Update on HDB's Remaking Our Heartland Programme

Mr Darryl David asked the Minister for National Development (a) whether he can provide an update on HDB’s Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme; and (b) whether the recent HDB record deficit will significantly impact the overall ROH programme in any way.

The Remaking Our Heartland (ROH) programme aims to provide a comprehensive rejuvenation blueprint for existing HDB towns and estates, so as to keep them sustainable and vibrant. It brings multiple agencies together to develop customised plans that suit the needs of each town. ROH plans could include the upgrading of the Town Centres, Neighbourhood Centres and parks, building of new communal spaces and improvements to connectivity networks.

Since the launch of the programme in 2007, we have selected 13 towns and estates for comprehensive rejuvenation under ROH. For the first two ROH batches covering Punggol, Dawson and Yishun under ROH 1 and East Coast, Hougang and Jurong Lake under ROH 2, most of the key plans and proposals have since been completed. The proposals for the third batch of ROH in Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris, are currently at various stages of implementation.

Where possible, HDB will jointly develop public spaces with residents and local interest groups. For example, between 2020 to 2022, HDB engaged over 5,800 residents and community stakeholders via surveys and workshops on their suggestions for the upgrading of 10 neighbourhood parks under ROH 3. Works for these parks will commence progressively from 1Q2023. Other works, such as the upgrading of Neighbourhood Centres, will complete progressively from 4Q2023 and residents can look forward to new multi-generational facilities, more shaded areas and enhanced greenery. When completed, the ROH 3 works in Woodlands, Toa Payoh and Pasir Ris will benefit more than half a million residents living in the towns.

In March 2020, we announced that four more towns, Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Merah, Choa Chu Kang and Queenstown, will be rejuvenated under ROH Batch 4. For ROH 4, there is a greater emphasis on public engagement and co-creation, as residents play a key role in the makeover of their towns. We have engaged residents at more stages, including at the early planning stage, to better understand what residents value about their towns and what improvements would benefit them most.

HDB conducted an online survey from March to April 2020 to gather residents’ aspirations and ideas to rejuvenate their towns. Subsequently, two rounds of online Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted in 2020 and 2021. To reach out to older residents in Bukit Merah and Queenstown, HDB also carried out physical engagements in May and July this year.

Participants gave constructive feedback over a variety of issues, including matters relating to general infrastructure, facilities and services as well as prominent monuments and upcoming developments in each town. Based on the feedback received, HDB has been working closely with the relevant agencies to develop the plans for the ROH 4 towns. More details on the rejuvenation plans will be announced when ready.

We are committed to proceeding with the ROH 4 plans, notwithstanding the deficits incurred by HDB, to ramp up the supply of public housing. However, the Government will need to manage within the tight fiscal space by prioritising between different spending needs and ensuring the cost effectiveness of our spending for fiscal sustainability.