HOUGANG TOWN CENTRE (Development plans)

The following question stood in the name of Mr Ng Kah Ting -

Mr Ng Kah Ting: To ask the Minister for National Development what development plans the Housing and Development Board has for Hougang Town Centre, the area near and around the Hougang Central Office, and whether he will elaborate on them; and whether the private sector will be invited to take part.

Encik Othman bin Haron Eusofe (Geylang Serai): Question No. 13, Sir.

Dr Lee Boon Yang (for the Minister for National Development): Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, the Hougang Town Centre, when fully developed, will have a range of facilities similar to those found in other HDB New Towns. Land in the vicinity of the HDB Area Office has been set aside for the development of some 400 residential flats and commercial facilities such as department stores and cinemas.

The HDB is in the process of working out guidelines for private sector participation in the commercial development of HDB Town Centres. The release of some of the commercial sites in Hougang to the private sector is being considered.