HOUSING AND DEVELOPMENT BOARD (Redevelopment schemes in Old Kallang Airport Estate)

Mr Ng Yeow Chong asked the Minister for Law and National Development if he will ascertain from the Housing and Development Board (a) what will be the redevelopment scheme which is to take place on the site of four old blocks of flats along Old Airport Road now under clearance action; (b) whether the affected families will be rehoused in alternative accommodation according to their choice; and (c) whether there will be any further redevelopment schemes in the Old Kallang Airport Estate in the near future.

The Minister for Law and National Development (Mr E. W. Barker): Mr Speaker, Sir, the four blocks of three-storey former S.I.T. flats comprising 72 units of three-room flats along Old Airport Road will be demolished for the development of a two-storey Hawkers' Emporium with 300 stores to relocate the hawkers on both sides of the road and around the market. A high-rise block of 288 units of three-room flats will be built above the emporium. It is proposed to offer these flats for sale.

The 72 families affected by the demolition of these four blocks of flats are being offered alternative accommodation in accordance with, as far as is possible, their choice. So far, nine families have purchased flats from the Housing and Development Board and 27 families have been rehoused in alternative accommodation in Housing and Development Board flats. All the families affected will be given priority to purchase the three-room improved flats to be built on the site.

There is at present no other proposal to redevelop Old Kallang Airport Estate.