ANG MO KIO NEW TOWN (Sports facilities)

Mr Yeo Toon Chia asked the Minister for National Development and Communications what sort of recreational facilities are being planned on the vacant site in front of Block 214, Avenue 3, Ang Mo Kio, and when they will be ready.

Dr Tan Eng Liang (for the Minister for National Development and Communications): Sir, there is a proposal to turn the vacant site in front of Block 214, Avenue 3, Ang Mo Kio, into an open field for outdoor games. The construction of the open field is expected to be completed by the middle of this year.

Mr Yeo Toon Chia (Ang Mo Kio): Sir, in addition to the playing field to be constructed at the vacant land fronting Block 214, is there any plan to build a sports complex in the Ang Mo Kio constituency?

Dr Tan Eng Liang: Sir, the vacant land referred to by the Member for Ang Mo Kio is actually in Neighbourhood II of Ang Mo Kio New Town. However, the HDB will be looking into the construction of a sports complex in Neighbourhood III. The area for this sports complex is under clearance at the moment, and because it is heavily encumbered it will take some time for this project to be completed. However, it is expected that tenders will probably be invited sometime towards the end of this year, and it is hoped that this sports complex would be ready by 1980.