• Published Date: 13 Oct 2022

    Future residents can look forward to approximately 5 hectares of greenery, specially curated green-blue elements, and amenities that support health and wellness



    HDB will launch about 3,000 Build-to-Order (BTO) flats across three housing projects in the eastern half of Ulu Pandan. Comprising 1,330 units of 3-room and 4-room flats, the first project will be launched at the upcoming November 2022 BTO sales exercise.



    2 In line with HDB’s ‘Designing for Life’ roadmap1, which places the holistic well-being of residents at its core, Ulu Pandan housing developments, which are located within the Health District @ Queenstown2, will be designed with a myriad of facilities and nestled within lush greenery to support the physical, social and mental well-being of residents. These include approximately 5 hectares of greenery, comprising a linear park along the Ulu Pandan Canal and a park with natural stream on the eastern side. Green and blue elements such as roof gardens and rain gardens will also be weaved into the housing landscape, infusing a stronger sense of wellness for residents. In addition, a wide range of new commercial amenities will be developed to serve the daily needs of future residents in the vicinity.
     

     

    Background of Ulu Pandan


    3 Located in the mature estate of Queenstown, Ulu Pandan has been zoned for residential development in URA’s Master Plan since 2003. Based on findings from the Environmental Baseline Study (EBS) conducted for the Ulu Pandan site, NParks’ islandwide Ecological Profiling Exercise3, as well as consultations with Nature Groups and the public4, HDB has adopted a holistic and science-based approach to balance development and nature conservation, in the planning and design of Ulu Pandan.

    Conceptual Plan for the Ulu Pandan site
    Conceptual Plan for the Ulu Pandan site


    4 The eastern half of Ulu Pandan will be developed for public housing to meet the strong housing demand in mature estates, while the western half of Ulu Pandan will be retained as it is in the medium term. Agencies will continue to study the plans for the site and revisit them in about ten years’ time, taking into consideration the needs of the nation then. In the meantime, agencies are working towards safeguarding a sizeable nature park within the western half of Ulu Pandan.

     



    Overview of Ulu Pandan East
    Overview of Ulu Pandan East

     

    Health & Wellness Trails to Enhance Residents’ Well-Being


    5 Ulu Pandan will feature four unique trails, each designed to enhance residents’ physical, social and mental well-being, as well as to encourage them to embrace an active lifestyle.

    Restorative Trail


    Route along the restorative trail
    Route along the restorative trail


    6 The 1.6 km restorative trail, which will run along the Ulu Pandan Canal across the various Ulu Pandan precincts, will allow residents to enjoy seamless connectivity throughout the estate. Various entry and exit points to the Ulu Pandan Park connector can be found along this trail, enabling residents to connect to other parts of Singapore via the park connector.

     

    Recreation Trail and Social & Wellness Hub


    Social and Wellness Hub
    Social and Wellness Hub


    7 A social and wellness hub will provide a wide range of commercial and recreational amenities such as retail shops, supermarket, and eateries for residents’ daily needs. Eateries will be strategically designed to allow residents to enjoy waterfront views while dining. A recreation trail with playgrounds and garden walkways will be located right outside this hub for residents to engage in recreational and family bonding activities after their meals. Gathering spaces, such as a community plaza, will also be provided to encourage residents to mingle and build stronger ties.

     



    8 Connectivity and barrier-free accessibility to Dover MRT station will be improved for residents’ convenience. When completed, this seamless connectivity and the various trails will benefit both new and existing residents in the area, enhancing transport connectivity and bringing more amenities and a wide range of retail offerings closer to their homes.

    Therapeutic Trail


    9 A therapeutic trail will be built to foster positive mental well-being, providing residents with spaces for respite, and to rest and recharge. Residents can enjoy walks along sheltered verandahs, connecting them to various housing blocks. The therapeutic trail will be designed with closed-loop paths without dead ends, to allow users, especially people with dementia and their caregivers to navigate easily and safely through the spaces.



    Illustration of the Therapeutic Garden
    Illustration of the Therapeutic Garden


    10 A therapeutic garden found along this trail will be designed with sensory elements, allowing residents to experience the restorative benefits of nature. The garden is divided into two zones; an active zone where community gardening activities can be carried out and a passive zone where residents can rest and relax amidst nature. To promote therapeutic horticulture, the plants will be specially curated to evoke and engage users’ senses, which can be beneficial for people with dementia.
     

     

    Green living experience set within a car-lite precinct


    11 To encourage green living, HDB will adopt strategies under the Biophilic Town Framework to integrate nature with the urban environment. High-, mid- and ground level greenery will be interwoven into the developments, bringing nature right to residents’ doorsteps. Water-sensitive urban design, including elements such as rain gardens and bio-swales, will also be integrated with the new housing precincts. In addition, HDB will introduce planting to enhance the ecological value of the precincts where possible.

