Removal of 400-metre Running Track of Cedar Girls Secondary School

Mr Sitoh Yih Pin asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can reconsider its decision to remove the 400-metre running track of Cedar Girls Secondary School when its lease expires in 2017.

We have carefully considered the Member's request with MOE and Singapore Sports Council.

Since 1995, the track and field site has been safeguarded as part of a larger area for residential development. In 2007, at the request of Cedar Girls' Secondary School, it was allowed to use the site on a temporary basis for 10 years, as there was no immediate need for the site. It was understood and agreed that the lease for use will be a temporary one and that when the lease expires in 2017, the site will be returned for the development of the new Bidadari Estate. It will provide 600 HDB flats, a road, a health and medical development and a place of worship.

When HDB recently exhibited its plans for the new Bidadari Estate at an exhibition, public feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 96% of respondents in support of the plans. The new Bidadari Estate will have a 10-hectare park, a jogging path and a cycling track with a 20-metre wide linear park weaving throughout the estate. All residents and the local community, including the school, will be able to benefit from these new facilities.

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In view of the impending development, we are unable to allow the school to extend the lease of the site.