Update on Integrated Development at Yishun Central

Mr Patrick Tay Teck Guan asked the Minister for National Development if he will provide an update on the development of the site at Yishun Central which will house an integrated development, including a bus interchange.

We are transforming Yishun Town Centre into a vibrant hub under the Remaking Our Heartland programme for Yishun. The project comprises many proposals which are in their various stages of implementation. The majority of the proposals have been completed. Some completed projects include the Northpoint Shopping Centre, Khoo Teck Puat Hospital and the dedicated cycling track connecting Yishun and Khatib MRT stations.

The next significant proposal is a new mixed development which will include a new bus interchange, a town plaza, residences and commercial retail spaces. The development of this mixed development project has, however, experienced some delay because it is within an existing heavily built-up town. Given the scale of the project and the need to ensure that it meets the interests of all the stakeholders, we have stretched out the consultation period in order to ensure that the project, when completed, will meet their needs and expectations. The preparation phase is making good progress.

First, we have successfully relocated the heavy vehicle parking lots and demolished the buildings. Second, we will soon be clearing the rest of the site for development. The site clearance process has to be carefully phased to minimise disruptions to users. For example, a temporary bus interchange will be built nearby, so that the residents will not be inconvenienced when we close the existing bus interchange.

Third, relevant agencies are finalising the tender requirements to ensure that the integrated development will complement the surrounding environment and best serve the Yishun residents. LTA is finalising the terms and conditions for the public concourse portion of the air-conditioned bus interchange. It will be integrated with the new mixed development for the convenience of commuters. There will also be appropriate road widening works. HDB is working out the conditions needed to ensure that the facade of the development is well designed and that there is good connectivity to the surrounding areas, such as the Yishun MRT Station, Yishun Town Garden and the existing Northpoint Shopping Mall. HDB is also finalising the requirements for the new town plaza, which will offer a sizeable new community space for Yishun residents.

With the completion of these preparation works, we have scheduled to launch the site for sale under the Government Land Sales programme in June this year.