The Housing & Development Board (HDB) has clinched the prestigious World Gold award for Bidadari estate in the Master Plan category, at the 2024 FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Awards held on 30 May 2024 at Gardens by the Bay. This was the only World Gold Award for Singapore this year, and it is the first time that a Singapore developer has won World Gold in the Master Plan category.

 
Overview of the Bidadari Estate Masterplan

2 The FIABCI World Prix d'Excellence recognises the most outstanding building projects worldwide,  judged by an international jury. The masterplan for Bidadari was recognised for its excellence in architecture and innovative design, development and construction, community-centric benefit, and transformative contribution to the urban landscape. 

3 Dr Chong Fook Loong, Chief Town Planner of HDB, said, “As the master planner and developer of Singapore’s public housing estates, HDB is constantly on the lookout for innovative planning concepts to create a quality living environment for residents. We are honoured to win a Gold FIABCI World Prix d’Excellence Award for the Bidadari masterplan, which affirms our continuous efforts in creating vibrant and endearing homes for Singaporeans. This award will spur us on our journey towards completing Bidadari by 2025.”

A Tranquil Urban Oasis

4 Announced as a new housing area in 2013, Bidadari was envisioned to be a ‘Community in a Garden’, designed as a tranquil urban oasis with communal areas for residents’ interaction. The masterplan capitalised on the area’s rolling greens, rich history, and convenient transport connections. Homes and facilities are situated in a garden-like setting, offering residents a unique ‘living in a park’ experience. 

Bidadari is a tranquil urban oasis where homes and facilities are situated in a garden-like setting

5 At the heart of the estate is Bidadari Park and a lake, which will form a picturesque green lung once completed. Housing blocks near the park in three of Bidadari’s four districts — Alkaff, Woodleigh, and Park Edge — were designed to capitalise on the scenic views of the park and lake as much as possible. Social-communal facilities within each precinct, such as eating houses, playgrounds, and sheltered seating areas, were intentionally planned to foster a vibrant community.

    Various communal facilities, such as playgrounds and sheltered areas, are located in each precinct to foster strong community bonds

6 Another distinctive feature of the masterplan is the 1.6km Bidadari Greenway, which traverses the entire estate and links residents to Bidadari Park. The Greenway is lined with rest spots and fitness corners to encourage healthy lifestyles while creating opportunities for community interaction. Greenway South was completed in 2021 while Greenway North will be completed later this year.

The Greenway South links residents in Alkaff district to the rest of the estate

Harmonious Blend of Modern Living and Nature 

7 Bidadari’s masterplan also considered the estate’s location as a stopover site for migratory birds such as the Tiger Shrike (Lanius tigrinus) and Asian Brown Flycatcher (Muscicapa dauurica). As a result, a 1-hectare hillock was retained even as the surrounding areas were developed. At Woodleigh Glen in Woodleigh district, residents can enjoy bird-watching activities at the 200m long bird-watching sky terrace, which is a first in a HDB development. It offers residents a bird’s-eye view of the hillock nearby.

Residents can enjoy a panoramic view of the hillock park from the sky terrace at Woodleigh Glen

8 In addition to its green spaces, Bidadari offers a range of modern conveniences for residents. These include shops offering daily necessities, as well as a wide array of shopping, dining, healthcare and retail options at the integrated community and lifestyle hub, Woodleigh Mall. 

9 Residents also enjoy seamless connectivity within Bidadari and beyond, as the estate is well-served by MRT and bus services. The comprehensive transportation infrastructure is complemented by an extensive cycling and pedestrian network detailed in the masterplan, much of which runs through Bidadari Greenway and Bidadari Park. For example, the 700-metre Heritage Walk lined by interlocking conserved mature rain trees (Samanea Saman), provides shade for commuters walking to Woodleigh MRT station. In addition, a park connector links residents to green spaces beyond the estate, making it convenient for them to relax and unwind in Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, Sungei Serangoon or even Punggol Park. 

10 Dr Lim Lan Yuan, President of FIABCI-Singapore, said, “HDB was selected for the award by a panel of international judges outside Singapore. It is a testimony to the outstanding master planning recognised by the global community for its beautifully well-conceived design taking into consideration nature and the environment. The Bidadari Masterplan to revitalise the heritage, maintain the tranquillity and evoke the vibrancy of the Bidadari community is a much-lauded project by the master plan team from the HDB.” 

On Track to Realising Bidadari’s Vision

11 Bidadari’s well-designed housing developments, together with the generous provision of lush greenery and the preservation of the area’s function as a bio-diversity hotspot have brought about positive contributions to the surrounding environment and will enable the residents to live healthy and active lives. These efforts are done in collaboration with agencies such as the National Parks Board (NParks), PUB, Singapore’s National Water Agency, and the National Heritage Board (NHB).

12 With the completion of Woodleigh district, and the delivery of more flats in the Alkaff, Bartley Heights and Park Edge districts over the next year, HDB is on track to realise its vision of “A Community in a Garden” for Bidadari.