Step 1: Identifying HDB blocks that require lift upgrading
When selecting blocks for lift upgrading, we take into account:
- Age of the block
- Residents’ needs
- Technical viability
- Cost
Step 2: Polling by the residents within the identified HDB flat
If your precinct is selected for the LUP:
- A poll will be conducted
- An exhibition will be held during the polling exercise to display lift upgrading proposals and plans
- All eligible Singapore Citizen households must poll to indicate whether each flat owner is in favour of the LUP
- Eligible households are those that have at least 1 flat owner holding Singapore Citizenship
For lift upgrading to proceed in your block, at least 75% of your block’s eligible Singapore Citizen households must vote in favour of the programme.
You can view the demo on polling if your block is selected for the LUP.
Step 3: Proceeding with lift upgrading
Lift construction typically involves detection and diversion works, micro-piling, lift shaft installation, and upgrading of existing lifts.
Services detection and diversion works
Before construction for a new lift begins, we will work with the various service agencies to detect and divert existing underground cables and pipes, to make way for the new lift shaft. The diversion works will last about 6 months to a year. During this time, slight disruption to water, electricity, gas, and telephone services is expected because of the need to reconnect these services.
Micro-piling
To support the new lift shaft, piling may be carried out. Micro-piling machines that are relatively quiet are used to reduce disturbance to residents.
Lift shaft installation
Lift shaft installation is done using either precast components or steel. Initially, the lift shaft components are hoisted using lift cranes. A mobile working platform will then be erected next to the new lift shaft to facilitate jointing and painting the precast components. Installation can be carried out faster for steel shafts as their lighter weight enables them to be jointed in stacks of 3 or 4 floors. For a typical high-rise HDB block, the lift shaft can be installed in a single day. Safety precautions will be taken during each installation.
Next, lift parts will be installed, along with architectural, mechanical, and electrical works. The new lift will be rigorously tested before it becomes available for public use.
About 1 year is needed from the start of piling, to the time the lift becomes operational.
Here are images showing precast lift shaft installation and steel lift shaft installation:
Precast lift shaft installation.
Steel lift shaft installation.
Upgrading of existing lifts
Once the new lift is operational, we will begin upgrading the existing lifts. This usually takes around 9 months, and 1 of the existing lifts may be permanently shut down.
In general, after upgrading, you will enjoy faster lifts with improved lighting.
This infographic summarises what goes on in an LUP.
Step 4: Paying your upgrading cost
You can read more on how you can pay your upgrading cost, as well as the types of financial assistance available.