flats is that structural beams and columns will be placed along the edges, allowing homeowners flexibility in customizing their unit layouts according to their needs.
7. Connectivity
Most homes in Bayshore will be within a five-minute walk of the upcoming Bayshore and Bedok South MRT stations on the Thomson-East Coast Line. The accessibility doesn’t stop there; Bayshore will be a car-lite estate, with cycling and walking paths that connect to the Round Island Route and a 15km green corridor linking East Coast Park and Changi Beach.
8. Bayshore Drive
At the heart of Bayshore, a new street called Bayshore Drive will host shops, eateries, supermarkets, health facilities, sports amenities, and recreational spaces. A “transit priority corridor” will ensure efficient public transport access.
9. Green Spaces
Green spaces will be seamlessly integrated into the Bayshore landscape. A 3-hectare central park will run through the estate, offering open lawns for picnics and leisurely strolls. Playgrounds will have a rustic theme, and various walking trails will be available.
10. Integrated Development
On the eastern side of the estate, an integrated development will be linked to a bus interchange and Bedok South MRT station. This development will feature residential units and retail and dining shops, though the public or private nature of this development is yet to be specified.
11. Sustainable Design
The Bayshore project will incorporate sustainable design strategies. For instance, solar panels will be installed on the roofs of the first two BTO projects, and a pneumatic waste conveyance system will be used to transport household waste via underground pipes to a central bin center.
12. Conservation Efforts
Despite the substantial development, care will be taken to manage the environment. HDB will work with the National Parks Board to identify and conserve plants of conservation value, mitigating the impact of construction on local flora and fauna.
13. Future Prospects
The HDB continues to issue keys to flat buyers, with plans to increase the pipeline of new BTO projects. As of now, approximately 80,000 BTO flats are under construction in nearly 100 projects across Singapore. This number is expected to rise to 110,000 flats across 150 projects by 2025.