Khatib Camp, a long-standing Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) base located in Yishun, will be returned to the state to facilitate the development of new residential housing, the Ministry of Defence (Mindef) announced. The military units and operations currently housed at Khatib Camp will be relocated to Amoy Quee Camp, which has been undergoing redevelopment since April 2024.
Mindef stated on 24 July that the redevelopment of Amoy Quee Camp, along with its supporting infrastructure and facilities, is slated for completion by 2030. The land use of Amoy Quee Camp will be intensified to accommodate not only the relocated units from Khatib Camp but also additional operational, maintenance, and administrative entities.
Strategic Land Use and Urban Development
The Ministry of Defence emphasised its ongoing collaboration with key agencies such as the Ministry of National Development and the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) to manage Singapore’s limited land resources effectively. This effort aims to balance the country’s national development priorities alongside defence and security requirements.
According to the URA Draft Master Plan 2025, the land currently occupied by Khatib Camp, which spans approximately 29 hectares, has been earmarked for residential development. While the gross plot ratio—determining the maximum allowable building height and density—has yet to be assigned, the area sits adjacent to the Chencharu estate, a 70-hectare site earmarked for new homes in Yishun.
Upcoming Housing Projects in Yishun
The Housing and Development Board (HDB) has plans to deliver around 10,000 new homes at Chencharu by 2040, with at least 80 per cent designated as public housing. The first Build-to-Order (BTO) project in the area, Chencharu Hills, launched in June 2024, offered 1,277 flats ranging from 2-room Flexi units to 5-room apartments.
Two additional BTO projects, Chencharu Vines and Chencharu Green, were launched in February 2025, providing a total of 1,531 flats. These developments boast shorter waiting times, with estimated completion periods of 37 and 38 months respectively, offering a more accessible pathway for homebuyers.
Historical Significance of Khatib Camp
Established in 1983, Khatib Camp has long served as the headquarters of the Singapore Artillery, earning the nickname “Home of the Gunners.” The camp originally housed multiple artillery units, including the SAF Boys’ School and air defence units.
Today, Khatib Camp remains one of the four SAF camps where National Servicemen (NSmen) can undertake their Individual Physical Proficiency Test, maintaining its significance in Singapore’s defence landscape even as it prepares for relocation.