Seven HDB blocks in Toa Payoh West that are more than 25 years old will undergo partial upgrading in stages over the next two to three years. Besides improvements to communal spaces, residents can look forward to new recreational and fitness facilities, barrier-free ramps and other amenities. The project brings together the Silver Upgrading Programme, the Neighbourhood Renewal Programme and various community improvement works. Coordination across agencies will integrate estate renewal and upgrading works to reduce disruption to residents.
The Integrated Development Plan for Toa Payoh West-Thomson, jointly launched by Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council and the Housing and Development Board (HDB), covers Blocks 116 to 122 in Toa Payoh West.
The authorities held a roadshow on Saturday (7 November) at the pavilion beside Block 118 to introduce the plan to residents and seek their feedback. The pavilion is a key focus of the upgrading works: it will be demolished and rebuilt, with completion expected by the end of 2028 at the latest.
Minister for National Development Chee Hong Tat attended the event and spoke with residents. In his speech in Mandarin, he said the aim was to make the neighbourhood “a good place to live for people of all ages”, catering to both seniors and young families. Chee is an MP for Bishan-Toa Payoh Group Representation Constituency, overseeing the Toa Payoh West-Thomson ward.
Chee had visited the neighbourhood in March this year to gather an initial round of feedback. Speaking to the media on Saturday, he said the integrated plan was not a new decision, and that the authorities were working across the island to explore ways to rejuvenate older neighbourhoods. With a larger proportion of elderly residents in Toa Payoh West, the Silver Upgrading Programme aims to help seniors stay active and provide more spaces for social interaction.
“At the same time, we want to make sure that this is also a good environment for residents of all ages, including younger families and children.”
He said the ideal approach was to bring together HDB's and the town council's plans and resources, encouraging agencies to coordinate and work together, with construction carried out concurrently. This would be far better than undertaking two separate projects.
“From the residents point of view, you don't have to do two separate projects. It's less destructive, their needs will be better met.”
Chee said residents' feedback on the integrated plan had been very positive, and they had offered many valuable and practical suggestions. The authorities will finalise the blueprint after gathering feedback, with the entire project expected to be completed within the next two to three years.
The seven blocks slated for partial upgrading are between 28 and 59 years old. Blocks 117 to 120 were built in 1967, Block 116 in 1969, and Blocks 121 and 122 in 1998. Blocks 116 to 120 previously underwent works under the Main Upgrading Programme, which were completed in 1997.
The integrated plan is separate from the Toa Payoh West master plan recently announced by HDB. Under the latter, new homes, a shopping mall, parks and community facilities will be developed around Caldecott MRT Station to create another hub in Toa Payoh.
Residents welcome improvements, look forward to new communal and activity spaces
Many Toa Payoh West residents who attended Saturday's roadshow to learn about the new integrated plan welcomed it.
Sebastian Thevathasan, 71, moved into Block 121 five years ago. He believes improvements to the surroundings and the addition of outdoor facilities will encourage residents to leave their homes more often to exercise or take walks. “There are a lot of places here which are very old, and most of it is unused.”
Liang Leting, a 36-year-old teacher who has lived in Block 119 since childhood, attended with her aunt Liang Lijuan, 80, who lives with her. They studied the plans on the display boards closely and were looking forward to the new communal and activity spaces.
Du Ruixiang, 48, who has lived in Block 122 for more than 20 years, said the integrated plan was well thought out and took residents' needs into account. “These may only be small changes, but they will bring significant benefits to residents.” He therefore did not mind the inconvenience the works would bring.
