Preservation of Green Corridor in Bukit Timah and Green Belt along Old Holland Road

Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Minister for National Development whether the Ministry can consider preserving (i) the green corridor that spans from the Bukit Timah railway station to the foothills of Bukit Timah for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts; and (ii) the green belt along Old Holland Road where the deepening of the tributary canal is presently taking place.

Mr Khaw Boon Wan: The stretch of green space between the Bukit Timah railway station and the foothills of Bukit Timah is part of the Rail Corridor, which once held the Malayan Railway track. We are actively engaging Singaporeans on how the Rail Corridor can be developed as a unique public space that connects people and communities, including nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts. In other stretches of the Rail Corridor, where large areas of adjoining land are suitable for development, we will nevertheless preserve a continuous green corridor from the Woodlands Railway Station to the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station.

As for the stretch along Old Holland Road where the deepening of the tributary canal is taking place, it is not part of the Rail Corridor. It abuts mainly residential land. We have plans to replant trees along the northern bank of the canal after the canal has been widened. We are also studying how a park connector along the southern banks of the canal can be provided.

While both these areas are still subject to detailed study and planning, the agencies will work together to ensure that any future developments will be integrated with green spaces.