Agency In-charge of Defining Boundaries and Naming of Precincts within Residential Towns

Mr Gerald Giam Yean Song asked the Minister for National Development (a) which Singapore public sector agency is the authority for (i) the definition of precinct boundaries within a residential town and (ii) the naming of precincts; (b) where are the precinct boundaries and names being published; and (c) which other groups or organisations are involved in the definition of precinct boundaries and their names.

The Housing and Development Board (HDB) and relevant planning agencies work together to plan HDB precincts based on land-use considerations as well as the design and layout of the site, taking into consideration the various amenities and infrastructure that need to be in the precinct to support residents’ needs.

To ensure that names for buildings and estates are locationally and culturally appropriate, government agencies, building owners and developers are required to submit naming applications to the Street & Building Names Board (SBNB) for approval. The Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) takes on the secretariat role for the SBNB.

HDB applies SBNB’s naming guidelines and principles to ensure that the proposed names reflect the location and unique characteristics of each HDB precinct, including the cultural context and heritage of the area. Approved precinct names are available on SBNB’s website and the Singapore Land Authority’s OneMap service.