    Establish a Green Corridor and Transforming Ulu Pandan Canal


    12 HDB is working closely with PUB and NParks on the plans to establish a green corridor along Ulu Pandan, measuring up to 40 metres wide at some stretches. This helps to serve as an ecological corridor to facilitate wildlife movement such as the Grey Heron and Asian Softshell Turtle5 moving along Sungei Ulu Pandan. This green corridor is a linear park seamlessly connected to precinct green spaces within the housing parcels, as well as the landscaped portion of the Ulu Pandan Canal. Residents and members of the public can engage in recreational and leisure activities in these green spaces.



    13 In addition, the Ulu Pandan Canal will be upgraded to enhance flood protection in the area. There are plans to introduce Active, Beautiful, Clean (ABC) Waters features at some stretches in tandem with the upgrading. This would improve the overall experience along the Ulu Pandan Canal and park connector, benefiting future residents as well as existing residents living in the vicinity.



    14 Given its excellent rail and bus connectivity, selected precincts such as the upcoming Ulu Pandan BTO project will be designed to be car-lite6  to encourage sustainable modes of travel. Vehicular roads are located at the perimeter of the precinct, segregated from the main pedestrian walkway, enabling residents to move about safely on foot. There will also be a comprehensive network of walking and cycling paths connecting residents to the neighbourhood centre or to key amenities in Ghim Moh via the Park Connector Network.

    Upcoming Public Housing at Ulu Pandan


    Lower-rise housing zone to optimise views overlooking the Ulu Pandan Canal
    Lower-rise housing zone to optimise views overlooking the Ulu Pandan Canal


    15 Slated for launch in the upcoming November 2022 sales exercise, the first project at Ulu Pandan will be located close to Dover MRT station and will be designed sensitively in response to its surroundings. For example, the housing blocks fronting the Ulu Pandan Canal will be stepped down and lower than the rest of the blocks to maximise views to the canal. It will also include sky terraces and roof gardens, bringing greenery closer to residents’ doorstep.
     

     

    Terraced Rain Garden


    Illustration of Terraced Rain Garden in Ulu Pandan
    Illustration of Terraced Rain Garden in Ulu Pandan


    16 To mitigate the level differences between Commonwealth Avenue West and Ulu Pandan estate, a terraced rain garden integrated with ABC Waters features will be built for residents to enjoy a relaxing stroll in the rain garden amidst lush greenery.

     

    Retention of Existing Stream

     

    1.2ha Park and Natural Stream
    1.2ha Park and Natural Stream


    17 Residents can also look forward to a 1.2 ha park that will be seamlessly connected to their residential blocks. The park will retain most of its original flora and fauna, with enhancements made to an existing natural stream that connects Commonwealth Ave West and the Ulu Pandan Canal. A walking trail will also be provided for residents and visitors to enjoy the rich biodiversity of the area.

     

    Fitness Trail


    Sky Jogging Track on the 34th storey
    Sky Jogging Track on the 34th storey


    18 To encourage residents to keep healthy and active, a fitness trail will run along an array of facilities such as the terraced rain garden, roof gardens, and fitness stations. In addition, a 600-metre jogging track connecting the three housing blocks via sky bridges on the 34th storey will be provided. The jogging track will feature landscaped gardens and fitness facilities for residents to exercise and unwind, while enjoying panoramic views overlooking the Central Catchment area and Keppel Waterfront.

     

     

    Moving Forward


    19 HDB will continue to take a holistic and sustainable approach when planning for new housing developments, to meet the aspirations and needs of Singaporeans.

     

     

     

    1 Launched in October 2020, the ‘Designing for Life’ roadmap centres on the overall health and well-being of residents, to provide them with a better living environment at all stages of their lives. The roadmap is supported by 3 pillars that can help Singaporeans ‘Live Well, Live Green, and ‘Live Connected’.
    2 The Health District @ Queenstown is a collaboration by HDB, NUHS and NUS, to develop various initiatives to encourage residents to live healthily within the community. It aims to leverage the diverse expertise of partners to create integrated solutions to enhance the health and well-being of Queenstown residents.
    3 Please refer to NParks’ press release on a New Clementi Nature Corridor for more details.
    4 HDB’s report on the public feedback received and plans for the Ulu Pandan site can be viewed on the HDB InfoWEB (under the “Planning with the environment in mind” section). Please also refer to HDB’s press release on “Development Plans for Ulu Pandan Balance Nature Conservation and Housing Needs” on 30 July 2021 for more details.
    5 The Grey Heron and Asian Softshell Turtle are among the species which are considered “vulnerable” and “endangered” respectively, based on the EBS findings.
    6 Please refer to LTA-HDB’s joint press release on Ulu Pandan being designated as first car-lite precinct for more details